An intro to the crew who make the magic happen at Hudson Records.

Andy Bell:

I founded Hudson Records and manage the label; it’s my baby, I suppose. I’m the main point of contact for the label and I try to keep all the plates spinning by managing the artists and everyone who works for Hudson. I was born in Leeds, grew up in York and now live in Sheffield, so I guess I’m from Yorkshire! Aside from running Hudson, my main job is as a producer. I get to work with lots of great artists and am sent so many wonderful projects to get involved with. Heal & Harrow and Rachel Newton’s recent National Scottish Galleries commission have been really fun. I’m also working on records for The Furrow Collective, Jon Boden, Martin Simpson, Spell Songs and M G Boulter. I have recently finished a sound piece and audio app for The Sill in Northumberland, as well as a piece for the National Trust at Croft Castle, for an exhibition about apples. Over this past summer, I saw Nickel Creek at Towersey Festival; they were amazing. Outside of music, I love football - I watch all sports and enjoy a game of 5-a-side or a run in the Peak District!

Neil McSweeney:

I was born in Scotland but have spent most of my life in Sheffield, where I now live. I helped Andy set things up at Hudson Records and have done all sorts of label jobs as part of that process. At the moment, I mostly get involved when it comes to the bigger business decisions, rather than the day-to-day label campaigns. Honestly? The last songs I listened to on repeat were ‘Impractical Joke’ by Smudge and ‘Gypsy’ by Jason Singh & The Banwasi Collective. On the live front, I saw a bunch of shows organised by music students I work with at the University of Sheffield and they were all amazing. Aside from music, I love reading and cinema. I’m also a fan of getting outdoors as much as possible.

Helen Bell:

I grew up in Gosport on the South Coast and then spent eighteen years in Birmingham before moving to Sheffield with Andy four years ago. My role at Hudson is hugely varied! I run the online shop and our social media accounts; develop our monthly Hudson Club exclusives; deal with in-house PR; write our newsletters; help run Hudson Presents gigs; work on campaigns and anything else that pops up along the way. As a result, I spend a lot of time at our local post office. Currently, I am listening to 'Blue is the Eye' by Ye Vagabonds and the last gig I went to was the one we put on for Iona Lane. I also went to Southwell Folk Festival a couple of weeks ago. Me and Andy spent most of the time in the craft tent with our two young children, though. We’ve got tickets for Bonny Light Horseman with the London Contemporary Orchestra at the Barbican. I’m pretty excited about that one! Aside from music, I love a bit of ceramics and have made bowls, wonky plates and all sorts. I’m massively into gardening and love a trip to France, swimming in rivers, BBQs and drinking red wine with friends.

Tim James:

My role at Hudson Records is mainly administration, finance and distribution, although I am also occasionally allowed away from the desk for photo assignments. I was made in Sheffield and I am still based here. Earlier this year I watched Midge Ure at Sheffield City Hall; his voice is still as powerful and strong as it was in the Ultravox days. I recently re-discovered the album ‘In My Tribe’ by 10,000 Maniacs - an American folk/rock/pop group led by Natalie Merchant. The album’s themes are as relevant today as when they were recorded in 1987. Aside from a passion for photography, I also own a small collection of bikes from the 1970s and I enjoy attending retro cycling events.

Brad Kulisic:

Hello! I’m from the South East, born in Reading, lived and worked in London from 2002 and have lived in Newcastle upon Tyne since 2016. My core role at Hudson Records sits between digital marketing and digital operations; distribution, metadata, store pitching and artist growth strategies. I work with Andy and Neil to devise campaign roll-outs and marketing strategies for our label releases. Recently I’ve loved listening to Jess Williamson’s ‘Topanga Two Step’; Laura Groves ft Sampha ‘D 4 N’ and Cosial’s ‘In View’. I’ve also revisited Good Sad Happy Bad’s 2020 album ‘Shades’ - especially the title track in all its messy, fuzzy glory. A few months ago I went to see a death metal band from Glasgow, called Coffin Mulch. They played at The Cluny in Newcastle; it was a lot of fun. I also went to London to see the wonderful Eleni Drake play a sold-out show at Amazing Grace. Outside of music, I like cooking, long walks with the dogs (we have two retired greyhounds) and trips in the camper-van to the Highlands, Lakes and Peak District.

Iona Lane:

My role at Hudson involves a lot of campaign management - working alongside our artists with their releases! It’s super fun and there’s such a wide variety of music so every album is exciting. I also look after our wonderful interns, which is a real joy! I grew up in the Yorkshire Dales near a small town called Settle, but I’m now based up in Glasgow. As well as working as a musician, I really enjoy taking photos on film and swimming in the sea. At the moment I am listening to the album ‘A High Place’ by Charlie Grey and Joseph Peach, and I recently saw Ryan Young play live for the first time. He is incredible; such a beautiful musician and presence.

Soph Russell:

I grew up in Bradford but work around the Leeds and York area. My role at Hudson is supported by the Youth Incubator Fund as an early career role, which is definitely varied to say the least! There is plenty of stuff going on, such as creating audio/visual content and assets. The song I am listening to on repeat at the moment is Crossing Guard by Model/Actriz and the last great gig I went to was Tash Sultana at the O2 in Hammersmith. Aside from my role at Hudson, I play the flute, saxophone, and teach musicians how to use Ableton. I love reading poetry so you’ll find me hidden in a stack of books when I’m not making music under the name Cherry Seraph.

Cathy Bennnett:

I’m originally from Truro in Cornwall but I am now based in Sheffield, where I teach music and work as an intern at Hudson Records. I mostly spend my time working on social media and marketing, as well as learning lots about Hudson and the wider folk music industry! The song I am currently listening to is ‘bird i do not know’ by Lady Maisery, and the last gig that left a big impression on me was Grace Petrie at the Leadmill. Aside from playing folk music and going to festivals, I also enjoy knitting and crocheting!

Angelica Krikler:

I am originally from Essex but I have been based in Leeds for the last five years. I am an intern at Hudson Records, made possible by the Youth Incubator Fund. My role varies from day to day - I could be making campaign assets for upcoming releases or preparing interviews for the artists we represent. The song I am always listening to on repeat is ‘Something to Believe In’ by King Creosote and the last gig I went to that knocked my socks off was Caroline Polachek at Wide Awake festival. I used to work in a crystal shop down an alleyway but now, alongside Hudson, I work as an administrator at a food bank. When I have a spare minute, I like to read, write and visit the various parks in Leeds.