HULA BIOGRAPHY
The Sheffield based band Hula was founded in November 1980 by Ron Wright accompanied by Alan Fisher. When they moved into the iconic Hula Kula house occupied by Stephen Mallinder (Cabaret Voltaire) and Paul Widger (They Must Be Russians, Clock DVA, The Box). Another resident, Mark Albrow, joined the group and Alan Watt left to pursue other interests.
Mark Brydon (Chakk, Moloko) joined them on bass to record their debut album “Cut From Inside” as well as their first tours of the Netherlands. Hula’s staple ingredients consisted of cut ups, steady rhythms, and paranoia vocals blended together into a unique white funky sound. By the second album Alan Fisher had been replaced on drums by Nort and John Avery replaced Brydon on bass and the new Hula recorded and released follow-up album “Murmur”.
With this line-up Hula profile continued to build and, famed for their exciting live shows which also featured lots of video material courtesy of Peter Care, they began to play internationally. Continuing to bring out danceable 12 inches and more experimental albums, they skirted the fringes of Mute Records with tracks produced by Daniel Miller and playing as support to Depeche Mode at Wembley Arena having been invited onto their Black Celebration Tour.
Nort left the band in 1986, followed by Mark Albrow soon after. When their record company Red Rhino went bankrupt they moved on to Wax Trax and released what would be the last Hula record: a Jimmy Hendrix cover, “Voodoo Chile”. After the release, guest singer Jo Cammack joined officially. Ron moved onto bass and vocals John to keyboards. In this new line-up they made new songs. Intimates say these songs are the best Hula ever made. For the public it is hard to judge as the material is still in the vaults of the studio.
Eventually Hula broke up in 1992 leaving behind a catalogue containing 5 of alternative music’s most compelling hidden gems in the albums “Cut From Inside”, “Murmur”, “Shadowland”, “1000 Hours” and “Voice”, plus a wealth of incredible singles. They recorded radio sessions for the renowned Dutch station VPRO championed by Gerard Walhof as well as live broadcasts. 3 sessions were recorded for John Peel in the UK.
Now, 40 years on from their last live performance Hula have reformed especially to play at Shadowlands Festival where they will preview new tracks alongside some oldies.
