Jude Harrison
| Jude Harrison | |
|---|---|
.png) Harrison performing at the Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival, June 2013 | |
| Born |
Jude Spencer Harrison November 2, 1992 New Westminster, British Columbia, Canada |
| Residence | Brooklyn, New York, United States |
| Citizenship |
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| Occupation |
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| Years active | 2008–present |
| Works | |
| Home town | Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada |
| Height | 5 ft 4 in (1.63 m) |
| Spouse(s) | Roman Graham (m. 2022) |
| Partner(s) | Tom Quincy (2009–2011) |
| Children | 1 |
| Awards | Full list |
| Musical career | |
| Genres |
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| Instrument(s) |
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| Years active | 2009–present |
| Labels | |
Jude Spencer Harrison (born November 4, 1992) is a Canadian-born singer-songwriter. Born in New Westminster, Canada and raised in Vancouver, British Columbia, Harrison was raised as one of ten children, and often performed at local Canadian performance centres growing up. Her first studio album release, Unsweet Sixteen was released in 2009, and began a long-string of success releases, including her debut single, "Crazy Chick", which debuted at number one on the Billboard Singles Chart. That same year, Harrison starred in Justincase Productions' film, Redrum, opposite Natalie Chandler and Milo Ventimiglia.
After leaving her major-label G-Major, Harrison pursued an independent music career, and released her second studio album The Learning Curve in 2010, under her own imprint. Following the releases of two subsequent studio albums, Go Your Own Way and Pocket Philosopher (2011), Harrison signed with Ensemble Entertainment, with the intent of recording her first nationwide debut album, which she described as a "multimedia project" with the label and even returned to the big screen in 2012 with a cameo appearance in Crash Into Me. Harrison performed the film's title track, which was later included on Harrison's first-ever compilation album, Paper Heart: The Singles (2012). In mid-2012, Harrison was dropped from Ensemble and the album in-question, October Road, was shelved. Returning to her independent roots, Harrison released her fifth studio album, Rue à sens unique in 2013, followed by the release of Made In Manhattan the following year. In 2015, Harrison released her seventh studio album Never Been Gone and in support of the album, launched a Kickstarter fundraising campaign to raise funds for her first major tour in five years.
In the industry since the age of 16, Harrison is often perceived as one of the most-successful recording artists in MusicNation history. She is also the only artist in MusicNation history to release eight albums, five of which debuted at number one on the Billboard Albums Chart from 2009 to 2012.
Early life
Harrison was born in New Westminster, British Columbia Canada and was raised in Vancouver, by her mother Victoria (née Ralston) and Stuart Harrison. She is the sixth of ten children; her older brother is music producer Luke Harrison. Growing up, Jude and Luke would listen to a multitude of records owned by their father, and by ages six and 12 (respectively), had formed their own musical group in the hopes of producing their own music. When Harrison was nine years old, she performed the Canadian National Anthem at a home game for hockey team, Vancouver Canucks. Praised by local press, Harrison continued to write music in pursuit of a music career. "She [was] always in her room writing music," Luke said of Jude in a 2013 interview.
In 2007, at the age of 14, Harrison officially set her sights on pursuing a career in music. She began sending out demo cassettes, compromised of music independently produced by her and Luke on their home computer. The following year, the demos caught the attention of Music Nation Label Group Inc CEO Scott Larson; Larson passed on signing Harrison to his main imprint, Music Nation Label Group, however, turning the demo over to G-Major Records' Georgia Watkins. Watkins immediately signed Harrison to G-Major, with Harrison becoming the youngest artist signed to a record label at the time.
Career
Music career
2009–2010: Unsweet Sixteen, label changes and The Learning Curve
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After signing her deal with G-Major in August 2008, under the guidance of Watkins, Harrison began production of her debut album in her hometown of Vancouver. There, she was introduced to Vancouver native, music producer Tom Quincy. Within five months, the pair had recorded Harrison's debut album, Unsweet Sixteen, which saw its release in March 2009. The album debuted at number one on the Billboard Albums Chart, leading Harrison to become the youngest artist in MusicNation industry to have a number one album, a feat she still holds to this day. While not released internationally, Unsweet Sixteen is credited for being one of the all-time best debut album releases by any recording artist in the MusicNation industry. To date, Unsweet Sixteen has sold a combined total of 11.5 million copies and securing a Diamond certification, according to the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA).
Writing the majority of Unsweet Sixteen at 15 years old, Harrison's angst within her music was highly praised by music critics and fans alike. All three singles released from the album — "Crazy Chicks", "Crazy" and the double A-side "Flawless/Pouring Rain" — debuted at number one on the Billboard Singles Chart. Following the release of "Pouring Rain", Harrison released a one-off single, "Drive You Mad", which prompted speculation of a potential re-issue of Unsweet Sixteen and following her own personal turmoil, G-Major announced official plans for an album re-issue, branded as the Ultra Platinum Edition two-disc release, with the second disc including brand-new material, which included the lead single "Time", the aforementioned "Drive You Mad" and a remix of the single "Crazy". The release of the album served as an out in Harrison's G-Major contract, which the label announced stating it was a "mutual decision" between them and Harrison; Harrison went on record to state in 2013 that the re-issue was her own idea, in order to maintain control of her music career.
In early 2010, Harrison announced her plans to release her second studio album as an independent release on her own imprint. Recorded entirely at the infamous Abbey Road Studios in London, The Learning Curve was released in March 2010 and debuted at number one on the Billboard Albums Chart. Like its predecessor, all of the singles released from The Learning Curve, including the lead "Take Me Away", debuted at number one on the Billboard Singles Chart. In support of the album, Harrison embarked on the My Turn Tour, which toured throughout the United States and Canada at different clubs and nightspots, from October to November 2010. In September 2010, Harrison confirmed she was working on her third album, and that she would serve as the executive producer on the project, like she did with The Learning Curve; she further confirmed that the album could venture into "who Jude really is". She further described, "It's kind of a split album. I decided to do a Jude then vs. Jude now kind of album. I'm bringing in producers to re-produce and re-work some of the songs I grew up on, and then produce/write songs for me now, and then they can be compared, how a producer perceives me then and now."
2011–2012: Subsequent independent releases and attempted major label revival
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In early 2011, Harrison announced that she had reached a deal with Elite Music Group's Ensemble Entertainment, with the intent of producing her first-ever internationally-produced album. On May 17, 2011, Go Your Own Way, Harrison's third studio album was released; a covers album, it featured production by Quincy and hip-hop music mogul Chris Kane; the album became Harrison's third consecutive number one debut on the Billboard Albums Chart, selling 323,347 copies in its opening week. Like its predecessors, all of the singles released from the album reached number one on the Billboard Singles Chart, continuing a record-breaking feat for Harrison. Later that same month, news broke that Harrison was approached to judge a potential industry-centric adaption of The X Factor; Harrison confirmed she was asked, but had declined the offers, claiming she was "not qualified" for the position-at hand. During an appearance on The Oprah Winfrey Show, Harrison confirmed her intent of taking a one-year hiatus to work on her Ensemble album and by June 2011, Quincy confirmed reports she was working on her fourth album, stating that the pair were both "so excited to explore new ventures".
Speculation further arose that Harrison had intentions of resurrecting the now-defunct G-Major Records, reports she later denied as "untrue" and "completely fabricated". Harrison's fourth album, Pocket Philosopher, was released on November 22, 2011, six months following the release of Go Your Own Way. The album featured production by Quincy and Harrison's older brother, Luke. The album was preceded by the release of the lead single, "Temporary Home". Explaining the meaning behind the album's title, Harrison described it as "every single one of my songs are philosophies to life". MTV News Canada further broke news speculation that her Ensemble album could cost upwards of $15 million dollars or more, with the intentions of producing a three-disc release with names such as Richard Carpenter (of Carpenters fame) and Peter Gabriel.
Multiple media sources claimed that by late 2011 Harrison had been dropped by Ensemble, and had signed a multi-album deal with Universal Music; in an official statement to Billboard, Harrison discredited the reports, calling them "preposterous" and described her deal with Ensemble as a "lucrative deal". In the January 2012 issue of Nylon magazine, Harrison spoke about her Ensemble label album, describing: "This project is a lot to me. It's the album I've always wanted to create. And the deal with the label was very tightly sealed. I didn't want to leak this project because it's a big multimedia project. We're talking so much new stuff that's never been done in this industry that I'm working on. The music is very big and very production-based, which you haven't heard on any of my past albums. It's taken well over three years to write this album, and starting at the top of the new year, it's all I'm dedicated to musically." Harrison confirmed the album for a projected October 2012 release, under the title October Road. In August 2012, Billboard broke news that Harrison had been dropped from Ensemble and that the October Road album was shelved, with no intention of seeing its released. In an official statement, Harrison explained, "Internal changes were happening. New CEO's and staff were coming in and the focus was going to be on the already releasing acts. I saw it coming, my funding stopped and communication was killed. And then I got this letter in the mail, terminating my contract. And then they told me that they were contractually keeping my album with them."
Following several delays, Harrison's first-ever compilation disc, Paper Heart: The Singles, was released in October 2012; the album featured several new tracks, including the lead single, "Not Easy to Find" and "Crash Into Me", the titular track from the film of the same title, which Harrison had a brief appearance in.
2013–2015: Return to independent prominence and crowdfunded tour
In September 2012, Cambio.com confirmed plans for Harrison to release her fifth studio album, a fact she semi-confirmed in an interview with Billboard. In said interview, Harrison stated, "I am working on a new album of all-new material. I've been going through notebooks I've been carrying since I was six filled full of complete and incomplete lyrics. And I'm putting together a new album. So hopefully it'll be out in the next four to six months. I promise that you won't have to wait another year for a new album. We're doing this my way again, as it should have been the whole time." Produced entirely by her brother, Luke, Harrison released Rue à sens unique in March 2013; the album was preceded by the release of "Losttrain". Both the album and single became Harrison's first releases to not reach the number one positions on the Billboard Albums and Singles Chart, respectively.
In May 2013, Harrison was announced as a performing act for the 2013 Bonnaroo Music & Arts Festival in Manchester, Tennessee; performing on the What Stage on June 15, 2013, the appearance was tipped as Harrison's first major concert appearance since her 2010 My Turn concert tour. Harrison was further announced to perform during the eleven-day Ottawa Bluesfest festival in her native Canada. Speaking of the event, Harrison said, "Nobody cares about showering or smelling good. And while I like my showering, I love that kind of hippie kind of lifestyle. I'll be clean, though!" These string of shows were considered apart of the singer's Losttrain Summer Festival Tour. Subsequent club appearances were also considered apart of the Losttrain Club Tour. "On the Run" was released as the second single from Rue à sens unique, however, the single failed to make major impact on the charts and radio networks. In addition to writing her own material, Harrison and her brother Luke also helped co-write and co-produce "Armor" for Hunter James, the lead single included on James' second studio album, Forgiven (2013).
In 2014, Harrison announced the release of her new single, "Groove Thang", which was also accompanied by a remix extended play; the song was the lead to be released from her sixth studio album, Made in Manhattan. Influenced by the music of the 1970's, the album showcased a different side to Harrison's musical aesthetic. Positively received by critics and fans alike, Made in Manhattan debuted at number six on the Billboard Albums Chart. The album also spawned a second single, "Leave the Light On", which saw release in late 2014. Feeling the need to strip her music back to the basics, Harrison again re-entered a recording studio and began working on her seventh studio effort. Never Been Gone was released as Harrison's seven studio album in March 2015; the album was preceded by the release of "Stepping Hearts". Prior to the album's release, Harrison launched her first-ever crowdfunded campaign through Kickstarter in support of touring North America. In exchange for pledging a dollar amount, Harrison exchanged several prize packages, including a vast number of prizes for the donated amount. Achieving more than 100% of her goal within two-weeks time, Harrison announced the dates for her Never Been Gone Tour.
2016–present: PledgeMusic campaign and continued touring
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In January 2016, Harrison launched another crowdfunded campaign, this time through PledgeMusic, in support of planned eighth studio album. Much like her Kickstarter, she made promises of prize packages, one of which includes spending the day at a recording studio with her and her producer, David Kahne. Harrison later announced, via the campaign, her Second Go Tour. In October 2016, Harrison announced dates for her Lost Frequencies Tour, which would feature special opening guest act, Hayden Tazewell. In December 2016, during an interview with Z100 New York, Harrison confirmed she was back in the studio, continuing production on her eighth album. In January 2017, Harrison confirmed the release of Soulchild, a four-track extended play, to precede the release of the album. Harrison's eighth album, Love and War, is scheduled for release on October 10. 2017.
Film and television career
2009–2011: Redrum, Rollercoaster Tsunami and television roles
In March 2009, Harrison was announced to have joined the cast of Justincase Productions' Redrum as her first major acting role, opposite Natalie Chandler and Milo Ventimiglia. In the film, Harrison portrayed the role of Chloe Howard, younger sister to Chandler's Rachel. Harrison also performed "Drive You Mad" from the film's soundtrack. Harrison also starred in the sci-fi thriller, Rollercoaster Tsunami, opposite Ali Larter and Rose McGowan. Despite receiving offers for several other film projects, Harrison denounced her acting career in 2010, instead deciding to focus on her music career. In November 2010, opened up about the prospect of returning to the acting field. She told the press, "I think it's time. I know fans want another movie, so why not give it to them?", and even announced plans to begin filming her new film, Wrath (then under the development title Rath of The Devil). Filming on the project began in February 2011, opposite Taylor Momsen and Brian Krause. In April 2011, Harrison was up for the role of Eden Gerick Baldwin on the CBS soap opera The Young and the Restless; the soap ultimately canceled their plans on recasting the role. Harrison was later considered as a potential recast in the role of Colby Chandler on ABC's All My Children; the role ultimately went to actress Natalie Hall, who remained in the role until the soap's network television series finale on September 23, 2011. Harrison made a guest appearance on All My Children on the September 21, 2011, episode; she appeared as a mental-ward patent, who claimed to have killed her sister and her friends (a nod to Harrison's breakout role in Redrum). Harrison later turned down deals to make guest appearances on The CW's 90210 and multiple offers for FOX's Glee.
2012–present: Return to acting
In 2012, Harrison returned to movie screens by appearing as Jessie Landry in Crash Into Me, opposite Cooper Mitchell and Isabella Noelle. Harrison also began producing a planned pilot to air during the 2012–13 Television Season. The pilot, The Mighty Three, which Harrison was also to star in, failed to get picked up by networks. Harrison also began production on The Astral Projection, a sci-fi film, co-starring Roman Graham and 7th Heaven 's Catherine Hicks. In the film, Harrison starred as identical twins, Heather Lynn and Heidi Timbers, who lived of different backgrounds, unbeknownst to each other. In 2014, the releases for both The Astral Projection and Wrath, and as of March 21, 2016, as earned nearly 7.2 million and 47.2 million dollars in Box Office revenue, respectively. Harrison also secured a guest appearance during the second season of the FX drama, Loose Ends as a stripper, Leila. On August 5, 2016, during the 2016 Amazon Television Critics Association presentation, it was announced that Harrison would executive producer and star in an original series, Fragments. Produced by Amazon Studios, the series will make its premiere in 2017. She will also serve as a producer on the limited-run series, Knox, a spinoff of Loose Ends, based on the character of Paul Knox.
Artistry
Musical style
Voice and performances
Influences
Other ventures
StandStill Recordings
Clothing line
In the fall of 2009, Harrison teamed up with American retailer Hot Topic to produce a clothing line, inspired by her debut album, promptly named Unsweet Sixteen. Upon its launch, the line was highly successful and in high demand. However, in January 2010, Harrison announced her decision to stop immediate production on the line, citing her decision to focus on "the arts of music and such", but did not rule out returning to fashion at a later time. Immediately, production was stopped on the clothing line and by the end of 2010, the remaining pieces at Hot Topic retail locations were pulled from shelves.
Fragrances
{Throughout her career, Harrison has produced two fragrance collections. Her first fragrance, A Touch of Light, was released in November 2010. Harrison described the scent as ""air, breezy and light" and that is caused the sense of "happiness and joy". Harrison's second scent, Just..., was released exclusively to retailers Kohl's, Target and JcPenney in May 2011. Despite teasing a third fragrance, Harrison confirmed in an interview with Real TV Film that she had zero intentions of producing any further fragrances. She stated: "No it's not for me anymore. My focus is purely on my music. That's my baby right now".
Author
In February 2012, Simon-Schuster announced a partnership with Harrison's own JH Entertainment, to publish her memoir, The Learning Curve. During an appearance on the short-lived syndicated Katie talk show, Harrison spoke to host Katie Couric about her decision to write a memoir, which chronicled her late-teen years into her early 20's. Harrison stated, "It's so easy in this industry to get lost in the hype or the celebrity of it all. But writing this memoir as I call it, is really helping me piece together my childhood with my career. And it includes little journals when I was growing up and unfinished pieces of poems or lyrics. It's a special piece of material to me."
Personal life
Harrison has been romantically linked to several high-profiled celebrities. While filming Redrum, Harrison was briefly romantically linked to her co-star Shia LeBeouf and at separate times, to musicians Brad Yelchin and Nathan Hunter; Harrison went on to deny relationships with all three men in a May 2011 with Oprah Winfrey. In 2009, Harrison began dating her producer, Tom Quincy, despite a considerable age difference. The pair split by the end of the year, and Harrison had a two-month romance with her guitarist, Vincent Spiederman. However, by early 2010, Harrison reconnected with Quincy and the pair resumed their relationship. By 2011, Harrison accepted Quincy's marriage proposal during the series finale episode of The Oprah Winfrey Show, which earned a lot of backlash, again, due to the gap between Quincy and Harrison's ages. Later that same year, reports claimed that the pair had ended their engagement and three-year relationship; Quincy confirmed the split in a statement, stating that Harrison "holds a special place in my heart, but we both must take our time apart to grow."
In 2013, Harrison entered into a relationship with singer-songwriter Roman Graham, after meeting and working together on the set of The Astral Projection. The pair currently live together in Brooklyn, New York. In August 2020, the couple announced their engagement
Legacy
List of works
Discography
Studio albums
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Compilation albums
Extended plays
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Filmography
| Year | Title | Role | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Redrum | Chloe Howard | Feature film debut |
| Rollercoaster Tsunami | Kaitlin Kimbal | ||
| 2011 | All My Children | Mental ward patent | Special guest star; one episode |
| 2012 | Crash Into Me | Jessie Landry | |
| The Mighty Three | Saraphina Bleu | Series regular; unaired pilot series | |
| 2014 | The Astral Projection | Heather Lynn | Co-executive producer |
| Heidi Timbers | |||
| Loose Ends | Leila | Guest role | |
| Wrath | Danielle Larksen | Co-executive producer | |
| 2017 | Fragments | Emme | Executive producer; pre-production |
Bibliography
- Harrison, Jude (2013). The Learning Curve. New York: Simon-Schuster.
Concert tours
- Unsweet Sixteen Tour (2009)
- My Turn Tour (2010)
- Losttrain Summer Festival Tour (2013)
- Losttrain Club Tour (2013–2014)
- Never Been Gone Tour (2015)
- Second Go Tour (2016)
- Lost Frequencies Tour (2016)
- Soulchild Live (2017)
Awards and nominations
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