The groundbreaking debut album Hello by singer-songwriter Poe will be released on vinyl for the first time ever, just in time for Record Store Day on April 22, 2023.
The Impact and Acclaim of Hello
Released in 1995, Hello received universal acclaim for its innovative sound and genre-blending. The New York Times listed Poe as one of the defining voices of a female "movement in music," while Esquire recognized her as one of the top 5 "Women Who Rock Our World" in 1997. Producer Glenn Ballard, known for his work on Alanis Morissette's iconic Jagged Little Pill, cites Hello as one of his biggest influences at the time, describing it as a "brilliant record" that blew his mind.
Embracing the Internet and Fostering Fan Relationships
Pioneering using the internet for artists, Poe was dubbed the "daughter of the electronic revolution" by Elle Magazine. She embraced the digital world to cultivate a two-way relationship with her fans, connecting with them in a way reminiscent of modern social media. Her strong online presence, considered "unheard of and pretty phenomenal," earned her the title of "web diva" from USA Today.
Collaboration with Late Producer J Dilla on "Fingertips"
One of the standout tracks on Hello is "Fingertips," an early collaboration with late Detroit producer and rapper J Dilla. Sheri Howell, who served as VP of Music at MTV when Hello was initially released, notes that "most people don't even realize there's a J Dilla track hiding on there." She further states that the album's multi-genre mashup sound was ahead of its time, and its influence can be heard in numerous releases that followed.
The Long-Awaited Vinyl Release
The news of the vinyl release surprised Poe, who had always wanted to hear Hello on vinyl to "honor all the great samples on it that came from vinyl." Crate-diggers and fans of the artist alike will be excited to add this special edition to their collections. The vinyl release pays tribute to the album’s diverse range of samples and celebrates Hello’s lasting impact on the music industry.
A Lasting Legacy
With the upcoming vinyl release of Hello, Poe's influential debut album is set to reach a new audience and remind existing fans of the groundbreaking sound that solidified her place in music history. As a trailblazer in genre fusion and artist-fan relationships, Poe has left an indelible mark on the music landscape.
As Record Store Day approaches, fans eagerly anticipate the opportunity to experience Hello in a new way. The vinyl release offers listeners the chance to appreciate the rich soundscape of the album and further cement Poe's status as a true innovator in the industry.
