Ugly Duckling has "Audacity". Since U.D. formed in 1993, Andy, Dizzy and Young Einstein have had the nerve to believe they should make it in the music business. Fiercely independent and musically idealistic, the trio from years. Despite the band's low media profile and often-changing label situations, they have built a unique and wide reputation for delivering soulful, humorous hip-hop and a white-hot live show. To look at them, one might not guess that this band has an accomplished resume of classic singles, consistent sales, critical acclaim, international t.v. and festival appearances and a busy travel schedule with the worn-out passport stamps to prove it but, somehow, they've made it happen.
"Audacity" is also the title of their latest L.P. and, as usual, the guys are excited about the new stuff. Andy explains, "We are constantly trying to develop the Ugly Duckling sound without losing sight of our foundation. This time around, we wanted to add melody to the vocals and more complex arranging and production. Plus, these songs are kind of personal." The process of creating the album took almost a year. "Our creative method is difficult and time-consuming", says Young Einstein who heads up the production along with Andy, "but in the end, it's wort it." Dizzy, who loves to sequester himself off at home and write admits, "The lyrics for this album were challenging. I had to dig deep". After all of this hard work, U.D. offers 12 tracks that push the boundaries of Hip-Hop style attempting to break down rap cliches and generally accepted notions about the culture. The band has never fit into any predictable mold but this album stands out as their most daring and emotionally vulnerable while still, somehow, retaining the gritty funkiness first heard on their debut "Fresh Mode" in 1997. They've never relied on featured artists or outside production so the band has had to force themselves to evolve and experiment by exploring different musical styles and trying new things. On "Audacity", you'll hear U.D. doing things you've never heard them do before.
