XL MIDDLETON

Based out of Pasadena, California, producer/vocalist/multi-instrumentalist Matthew Hudgins began prolific work as XL Middleton in the early 2000s. Leaning heavily on the influence of icons of West Coast funk and hip-hop as well as hints of Deep South rap, Hudgins developed a laid-back, sometimes blues-tinged style with lots of melody and upbeat production. Playing keyboards on his own tracks became a signature of his sound, and his playing graced the hooks of albums such as 2007's Barliament Drunkadelic, 2012's Bright Lights Palm Trees, and 2015's Tap Water. In 2017 he released the full-length Things Are Happening. ~ Fred Thomas