A Backstage Look at Local Band Hush Money

Music serves as the world’s only true time machine, transporting players and listeners alike to a time when things were simpler, more vibrant or more fun.

The three good-natured guys who make up the local band Hush Money share a deep love of music that anyone can see when watching them perform. They entertain audiences across the state of Georgia and beyond with their unique blend of rock, blues and folk covers.

They kept their day jobs

Yet if you know any of these bandmembers from their day jobs, this passion might come as a bit of surprise.

On bass, vocals and guitar we have Seth Yurman, Land Development Manager for the City of Peachtree Corners. He works with the staff to review engineering plans, inspect construction sites and enforce local development and environmental codes.

“I think my role in Hush Money is probably my more natural persona,” Yurman said. “Screaming into a mic is fun and therapeutic, plus performing in front of people is satisfying and addictive. At work, I’m pretty much the same person, but toned down a bit. I like to joke around and have fun at work. There’s a way to do that and still be a leader and get stuff done. Some people at work were very surprised when they found out I played music,” he added.

Tony De Vita, on guitar and vocals, spends his days as a financial planner, while Richie Downum, on drums, specializes in investor relations at a cybersecurity firm.

So what brought these three men together to form a band?

According to Yurman, he and De Vita had played music together for about 20 years, even recording original music and playing in a few bands together prior to Hush Money. Then in 2013, the idea to “get a three-piece together” formed, and finding a drummer was the last piece of the puzzle.

“Tony’s neighbor, Richie, happened to have a kit and they started playing around,” Yurman said. “I joined them a few weeks later and we just hit it off as a band — instant chemistry and diverse enough music tastes to keep it interesting.”

Diverse music selection for a unique sound

The music selection process for Hush Money is not a straightforward one. Though classified as a Hard-Southern Rock band, the playlist is intentionally diverse to allow for different styles and angles of music to shine through. Top 40 is typically avoided; instead they opt for lesser known deep cuts and other content not always explored by your usual cover bands.

But then again, Hush Money is not your usual cover band. What sets these guys apart from the crowd is that, even as they pay deference to others’ songs and bodies of work, they still make a conscious and admirable effort to put their own spin on things, keeping the music fresh and alive.

“Personally, I get adrenalized when we’re about to play. It’s a good feeling and it helps me stays high energy and find the groove in what we’re doing,” Yurman explained. “I really enjoy the chemistry we all have and how we play off of each other and the dynamics of the song.”

To keep up with Hush Money or to see where they’ll be playing next, follow the band on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. They also have a new YouTube channel called “Hush Money Music.”