The versatile Keith David has become an icon thanks to both his work on screen in projects such as The thing and voice acting in animated series including Gargoyles and Rick and Morty. However, she tells him Consequence (in that distinctive gravel), “Although I have had several singing performances, there are still people who are surprised that I can sing.”
David laughs as he continues: “It's like, 'Oh, I didn't know I sang.' That's all well and good, but my ambition is to do a lot more singing gigs, hopefully on projects like this.”
The animated musical comedy series for adults. Hazbin Hotel, created by Vivienne Medrano, takes place in literal hell, as an inspired princess of darkness (Erika Henningsen) attempts to start a rehabilitation program for demons that will allow them to go to heaven. It's a great packed premise that allows for important characters like Husk (David), a surly waiter who is nonetheless able to have moments of empathy for his fellow demons. Even if his empathy comes in the form of an original song called “Loser Baby,” which Husk sings to the depressed Angel (Blake Roman) during a low moment.
Part of why David wanted to be a part of Hazbin Hotel was that the program reminded him of “fritz the cat and all those Ralph Bakshi [series], back in the day before Adult Swim was Adult Swim. EITHER Mr. Cat and all those cartoon animals that acted like people, and were cool and modern. This is a great universe to be a part of.”
But the other “attractive element” for David was being able to not only act, but also sing. “It's one of the reasons he really wanted to do it, and I really love the music that's on this. Not only is it intergenerational and gendered, but it is new and innovative. Unlike other types of musical treatments in animation, this could be a Broadway musical. “You could easily see how this transfers to a stage world, and this music would fit perfectly into it.”
“Loser Baby” was written by songwriters Sam Haft and Andrew Underberg, who previously worked with Medrano on his animated web series. infernal boss. Haft describes Medrano as “an animation author; she has a very clear vision,” although “Loser Baby” was one of the vaguest songs in terms of what she was specifically looking for.
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