Digital Cover: Chase Hudson “Huddy”
Talent: Chase Hudson
Photos: Bing Putney
Stylist: Branden Ruiz
Words: Do Young Kim
Groomer: Nadia Hoecklin
Stylist Assist: Melissa Gomez
Photo Assist: Adam Hendershott
Managing Editor: Chrissy Wang
Marketing: Joe Trung Nguyen
EIC: Anthony Vu Cao
Art Coordinator: Kazue Mizushima
Production + Publisher: Kinetic Media Group
Location: APEX Photo Studio
Cover Fashion Credits: Coat: Façonner | Shirt: Buttercloth | Pants: Caleb | Boots: Dr.Martens
“I loved hearing the perspective that you have to learn not to judge your character, but to find the reasonings for why they are the way they are . . . You are who you are because of your journey in life,” says Chase Hudson.
Also known as Huddy, Chase Hudson helped found the creator collective Hype House and emerged at the center of TikTok’s youth driven boom. A few years into his journey, GR8T Magazine now meets the 23 year old singer and actor who has expanded beyond the foundations of his internet fame. Having released a full-length album and now cast in the leading role of the new Tubi original How to Lose a Popularity Contest, GR8T Magazine speaks with Chase Hudson as we discover a side of him many have yet to see.
Fashion Credits: Coat: Façonner | Shirt: Buttercloth | Pants: Caleb | Boots: Dr.Martens
You’re stepping into a new chapter across music and acting at the same time. How does this moment feel for you right now?
I’m so grateful that I’m able to pursue multiple passions of mine at the same time. I’ve been making an album for four years, so filming a movie right after I finished an album felt so rewarding because I was able to give all of my energy and focus into this film.
Your role as Nate in How to Lose a Popularity Contest is your first leading role. How did preparing for it feel different from anything you’ve done before?
It really was a shift in the air for me. I started eating really healthy, going to the gym every day, as well as hiking, training with my coach consistently, so I could be present and prepared. Acting lives in this world of preparation, whereas being a musician, you have to experience life to feel inspired to create, so this felt more focused than anything.
Fashion Credits: Coat: Façonner | Shirt: Buttercloth | Pants: Caleb | Boots: Dr.Martens
Can you tell us a little more about the character or Nate? Which parts of him are similar to you, and what are not?
Nate is your classic charismatic jock that everybody loves, and he thrives on that. I can relate to his story arc and his drive to fit in and be the best as an athlete, and to be friendly. I created Nate as almost a sub-genre of who I am and the people that I know. I don’t relate to his arrogance. I think he can be a little full of himself, but that’s his mask; it’s how he gets by, so I understand.
Then was there something about this role that taught you more about yourself that you didn’t expect to learn?
This role taught me to trust my instincts to step out of my comfort zone and not be afraid, but to be daring.
Jacket: Buttercloth | Shirt: Buttercloth | Boots: Dr.Martens
How was it like working with Sara Waisglass?
It was an honor working beside Sara. She is a powerhouse in her technicality and her delivery, so it was really inspiring to be around her because you can learn a lot from somebody who’s been acting their whole life you just have to be willing to take it all in. She’s sweet and funny off camera, but lethal the second they say action.
Fashion Credits: Jacket: Buttercloth | Shirt: Buttercloth | Boots: Dr.Martens
Anything from your acting teachers that you still remember and practice to this day?
I loved hearing the perspective that you have to learn not to judge your character but to find the reasonings to why they are the way they are. I’d never thought about a person in that way and it made me think about everyone differently. You are who you are because of your journey in life.
Fashion Credits: Jacket: Buttercloth | Shirt: Buttercloth | Boots: Dr.Martens
Is there a movie character you study or draw inspiration from?
I really studied Heath Ledger in 10 Things I Hate About You for this role, he embodies my energy, so I wanted to study him and add that layer to this film.
Fashion Credits: Blazer & Trouser: Pierre Blanc | Shirt: Buttercloth | Boots: Dr.Martens
Does your approach to acting feel similar to the way you approach songs? If so, how?
I approach songs and acting with a goal, one scene & one song at a time. What’s the concept? What emotions do I need to use to give the best results? How can I pull from my experiences to make this as real as possible?
Did moving between music and acting ever feel creatively overwhelming?
I find that you need to find harmony in the chaos. Yes, it’s hard to juggle two things at once, but life throws you curveballs, and you need to know which ones to swing at. GR8T
Top: Coat: Façonner | Skirt & Kilt: SIVAN | Boots: Dr.Martens | Sunglasses: Garrett Leight