Lemar: The Reason shows all the sides of my character
Lemar: The Reason shows all the sides of my character
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Monday, 24, Nov 2008 04:33
Lemar released his new album The Reason on November 24th 2008 which includes his new single ‘If She Knew.
Read on to see the leading light of British R 'n' B discussing soul, success and a spat with Calvin Harris, on inthenews.co.uk.
You look like you're thinking about something very serious on the poster for your new album The Reason...
When I was doing the album I wanted to make an album that will cause people to think twice and to second guess and question things in life in general. Most of the songs on the album have a double meaning. I wanted to make an album that reminded me why I wanted to become an artist in the first place. I wanted to make something exciting and eclectic. My last album was old school Soul so on this one I wanted to keep people guessing and show them I can do different things. There's soul, pop, R 'n' B and different styles of writing on this album to show all the sides of my character.
So this time the record label allowed you to do almost whatever you wanted with this album?
Yeah, they did. At the end of the day I take each album very personally. A lot of people think that when you're doing an album the label has full control but on this one it was all me. Obviously you're in a team and you take advice from people who you value the opinion of as well. I went to America and spent a lot of time in Miami on my own and made new friends then got into the studio. As a result of that, I've come up with something a bit different.
Who did you work with production wise?
I had a lot of fun. I worked with Jack Flash who has worked with Cee-Lo, Gnarls Barkley and Alicia Keys, we hung out and had a great time. I chilled with Salaam Remi for a couple of weeks and I wrote a song called Trust Me which he made the live music for. I also worked with Jim Johnson who made Lollipop for Lil Wayne. I just wanted to show a different side of my singing and writing.
To read the inthenews.co.uk review of The Reason, click here
Are you going to be touring with this album?
I'll be touring March and April next year. I can't wait to get on the road again. It's been a year and a bit since I was on stage in front of the people.
You're on one of Sway's tracks [Saturday Night Hustle] and he's doing really well right now - what do you think of UK music at the moment?
I think it's really healthy. There's a lot of acts that have had a great time this year like Dizzee Rascal, Calvin Harris, Estelle and of course, Sway. I was happy to work with him. He helped me with a guy called Sean Anthony who I'm keeping my eye on. Hopefully we'll hear something from him next year. Everyone's doing their thing and breaking through.
You're one of the artists who redefined UK music. Do you personally see yourself as someone who's done that?
Yeah, I think I've contributed largely. I think If There's Any Justice in the mainstream really touched a nerve with a lot of people. There's a lot of soul going on at the moment as well with Will Young, James Morrison, Paolo Nutini, Duffy and Amy Winehouse. I think it's a cool thing.
Even though some artists are becoming more successful, 'urban music' is still a dirty phrase for some, especially with the stabbings at the Urban Music Awards lrecently. What do you think about that?
I think that’s unfortunate. When that kind of thing happens you don't even know what to say it's just like 'Ahh man, why this particular awards ceremony, why that particular night?' Hopefully whatever the argument was it's all over now and we can move forward and have a successful ceremony next year.
You were on Xtra Factor this month. What was it like appearing on that show since you're from reality TV yourself?
A few years ago I came from Fame Academy. I thought it was cool; they wanted to get an opinion so I went in and gave an opinion. At the end of the day people are trying to chase a dream and get their journey on the road so any way I can help out really. A few people got a lot of success like Leona so now it's seen as a realistic route into the industry. As a result of that, different types of people have applied to the show so there’s a higher level of talent.
Do you have a favourite to win the X Factor?
I think it's a close call out of Diana and Alexandra. I think Alexandra is the most complete performer out of all of them. I think people like Diana because she's different and will vote for her. The person I think will win, regardless of what I like or not, is that little boy, Eoghan, simply because he's the only Irish person and the Irish get behind their people so we have a whole country voting for him. I think he will win.
I heard you were at Downing Street recently. How did that go?
It went alright. I went down there to have some breakfast and look around the place. There was a cabinet meeting so I went in there when it was finished. I was there with Alesha Dixon and a few others. I bumped into Gordon Brown and Andy Burnham who I talked about Top of The Pops with. I think they should bring it back.
How do you feel about your success right now? Do you still think there's a lot to achieve?
I think so. I feel happy with what's gone on so far. Three albums released, two million albums sold. I do want to expand and have a bit more international success and go to America with this one. I honestly think this is the best stuff I've ever done. I've heard quite a few other male solo albums that are coming out and I think what I've done is very competitive. I hope people at least get the album and give it a listen and try something new. I'm trying to push boundaries, not just sit in the music industry and get paid.
I read something about Calvin Harris saying you're copying Ne-Yo. I personally don't think that's true but why do you think he would say that?
I have no idea. He obviously hasn't listened to my music or this album. I'd like him to go and listen to my album when it comes out from the beginning to end. I'd like him to let me know if there's anyone else in the UK doing what I'm doing, the way that I'm doing it. I'll agree with his opinion and take my hat off to him but in my opinion I think he's wrong.
Who else are you looking to duet with in the future?
I'm pretty open. I'll work with anyone, maybe even Calvin Harris. After he's listened to my album he might be like 'oh s**t, maybe I need to work with this guy!' The track he did with Dizzee was really good and also Acceptable in the 80s was cool as well. He's a good producer.
What about working with Leona Lewis?
I would love to. Talk to her people and tell them to take down the red tape so I can work with her. I think she's really good.
Tell us something we don't know about Lemar...
I flew a helicopter once.
Rashmi Shastri