The Sound of Breakthrough {Buffalo Hunt}

Is the aim of art to represent truth?

Words Janine Stankus | Photos Eric MoralesWords Janine Stankus | Photos Eric Morales

It’s an age-old question at the heart of much philosophical debt. Stephanie Hunt has always been traipsing after truth in her work as an actress, a writer, and the musician known as Buffalo Hunt. Her songs have a moody, musey quality with poignant lyrics that pry at life’s tough edges.

Stephanie’s 2022 solo debut, Ambitions of Ambiguity, represents a homing in, a cautious self-assuredness, an unveiling of sorts. It emerged from an intense period of transition and pandemic-fueled reflection. “For the first time in my life, I felt like all of the masks of my identity were stripped,” recalls Stephanie. “It was so important to take the space to cultivate realness and my own self for the first time.”

Ambitions of Ambiguity showcases Stephanie’s art for composition, her poetic nature, her sturdy vocals, and performative range. It’s a body of work both clever and thought-provoking, with songs that stick in your head and others that carry you off. The album not only feels deeply personal but also accessible and engaging. “I want to offer food for thought, something that could be constructive or deconstructive,” she explains. “I think writing in limericks, simple ways of saying big ideas, can help the evolutionary process of a listener.”

In coming back to Austin, Stephanie fell in love with and married long-time friend Alejandro Rose-Garcia (a.k.a. Shakey Graves), and the couple are currently expecting. Stephanie is eager to integrate motherhood into her identity. “The goal is to let myself change and grow…and de-stigmatize any ideas or stories that are in my head about what it means to be a mother and a creative person,” she reveals, adding, “It doesn’t mean that your journey ends.”

Searching for truth will always be part of Stephanie’s journey. And maybe that means truth is something that can never be fully realized, even in art. But it’s the pursuit that makes something feel real and important; it’s the joy of the hunt that will capture listeners’ hearts.

Contact
youtube.com/c/buffalohunt
buffalohuntmusic.com
@wearebuffalohunt

Did you know?
The word “buffalo” means ‘“to puzzle or baffle; confuse; mystify.” Stephanie deliberately chose this double entendre for her musical moniker.

Hostess with the Mostest
For the past year, Stephanie has been traveling the world working on a documentary about music. Details are currently under wraps, but follow her for updates!