Genre-blurring UK artist Emma-Jean Thackray has announced her sophomore album Weirdo, which follows 2021’s Yellow and arrives on April 25 Gilles Peterson’s Brownswood Recordings (pre-order). The album was written, performed, recorded, mixed, produced and arranged entirely by Emma-Jean in her South London flat, and it features collaborations with Reggie Watts (on recent single “Black Hole”) and Kassa Overall. Here’s some background on it, via press release:
Originally conceived as a meditation on neurodivergence and mental health, Weirdo evolved after the unexpected loss of her long-term partner from natural causes in January 2023, resulting in an album that feels deeply personal and universal. With intricate compositions, raw emotion, and an unflinching authenticity, Weirdo is more than an album; it’s a masterpiece of resilience, a celebration of individuality, and a bold leap forward for an artist at the forefront of British music.
Speaking on the album she shares: “Initially the album was a way to process and accept my own mental health issues. It then turned into a grief diary and inevitably, my form of therapy. In many ways, making Weirdo saved my life. I want the music to resonate with others who might be going through similar experiences, to let them know that there’s a way through it all, and that it’s OK to express whatever’s on your mind.”
Along with the announcement comes a new single, the skittering electronic pop of “Wanna Die,” along with a video directed by Emma-Jean and starring six versions of herself as her own six-piece band. It also has an intro by Gilles Peterson. Check it out below.
Tracklist
1. Something Wrong With Your Mind
2. Weirdo
3. Stay
4. Let Me Sleep
5. Please Leave Me Alone
6. Save Me
7. Maybe Nowhere
8. What Is The Point
9. Black Hole ft. Reggie Watts
10. In Your Mind
11. Tofu
12. Fried Rice
13. Where’d You Go
14. Wanna Die
15. Staring At The Wall
16. I Don’t Recognise My Hands
17. It’s Okay ft. Kassa Overall
18. Remedy
19. Thank You For The Day