JJerome87

alt-J's Joe Newman launches solo project JJerome87 & shares debut single "Brush Me Like A Horse".

British songwriter and musician Joe Newman - frontman of the critically acclaimed Mercury Prize and Ivor Novello-winning band alt-J - today releases his debut single under his solo moniker JJerome87. Alongside the announcement of his signing to Mushroom Music / Virgin Music Group and his first-ever live show, JJerome87 shares the first taste of a forthcoming full-length project with the single ‘Brush Me Like A Horse’.

Recorded in Los Angeles with producer Carlos De La Garza, the track features a dedicated group of session musicians and a trio of female backing vocalists, resulting in a distinctly Californian sound infused with the energy of Motown, blues and gospel.

Speaking about the meaning behind the song, Newman shares

"[Brush Me Like A Horse] is the story of a man slowly turning into a horse. This metamorphosis has the world around him forgetting who he is as people begin to care for him more and more

like a horse.

This song was inspired partly by something I'd seen a friend go through. They didn't turn into a horse, but their reputation went through a metamorphosis."

JJerome87 will debut his new single live for the first time, performing it alongside tracks from his upcoming project on 17th February at Sid The Cat Auditorium in Los Angeles.

He’ll be joined by the same talented session musicians who helped bring the record to life.

Photo by Zachary Gray