Emma-Jean Thackray Weirdo 2LP

Weirdo is the highly anticipated second album by Emma-Jean Thackray, the visionary producer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist. Known for defying musical boundaries, Thackray's latest work is a deeply personal and utterly original exploration of selfhood, grief, and gratitude.

Drawing on an eclectic mix of influences—grunge, pop, soul, p-funk, and jazz— Weirdo is a triumphant celebration of survival and individuality. Written, performed, recorded, mixed, produced and arranged entirely by Thackray in her South London flat, the album stands as a testament to her extraordinary musicianship and fearless self-expression.

"Black Hole" is a delectable slice of P-funk, featuring surreal comedian and Brainfeeder signed musician Reggie Watts. The track showcases Thackray's extraordinary ability to merge sounds across myriad genres, channelling everything from jazz, pop, and soul to parliamentary-funk. Balancing intricate musicality with raw emotion is her unmistakeable trademark.

"Wanna Die" is a striking blend of frenetic energy and emotional vulnerability. With its scattered, uptempo beat driving the track forward, the song juxtaposes its rhythmically playful foundation against poignant reflections on mortality and resilience. Thackray's lyrics wrestle with heavy themes, moving between moments of despair and determination. The result is an audacious exploration of life's fragility, delivered with raw honesty and wrapped in a percussive soundscape that feels simultaneously chaotic and cathartic.

"It's Okay," featuring Seattle drummer, rapper and bandleader Kassa Overall, is a dreamy and weightless composition that showcases Thackray's ability to warp and meld genres. The track unfolds with laid-back bars delivered by Overall, underpinned by the rattle of acoustic drums, gentle brass tones, and Thackray's airy vocals serenading the phrase "It's Okay" throughout the arrangement. The result is a soothing and ethereal track that invites listeners into a serene and hazy landscape.