Hugo was born in Chicago and started learning piano at the age of five. Influenced by a diverse range of musicians from Elton John and Billy Joel to Ben Folds, Elvis Costello and musical theatre the sound that eventually matured is an indie-pop piano-rock vibe with what the Miami Herald called “the lyrical tone of a 20-something Woody Allen”.

Playing across the USA from NYC to LA Hugo has performed at venues like the Viper Room, CBGBs and Schubas, festivals including MOBfest, the Red Gorilla Music Festival, the NACA Mid Atlantic Festival and the LAUNCH Music Conference topping it all off with multiple east coast, deep south and midwest tours. It’s a lot of miles and a lot of gigs that burst with passion and charisma honed by the touring life.

Popping up on TV shows including performing live nationwide on FUSE and numerous song placements with MTV’s The Real World, most recently the music video for Uncommon Courtesy was showcased nationwide on Much Music has been getting playlisted on MTV Networks across the US. Hugo’s two EPs and full length album have met strong critical praise with Time Out NY noting the clever wordplay and production making comparisons to Todd Rundgren, Joe Jackson, Ben Folds and Fountains of Wayne.

After two short tours in 2010 hitting the south of England and later in the year small venues and BBC Radio regional stations countrywide, Hugo is making the UK a regular stop off on European tours and plans to return shortly bringing intricately crafted songwriting, a fun atmosphere and time served touring together for something fresh and familiar all at the same time.



Press

“There's something charmingly old-fashioned about Jon Hugo Ungar's piano-driven pop songwriting on his EP, Low on Blood Sugar. Billy Joel, Todd Rundgren and Joe Jackson might all recognize a kindred spirit in Ungar's breezy feel, clever wordplay and intricately crafted retro production. Fans of Ben Folds, Fountains of Wayne and Maroon 5 would do well to lend an ear.”
Time Out NY

“Hugo decided he needed to kill the traditional idea of a rock band. Sturdy piano rock tunes that sound like stream-of-consciousness Joe Jackson with the lyrical tone of a twenty-something Woody Allen. In the wake of other piano-oriented rock, like David Grey and Cold Play, Hugo offers us something different, and skillfully raw.”
The Miami Herald

“Elvis Costello Folds Five”
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