There are few things more exciting in dance music than uncovering a forgotten recording with a story to tell. Enter Hudson People, the legendary disco project behind the much-loved classic ‘Trip to Your Mind,’ who return with a very special release in the shape of ‘Hold On,’ featuring the previously unheard vocals of Rickey Owens.

Arriving via The Outer Edge’s newly launched dancefloor-focused imprint, 1st Floor Records, the project brings a remarkable piece of musical history into the present. Originally recorded around 1988 by composer and producer Reginald Hudson, ‘Hold On’ captures the unmistakable soul of the era, built around a stripped-back drum machine and keyboard arrangement that was initially intended as a demo for a more fully realised studio production.

While the original recording never saw the light of day, its standout element was always Owens’ vocal performance. Featuring beautifully captured ad-libs and an effortlessly soulful delivery, his voice remained tucked away on Hudson’s original DAT recordings for decades. Having discovered the material during conversations with Hudson about his earlier work, the team at The Outer Edge were immediately taken by the recording and set about finding the right producers to bring it to life.

The result is a multi-part release campaign featuring a selection of fresh interpretations, each offering a different perspective on the original.

First out of the gate is London-based producer, keyboardist and studio musician Thomas Redfern, whose mix delivers a catchy yet deeply rooted house workout, balancing funky rhythms with an infectious groove. A complementary dub version pushes things further into deeper territory.

Next, Tom Quick takes things in a different direction, speeding up the tempo and introducing filtered textures that nod towards the golden era of French house. With shades of Daft Punk, Stardust and Chromeo, his rework brings a playful, high-energy sensibility to Owens’ vocal, making it a natural fit for peak-time dancefloors.

Completing the four-track vinyl package is a contribution from German DJ and producer DJ Friction. Building on synth elements from Tom Quick’s version, Friction introduces fresh drums and bass to deliver a distinctive electro-boogie and modern funk interpretation, evoking the spirit of Shannon’s ‘Let The Music Play’ and the classic Freestyle sound.

The vinyl release arrives alongside further digital editions, with additional interpretations from the likes of Mr. Cobra expanding the project even further.

For The Outer Edge, the release also represents a particularly meaningful milestone. Following the recent anniversary edition of Hudson People’s iconic ‘Trip to Your Mind,’ ‘Hold On’ offers another opportunity to celebrate the legacy of Reginald Hudson while shining a light on a previously unheard voice that deserves to be discovered.

A lost recording, a remarkable vocal performance and a collection of contemporary reworks that bridge disco heritage with modern club culture. ‘Hold On’ is a special piece of dance music history finally getting its moment.

‘Hold On’ is available here