I was introduced to the soulful vocals of, then R&B newcomer, Van Hunt the Winter after my college graduation. Working at a clothing retailer, I was constantly subjected to the same music day after day, thanks to MUZAK so I often found myself talking about music that wasn’t playing over the speakers with my co-workers and managers. My manager at the time was obsessed with Van Hunt, so I had to check out what he was all about. I was instantly attracted to his cool, smooth vibe, not to mention his handsome good looks. While it’s been a while since I’ve listened to Van Hunt, it’s good to hear that he’s back and ready for his comeback. I certainly am!
Van Hunt premiered a new song, “June,” last month via The Huffington Post. The song is as soulful a song as one would expect coming from this talented singer/songwriter. His first new music in more than three years, with the release of “June” it’s almost as if he never left. The song is the first taste of Van Hunt‘s forthcoming new album, what were you hoping for?, a joint venture between the Nashville-based Thirty Tigers and Hunt’s own label, Godless-hotspot due September 27th both digitally and in retail locations nationwide. According to Hunt:
“‘June’ was written to mirror a person’s complicated moodiness,” Hunt says. “Some people are called pessimists because of their persistent dourness – but I think they are optimists. Sorely disappointed optimists. The song is my attempt to make one, in particular, smile.”
To build up anticipation for the new album, Hunt will unveil a series of new tracks each month leading up to the album’s Fall release, offering fans free downloads on various music blogs and websites. The album’s first single, “elP” will impact multi-format radio outlets later this summer. Van Hunt also plans to take his show on the road later this summer and into fall, marking his first national tour since 2008.
Van Hunt released his self-titled debut album in 2004 through Capitol Records. The album included the singles “Down Here In Hell (With You),” “Seconds of Pleasure” and “Dust,” the latter of which was nominated for a Grammy Award for ‘Best Urban/Alternative Performance.’ Chart-wise, Van Hunt reached #38 on the Billboard R&B Albums chart and #14 on the Top Heatseekers chart. Hunt’s sophomore release, On The Jungle Floor was released in 2006 featuring the single “Character,” as well as a duet with soul singer Nikka Costa (“Mean Sleep“) and a cover of a song by The Stooges (“No Sense of Crime“). Hunt toured with the new album, playing with Mary J. Blige, Alicia Keys, The Roots, Seal, Angie Stone, Coldplay, Kanye West and others.
2007 saw Hunt win his first Grammy Award, this time for ‘Best R&B Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals‘ alongside Joss Stone and John Legend for their cover of Sly & The Family Stone‘s “Family Affair,” recorded for a 2006 tribute album. In 2007 Hunt released an EP via Blue Note Records and had plans to release a full length album in early 2008. Unfortunately, that album never to be since Blue Note had taken over Hunt’s recording contract as a result of a little corporate re-shuffling over at Capitol/EMI. Hunt subsequently left his label and the album was shelved.
With a new single, album and tour in the works, it would seem that Van Hunt is back and ready to take the stage yet again. From the sounds of it, he’s still got what it takes. Go download “June” for free HERE and look out for his official first single later this summer.