The next big thing: JAMIE LIDELL

By ADRIAN THRILLS FOR MAILONLINE
Updated:

Jamie Lidell

Jamie Lidell: Music nerd turned showman

WHO IS HE?

A hero of the dance underground who is abandoning techno for disco and funk.

WHY THE FUSS?

Like Mark Ronson, Lidell is a music nerd who turned into a showman. His new
album, Jim, combines technical wizardry and soul vocals. He could be a British Gnarls Barkley.

WHAT’S THE STORY?


Raised in a small Cambridgeshire village, Lidell, 34, discovered music through his mother, a classical singer. He studied science at the University Of Bristol before releasing an experimental album, Muddlin Gear, in 2000. A more accessible sequel, Multiply, followed five years later, with some critics comparing him to Prince, Marvin Gaye and Stevie Wonder.

AND THEN?

Lidell supported Beck in the U.S. before taking time off from his solo pursuits for a
stint as backing singer and ‘energy arranger’ on quirky Canadian singer Feist’s album, The Reminder.

WHAT NEXT?

Returning to his own songs, Jamie roped in two of Feist’s bandmates, pianist Gonzales and producer Mocky, to work with him on an album that reflected his love of funk and soul. Looking to the past for inspiration, Lidell evokes the ghosts of Jackie Wilson (on the gospelly Another Day), Otis Redding (on All I Wanna Do) and Sly Stone (on Green Light). ‘I wanted the songs to be timeless,’ he says. ‘I haven’t tried to hide my influences. This is the music I love.’

WHERE CAN I HEAR HIM?

The single A Little Bit Of Feel Good is out now on Warp. The album follows on April 28. He plays The Tramway, Glasgow, on April 25 and The Liquid Rooms, Edinburgh, on April 26. Then there are dates in London, Manchester
and Bristol. See www.jamielidell.com.

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