Kate Hudson on Making Her Musical Debut: “I’ve Been on Some Kind of Tour My Entire Adult Life”
In the fall of 2021, Kate Hudson found herself in Linda Perry’s recording studio in the San Fernando Valley, poised to embark on a project that had been brewing for decades. The past year, marked by global pandemic lockdowns, spurred Hudson to introspect deeply about her life and career. Despite an illustrious career with accolades like an Oscar nomination and successful entrepreneurial ventures, there was one glaring void: she hadn’t yet recorded an album.
Long before she graced the silver screen as rockstar muse Penny Lane in Almost Famous, Hudson had been crafting poems and lyrics. Her soul resonated with artists from Pearl Jam to Neil Young, and Madonna to Joni Mitchell. However, her burgeoning acting career increasingly made the pursuit of music seem unrealistic. Obstacles loomed large: being too busy, fear, and a misguided belief that it was “too old” for such endeavors.
Shaking Off Preconceptions
In 2020, Hudson decided to cast aside preconceived notions about what she should or shouldn’t do. She adopted a simple yet transformative philosophy: if given the chance to sing, she would say yes without hesitation. “Instead of overthinking it, I just had to do it,” Hudson reflects. This marked the first significant shift in her mindset.
This decision led to a pivotal moment when Hudson sang a cover of Katy Perry’s “Firework” for a virtual charity event at her son’s school. Impressed by her performance, Katy Perry reached out, eager to collaborate on writing and recording new material. This serendipitous connection set the stage for Hudson’s debut album, Glorious, blending Americana, pop, disco, and vintage rock ‘n’ roll with full-bodied vocals reminiscent of Laurel Canyon.
Creating Glorious
Working alongside her fiancé Danny Fujikawa and Linda Perry, Hudson found a creative synergy that propelled the project forward. “I love working with different types of personalities,” she shares. The process was dynamic, characterized by rapid progression and adaptability. Fujikawa’s quieter, meticulous approach complemented Hudson’s vibrant energy, creating a balanced collaboration.
For Hudson, the album-writing journey opened a floodgate of creativity, revealing an abundance of music waiting to be expressed. This realization underscored the importance of finding the right environment for her artistic endeavors. Embracing authenticity was paramount; she aimed to reflect her current life experiences in her lyrics and melodies.
Breaking New Ground
In exploring her musical identity, Hudson emphasized the significance of singing instinctively rather than conforming to character-driven performances typical in films or TV shows like Nine and Glee. This process was liberating, allowing her true voice to shine.
Hudson graciously acknowledges comparisons between her vocals and Stevie Nicks, drawing inspiration from such iconic artists. She admires the authenticity with which they have crafted their careers, a trait she aspires to emulate in her own artistic journey.
Sharing Her Music
The creative process for Glorious involved careful listening and sharing select snippets along the way. Hudson’s family has been supportive throughout, particularly her brother Oliver, whose passion for music made his feedback especially meaningful.
Touring with Glorious
With the album’s release on May 17, Hudson eagerly anticipates touring, a familiar yet new experience as she takes center stage. She looks forward to connecting with audiences through dynamic live performances of songs like “Romeo” and “Talk About Love,” each carrying its unique challenges and joys.
A Musical Future
While Glorious features 12 tracks, Hudson’s musical journey is far from over. She envisions a future filled with continued collaborations and new projects that resonate with her evolving artistic vision.
The Impact on Acting
Recording Glorious has also influenced Hudson’s acting career, unlocking new levels of creativity and focus. It has shifted her perspective on project choices, encouraging a deeper connection to her work and liberating her from unnecessary commitments.
Pride in Creation
Hudson takes immense pride in fulfilling her long-held dream of releasing an album. This achievement represents more than just a career milestone; it’s a testament to her resilience, determination, and the spiritual fulfillment she has found through music.
As Hudson prepares for the launch of Glorious, her excitement is palpable. She looks forward to sharing her music with the world and continuing to explore the boundless possibilities that lie ahead in both her musical and acting careers.