Soul Strutter: Hemai [2021] - Strange Beauty [Tru Thoughts] (Full Album)

When I saw the artists name and started listening to the album I immediately 'assumed' he would be Japanese but was surprised to learn that he is 22 year old Louie Hemus, a producer/multi-instrumentalist from Birmingham (UK).

He debuted with a six track EP 'Eyes, Closed' in 2019 which was supported by Gilles Petersen and he has subsequently had exposure on BBC radio (6 Music, Radio 1, 1Xtra) and JazzFM.

This is his debut album released 7 May 2021 which includes his last three singles all released last year i.e. 'Noa Noa', 'Love Dancer' and 'Relight', which are probably the best tracks, along with 'Vertigo' which features Sydney based, New Zealander, Wallace who recently sang on Middle Name Dance Band's soul chart hit 'Weekend Love Chant'.

I really like the voice of FiFi Robo who leads on 'Love Dancer' (live video below) and also on 'Euphoria' on the debut EP.

I guess you would describe the album as neo jazz/funk with a bit of electro thrown in the mix..

By coincidence it's the second artist today signed to Tru Thoughts, the other being Anushka.

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