Emma-Jean Thackray’s Trailblazing Journey Through Resilience with “Weirdo”
Emma-Jean Thackray, a renowned English jazz artist and noted boundary-breaker, takes listeners on a journey of potent self-expression and healing within her second album, “Weirdo”. Due to come out in 2025, “Weirdo” is one of the most intensely anticipated music releases. The genre-defying musician, born around 1989 and originating from Leeds, has been making waves in the typically middle and high-income dominated music industry – that is according to the Office for National Statistics. Now well-established in South London, she creates the potent mix of grunge, pop, soul, p-funk, and jazz genres within her music.
In her latest venture, “Weirdo”, the harsh realities of life are put on a pedestal. This holistic hour of auditory journey exposes Thackray’s grappling themes of grief, gratitude, and self-acceptance. Featuring collaborations with American artists Reggie Watts and Kassa Overall, the soul of the album nonetheless remains rooted in the unique voice of its creator – likened to influential contemporaries Meshell Ndegeocello, Kate Bush and Nirvana.
Showing the power of resilience, the soul-stirring “Wanna Die” single encapsulates the album’s defining essence. The song thrives on its fast-paced rhythm, juxtaposing it with heavy undertones of mortality and durability. As with the album, Thackray played the role of a maestro for her single – writing, performing, recording, mixing, producing, and arranging everything in her South London residence.
Thackray’s primary attempts to address her mental health through music evolved to a grief processing toolbox after the sudden loss of her beloved long-term partner in January 2023. As such, “Weirdo” emerged both as her form of therapy, and a beacon to others dealing with similar experiences. It is a monumental triumph of survival and individuality, and a testament to her extraordinary musicianship.
Prior to her game-changing album “Weirdo”, she had already made a commendable contribution in the music world. Her debut album “Yellow”, released in July 2021 on her own label Movementt, resonated with her mantra “move the body, move the mind, move the soul”. “Yellow” raced up to No. 1 in the UK Jazz Albums Chart, and No. 3 in the UK Independent Albums Chart, and marked her as one of the most promising figures in contemporary music.
Returning to the scene of “Weirdo”, the new album promises a closer, raw look into Thackray’s personal journey into survival and self-love. She takes her listeners to a symphony of emotional revelations and self-introspections, offering her extraordinary musicianship in full display. As she charges into the new chapter of her musical journey under the banner of the respected Brownswood Recordings home to artists like Yussef Dayes and Kokoroko, it’s certain that the genius-laden artist is far from settling down. Her truthful expressions and fearless music continue to light the way for listeners worldwide.
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