Introducing The Shortlist.
Featuring the hottest MC’s, rappers and artists that you’re going to be hearing a hell of a lot of over the next 12 months and beyond. From rap to grime, R&B to drill, there’s a flavour for everybody on our new album.
Handpicked by us at GRM Daily to create some original music, we’ve brought together the UK undergrounds freshest talent into one place, just for you.
This is the future of our scene and we’re over the moon to be able to provide this platform for them.
The album is out now across all streaming platforms: iTunes, Apple Music, Spotify. While you get familiar with the music, we thought it’s only right we start introducing the key players from the project.
Next up, we’d like to introduce you to Hudson East.
First up, where abouts are you from?
“I’m from North West London.”
What does Eastway mean?
“Eastway is change and I mean that in everything; change of thinking, change of sonics, change of visuals. I just want to inspire people to do better. Eastway is me, Scoops, Neeks, Shad, Marty. Eastway is a family ting.”
You keep things pretty in-house with production etc. Talk to me about the team, what do they bring?
“When it comes to production, I’ve always been open to collaboration and have worked with a vast array of talented individuals, but as of recent we’ve slowly been putting a team together to craft the Eastway sound. The two names you need to be on the lookout for are Scoops and Marty.”
Who’s your favourite artist out right now and why? How do they influence you?
“I dont have a favourite artist right now, but I appreciate and respect what everybody is bring to the table in both the US and the UK. I draw inspiration from the people I surround myself with, life lessons and the high quality of music being put out there.”
For those who don’t know; can you summarise what people can expect from a Hudson East song in just five words?
“Love, Hate, Venerability, Sincerity and Confidence.”
You’re pretty new on the scene but have already worked with some heavy hitters. How did you link up with Nines and how was working with him?
“Music speaks and is something I care highly about. I’ve got to shout out my bro Nav Michael for introducing Nines to my music, he’s also a producer featured on One Foot Out. Nines contacted me personally saying he liked the vibe and the stuff he heard from me, next thing you know we’re in the studio working on what turned out to be ‘Love 2 The Game’. I’m grateful for the opportunity and working with Nines was nothing but good vibes and jokes.”
Do you prefer singing or rapping? Which is your favourite to record and why? What do you get out of either?
“I’ve been rapping since the age of 12 so it’s been with me for some time. I’ve only been singing seriously for about four years, but I hold both very high and with the new music moving forward you’ll hear more of my rapping side come out. I love singing as I push myself and have seen vocal improvement in the ability to do certain riffs and even my range in the same breath. I do enjoy rapping as it’s good practice for me and reassures me that I can still hang with some of these rappers.”
Tell me about “4 Everything” on The Shorlist. What’s the message behind the song and how did you create it?
“‘4 Everything’ is about me appreciating my partner in everything she has done for me and the fact she’s held it down for me in times when people didn’t believe. For that alone I owe her everything and that I couldn’t care less about anybody else but her.”
What would mark a successful career for you? Any goalposts you’re looking to reach?
“I wish I could say, but i’m a man of action and manifestation. I guess when I reach them you’ll know.”
What’s on the horizon for Hudson East?
“East Ave my second project, which drops on the 19th May.”
What can you tell the people about East Ave?
“Fuego, Fuego, Fuego, Fuego.”
Photos by Jeaniq Amihyia.