Interview with the legendary Paul “HR” Hudson

One of the most influential Punk/Hardcore artists of the last thirty years is the brilliant and legendary voice known as Human Rights or HR for short. As part of the Hardcore Punk group Bad Brains, HR has been writing and recording music since the late 1970s and has also become adored by generations of music fans. Even though Bad Brains is still together as a band, HR is keeping busy with his own solo career which takes on more of a Reggae type sound than the Hardcore of Bad Brains. HR’s latest solo offering is Hey Wella, the first album in a seven record deal he signed in 2006 with D.C. Hardcore. Despite his huge catalogue of outstanding work, many are calling Hey Wella HR’s best solo work to date. We were fortunate enough to quickly catch up with HR recently and ask him about his solo work, new record and what is going on with Bad Brains these days.

You’ve had a wonderful and influential thirty year career in the music industry. How does it feel to still be doing it today?
HR: It has been magnificent; it’s truly a pleasure to watch my children grow.

Your brand new solo record Hey Wella was just released. How do you feel about the album now that it’s out?
HR: “Hey Wella” is our newest masterpiece, I am so glad it is finally available to the fans and to my students as well. It gets an A+.

What was it like writing and recording Hey Wella? How long did it take, how many songs did you write and where was it recorded?
HR: Mr. Grant (o.g.) and I hooked up and started working on pre-production, and we wrote about three albums worth of songs in a few months, and then we went on tour. Then, after we got back from tour, we got together with Mr. Darlington and it was truly a pleasure to work with him. We recorded Hey Wella in Manhattan at his studio. There are eleven new manuscripts to be studied and enjoyed.

To produce Hey Wella you worked with Grammy Award winning producer David Darlington. How did David initially become involved in the project and what was it like working with him?
HR: Mr. Darlington is a fantastic producer and we met him through Paul McCartney and Mick Jagger. I used to have little get togethers back in Los Angeles, and we all met up one night and one thing led to another, and we started working with Mr. Darlington.

Through your solo work and with Bad Brains, you’ve influenced a generation of music fans as well as so many successful musicians. How does it feel to be such an influence and inspiration to so many people?
HR: Well I call them students or the undergraduates and they have improved tremendously on their instruments. I just want everybody to love me and to let you know, I give you permission to worship me [laughs].

Through your work with Bad Brains, you’re credited with innovating a style of music which has come to be known as Hardcore or Hardcore Punk. How do you feel about this label? Do you agree with it?
HR: Artcore music is high-energy, spirited music, which I love.

Do you think there is still a strong Hardcore scene prevalent in music today? Who are some current “hardcore” bands that you enjoy?
HR: Fishbone, Kings-X, are some of my favorites. Bands like to try to imitate the original manuscripts but I think that is a good thing, and I encourage them to keep up the good work.

Even though you’re working solo these days, Bad Brains just released a record last year. What is the timetable for reuniting with those guys? Are you planning on keeping solo for a while?
HR: The soul brains and I are back together playing shows and currently working on a new album as well, so all you kids don’t worry it is on like popcorn! We will be touring as well as the Human Rights group all this winter and next year.

What do you like more, playing in a band or being a solo artist? Which do you think has more advantages from a creative point of view?
HR: There are advantages to both. But as a solo artist, you can express yourself more. I enjoy praising the Lord through song. Read Psalm 100 in your Bible.

Everything seems to be going great for HR and also Bad Brains at the moment. What do you have planned for the new year?
HR: This next year big things will be poppin with Human Rights, Soul Brains baby. When “Hey Wella” comes out October 21, look out, you guys are in for a treat! Peace and love Jah Rastafari H.R.  [ END ]