Hudson People have unveiled a new extended project titled “Hold On,” featuring previously unreleased material recorded with singer Rickey Owens around 1988. The Berlin-based label The Outer Edge facilitated the release after discovering original DAT recordings from Reginald Hudson.
Rediscovery of Rickey Owens’ Vocals
The story began when The Outer Edge reached out to Reginald Hudson regarding his earlier work on the Shake It – Make It Loose project. Within the discussions, Hudson highlighted Rickey Owens, a singer whose recordings from the late 1980s had never been commercially released. This led to Hudson digitizing and sharing various demos, including those of “Hold On.”
The recording was crafted in Hudson’s home studio using a simple setup, featuring a drum machine and keyboard for the instrumentation. Owens provided the lead vocal performance, with aspirations to develop this into a polished production that remained unrealized.
Featured Contemporary Productions
The new release consists of contributions from producers like Thomas Redfern, Tom Quick, DJ Friction, and Hollis P. Monroe. Each producer brings their unique perspective on house and disco, reworking the original material while preserving Owens’ original vocal performance.
The project is designed to be more than just an archival piece; it includes several renditions aimed at DJs alongside the original 1988 demo, giving listeners insight into the starting point of the composition.
Expanded Release Features
The vinyl edition comprises four variations, including mixes by Thomas Redfern and Tom Quick. The extended edition on Bandcamp offers additional tracks, such as a Balearic Mix, an instrumental version, and the original demo. This multiple-version format invites listeners to explore how the arrangement has evolved while maintaining a connection to the original vocal performance.
Including the demo allows for a comparative analysis between Owens’ original delivery and the modern interpretations, providing valuable context for producers studying the evolution of arrangements. The release contributes to a broader conversation about drawing from historical recordings and integrating them into contemporary music.
The full release, including the original demo, is available via Hudson People’s official Bandcamp page.
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