Tag Archives: Straight No Chaser

Behind the scenes with Mr Hudson

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Just last week UK artist Mr Hudson finally dropped his debut solo album Straight No Chaser in the U.S.  On his YouTube page Hudson posted a number of behind-the-scenes featurettes that show how much effort he put into making the record.  I embedded my favorite video above; it’s a peek at how the killer track “Time” was constructed.  The video shows how frustration can be turned into a fine work of art with some hard work and perseverence.  Watching Hudson figure out the song’s skeleton on the piano and then peering into the studio to see him listen to a mastered version of it is quite satisfying.  Look after the break for the making of “Anyone But Him” and “Everything Is Broken”, with appearences by Kanye West and Kid Cudi, respectively.  And if you haven’t downloaded the album yet, get it here.

[Via YouTube] Continue reading Behind the scenes with Mr Hudson →

Mr Hudson’s debut album finally releases stateside

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It’s been a long time coming for British musician Mr Hudson.  Though you’ve probably heard of him from Jay-Z’s recent single “Young Forever”, Hudson has been in the music biz since 2007 when he dropped his first album A Tale of Two Cities.  Back then he was in a band called Mr Hudson & the Library.  Having listened to his debut album and working alongside him at his Glow in the Dark tour, rapper Kanye West fell in love with Hudson’s sound, and so he decided to sign him to his G.O.O.D. music label.  Hudson graciously accepted and started to work on his debut solo album Straight No Chaser, which would be executive produced by Kanye.  The 12-track album includes singles “There Will Be Tears“, “Supernova” (Featuring Kanye West), “White Lies“, “Everything Is Broken” (Featuring Kid Cudi), and “Anyone But Him” (Featuring Kanye West).  It released in the UK way back on October 19, 2009.  After numerous delays, it was finally made available to purchase and download in the U.S. on June 29, 2010.  The UK version contains two additional tracks (“Lift Your Head” & a Calvin Harris remix of “Supernova”).

The best way to describe Mr Hudson’s music is alternative hip hop/electro-pop, if that makes any sense.  Straight No Chaser is a breakup album, so naturally it features heavy bass thumping tracks with softer ones to balance it all out.  Hudson is a fan of auto-tune, and so a number of the tracks include him using it.  Interestingly, he eliminates the use of auto-tune when he’s touring; he finds it to be a fun and useful tool when working in the studio.  Having listened to the album only once all the way through, I am not ready to formally review it yet.  However I can say that Mr Hudson is going to be huge.  He is a gifted artist with a knack for writing and beatmaking.  I’d really like to see him perform live someday.  Just read these choice words from collaberator Kanye West: “I believe Mr Hudson has the potential to be bigger than me, to be one of the most important artists of his generation.”  Again, that comes from Kanye West!

Be sure to look after the break for some more Hudson content.  You’ll find music videos for “Instant Messenger” and “Central Park”, plus there’s a short trailer that celebrates the U.S. release of the record. Continue reading Mr Hudson’s debut album finally releases stateside →

Single: Mr Hudson – “Anyone But Him” (Featuring Kanye West)

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Mr Hudson is back with a new single off his upcoming album Straight No Chaser.  It’s called “Anyone But Him” and features Kanye West.  It’s the fourth single off the album, following “There Will Be Tears,” “Supernova,” and “White Lies.”  Straight No Chaser was released in the UK back in October and is expected to drop stateside March 15.  Listen below, download here.

[audio: Mr Hudson – Anyone But Him (Featuring Kanye West).mp3]

[Via KanyeBlog]

Music video: Mr. Hudson – “White Lies”

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[vimeo 6733709 625 400]

Adding to his arsenal of songs that include “Supernova,” “Everything is Broken,” and “There Will Be Tears,” British musician and GOOD label artist Mr Hudson invites you to his world of “White Lies” with the freshly released music video embedded above.  His sophomore album Straight No Chaser drops October 6.

[Via KanyeBlog]

Music video: Mr Hudson – “Supernova” (Featuring Kanye West)

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Simply put, G.O.O.D. music artist Mr Hudson is going to be HUGE.  Hailing from London, England, Mr Hudson was signed on Kanye West’s music label not too long ago, and he will definitely straight a chord with Kanye and Coldplay fans alike.  He has this unique sound and aura about him that is very distinctive yet familiar.  Anyway…here is the music video for his first single called “Supernova,” which happens to feature Mr. West.  It is an awesome and inventive music video’ you can sense the ‘Kanye touch.’  Mr Hudson’s new album, Straight No Chaser, will be in stores on October 5, 2009 (unfortunately pushed back from its original August release date).  In related news, it has been confirmed that Kid Cudi will be featured on the track “Everything is Broken.”