Meet our latest signing – Hemai
His 2019 debut EP “Eyes, Closed” received upfront support from Gilles Peterson, Erica McKoy and Papaoul on Worldwide FM. Now, having been highlighted as one to watch by BBC Introducing’s Jaguar on her ‘Hot List 2020’ Hemai is now cementing his place in the thriving UK jazz and electronic scene.
We are excited to welcome Hemai, the hotly tipped 21-year-old producer and multi-instrumentalist to Tru Thoughts.
The announcement of his signing is paired with the news of his debut single for us, “Relight feat. Laura Roy & Woddy Green” which is released on Tuesday 13th October. Teaming up with vocalists Laura Roy and Woddy Green here Hemai sonically melds soul and jazz with an electronic tinge “Production-wise I’m experimenting with the concept of space; bringing together my favourite sounds from around the world and the universe and merging them with UK roots”, he explains.
Born and bred in the UK’s second capital Birmingham, Louie Hemus AKA Hemai grew up around jazz culture, music and live musicians, taking influence from the likes of Herbie Hancock, The Gilberto’s and D’Angelo to modern day acts like Zero7 and Corinne Bailey Rae. His 2019 debut EP “Eyes, Closed” was closely followed by his official remix of Oscar Jerome’s “Gravitate”.
When asked about how it feels to be signed to the label Hemai enthused “Insanely heart-warming! I’ve always been such a fan of the label and the music coming from Tru Thoughts. Passively throughout my life, they have shaped the way I listen and consume music, so I will always be eternally grateful for the energy, passion, and trust they have in me and my music. It’s bliss.”
“Relight feat. Laura Roy & Woddy Green” is now available to pre-save on digital platforms HERE
Follow Hemai on his social media: Instagram / Twitter / Facebook
