Very excited that Too Shy (12” edit) is coming out on 15th November, as a split release from @intlanthem x @totalrefreshmentcentre and with the legendary @gillespeterson on the B side.The Chicago-London family has been growing and going strong for a minute now. I’ve met such special people from over the waters that have changed me for the better, and I hope we all do more and more together, as kindred spirits across the ocean - the same energy that the universe has placed far apart, hoping we find each other.Gilles’s edit on the B is fantastic. He’s so good at feeling the overall architecture of something, and pacing something perfectly. Completely chuffed to be sharing a release with him, as he’s someone who I’ve looked up to for so long. He’s pointed me towards music that has shaped who I am as an artist, so in a sense he’s part of everything I do and make. He’s also shaped the musical landscape of the UK and the world with his boundless energy. I asked him once if he ever gets tired of listening to so much music and he said no, because he loves what he does. I think that speaks so much louder than the words themselves. Having his support means so much..Huge thanks to Scottie (IAR) and Lex (TRC) for this release and for believing in me. So much love to you guys.Hope you guys love the single when you cop it! It’s not only extended from @makayamccraven ‘s cut down from his beat tape, but is edited, with vocals, and has an outro skit too....“I can’t stand this place /Here I dream of there /Let me see the lights /Here I stay, too shy”Shouts to @makayamccraven @joeajkeys and @sowetokinch who I chopped up, and to @theon_cross and @nubya_garcia who I sampled a note from and made a synth out of!! A post photo by Emma-Jean Thackray on 2019-10-28 22:27:23
Very excited that Too Shy (12” edit) is coming out on 15th November, as a split release from @intlanthem x @totalrefreshmentcentre and with the legendary @gillespeterson on the B side.The Chicago-London family has been growing and going strong for a minute now. I’ve met such special people from over the waters that have changed me for the better, and I hope we all do more and more together, as kindred spirits across the ocean - the same energy that the universe has placed far apart, hoping we find each other.Gilles’s edit on the B is fantastic. He’s so good at feeling the overall architecture of something, and pacing something perfectly. Completely chuffed to be sharing a release with him, as he’s someone who I’ve looked up to for so long. He’s pointed me towards music that has shaped who I am as an artist, so in a sense he’s part of everything I do and make. He’s also shaped the musical landscape of the UK and the world with his boundless energy. I asked him once if he ever gets tired of listening to so much music and he said no, because he loves what he does. I think that speaks so much louder than the words themselves. Having his support means so much..Huge thanks to Scottie (IAR) and Lex (TRC) for this release and for believing in me. So much love to you guys.Hope you guys love the single when you cop it! It’s not only extended from @makayamccraven ‘s cut down from his beat tape, but is edited, with vocals, and has an outro skit too....“I can’t stand this place /Here I dream of there /Let me see the lights /Here I stay, too shy”Shouts to @makayamccraven @joeajkeys and @sowetokinch who I chopped up, and to @theon_cross and @nubya_garcia who I sampled a note from and made a synth out of!!
A post photo by Emma-Jean Thackray on 2019-10-28 22:27:23
Super sweaty, hair everywhere, weird dancing, late gigs, early flights, no sleep, blurry eyes, big beats, where I wanna be!Got a tasty run in Germany next week....31 OCT @enjoy_jazz_festival 02 NOV @ueberjazz 04 NOV @domicildortmund.info / tickets in bio. A post photo by Emma-Jean Thackray on 2019-10-25 12:54:17
Super sweaty, hair everywhere, weird dancing, late gigs, early flights, no sleep, blurry eyes, big beats, where I wanna be!Got a tasty run in Germany next week....31 OCT @enjoy_jazz_festival 02 NOV @ueberjazz 04 NOV @domicildortmund.info / tickets in bio.
A post photo by Emma-Jean Thackray on 2019-10-25 12:54:17
In the studio. Live. Good coffee. Reusable water bottles. Unbelievable microphones. Rotary mixers. Herringbone wood floor. Stained glass windows. Great cats with me. Vinyl. Thriller. Trance music. Natural materials. No fx. Cryptic. A post photo by Emma-Jean Thackray on 2019-10-18 09:33:16
In the studio. Live. Good coffee. Reusable water bottles. Unbelievable microphones. Rotary mixers. Herringbone wood floor. Stained glass windows. Great cats with me. Vinyl. Thriller. Trance music. Natural materials. No fx. Cryptic.
A post photo by Emma-Jean Thackray on 2019-10-18 09:33:16
I still think about this gig back on January in New York for @gillespeterson ‘s showcase at @nycwjf Half my band couldn’t make it out last minute due to visa hold ups, so new friends @dopeitstche and @davedrakemusic stepped up. We went for it with no rehearsal and they are absolute champs who I can’t wait to play with again. Everyday still feeling the gratitude for @gillespeterson @prsfoundation @bbcintroducing @bbc6music @nycwjf @lprnyc for making it possible. And separately from those guys but just as important to me @rbma for the help too.Also special love and kisses going to those that travelled across Americaaaaaa to see me. Wow.. A post photo by Emma-Jean Thackray on 2019-09-23 17:42:35
I still think about this gig back on January in New York for @gillespeterson ‘s showcase at @nycwjf Half my band couldn’t make it out last minute due to visa hold ups, so new friends @dopeitstche and @davedrakemusic stepped up. We went for it with no rehearsal and they are absolute champs who I can’t wait to play with again. Everyday still feeling the gratitude for @gillespeterson @prsfoundation @bbcintroducing @bbc6music @nycwjf @lprnyc for making it possible. And separately from those guys but just as important to me @rbma for the help too.Also special love and kisses going to those that travelled across Americaaaaaa to see me. Wow..
A post photo by Emma-Jean Thackray on 2019-09-23 17:42:35
3 years to the day since WALRUS EP came out! The first record I ever put out on vinyl. The beginnings of what has now become my band. My first leap into actually showing people what I do, rather than putting out obscure live recordings on bandcamp in secret.I learnt so much from putting out this record, all completely independently and from my own pocket, but I still didn’t really know anything about how to reach people. Which is why, after having a launch at @redbullmusicuk studios with friends and family, I jetted off to Montreal for @rbma and forgot to tell anyone about it. I didn’t even have any social media then!I had a lot of love and support when releasing this record, though! Initially from @bandcamp Daily, and also from the 2 best record stores in the world... Firstly from @mrbongoworldwide who taught me so much, and then @sounds_of_the_universe who bought and sold so many copies, and whose basement with Oli Reeves became a home.This record made it into the collections of some DJs that I’ll forever look up to: Theo Parrish, @gillespeterson, even @mrs_cruff bought a copy. And even though we don’t play the music from this record out anymore, I still love it with all my heart..... A post photo by Emma-Jean Thackray on 2019-09-19 22:07:49
3 years to the day since WALRUS EP came out! The first record I ever put out on vinyl. The beginnings of what has now become my band. My first leap into actually showing people what I do, rather than putting out obscure live recordings on bandcamp in secret.I learnt so much from putting out this record, all completely independently and from my own pocket, but I still didn’t really know anything about how to reach people. Which is why, after having a launch at @redbullmusicuk studios with friends and family, I jetted off to Montreal for @rbma and forgot to tell anyone about it. I didn’t even have any social media then!I had a lot of love and support when releasing this record, though! Initially from @bandcamp Daily, and also from the 2 best record stores in the world... Firstly from @mrbongoworldwide who taught me so much, and then @sounds_of_the_universe who bought and sold so many copies, and whose basement with Oli Reeves became a home.This record made it into the collections of some DJs that I’ll forever look up to: Theo Parrish, @gillespeterson, even @mrs_cruff bought a copy. And even though we don’t play the music from this record out anymore, I still love it with all my heart.....
A post photo by Emma-Jean Thackray on 2019-09-19 22:07:49
Did the music for this @bbcradio1 @greg_james breakfast ad.Greg said there was no such thing as TOO silly... I think I took it to the edge.Repost @greg_james A post video by Emma-Jean Thackray on 2019-09-16 19:11:04
Did the music for this @bbcradio1 @greg_james breakfast ad.Greg said there was no such thing as TOO silly... I think I took it to the edge.Repost @greg_james
A post video by Emma-Jean Thackray on 2019-09-16 19:11:04
In the studio tying up some loose ends this month before some drops come your way, and before I start gigging again in Oct.There’s some stuff ready for you that might be so far away from what you’re expecting and that really excites me. I’m not deliberately trying to keep you guessing, it’s just in my nature to follow my intuition, and what comes out could be anything, but with my voice at the core.Growing up all the people around me used to say “why do you always have to be so different?” And sometimes that stung, because I never tried to be anything other than who I was, but it also made me very sure of who I was from an early age. That knowledge of myself has never been shaken, and hopefully that’s something you can feel in my music. A post photo by Emma-Jean Thackray on 2019-09-16 13:23:14
In the studio tying up some loose ends this month before some drops come your way, and before I start gigging again in Oct.There’s some stuff ready for you that might be so far away from what you’re expecting and that really excites me. I’m not deliberately trying to keep you guessing, it’s just in my nature to follow my intuition, and what comes out could be anything, but with my voice at the core.Growing up all the people around me used to say “why do you always have to be so different?” And sometimes that stung, because I never tried to be anything other than who I was, but it also made me very sure of who I was from an early age. That knowledge of myself has never been shaken, and hopefully that’s something you can feel in my music.
A post photo by Emma-Jean Thackray on 2019-09-16 13:23:14
I spent last night doing my favourite thing: improvising.Starting something from nowhere, making something new, no preconceived ideas, clear mind, eyes closed, state of flow - it’s what I live for.People ask me all the time if I get nervous on stage, and last night people asked me more than ever before. The answer is never. Never. On stage improvising, that’s where life truly is for me.Thanks to @redbullmusicuk. It’s meant a lot to grow with you since being taken under the @rbma wing in 2015.No more gigs now for a while! But no rest, I’ve got lots of stuff to finish up. I’ve not released anything for a minute, but like buses it’s all coming now. I’ve got records on records on records of stuff coming. A post photo by Emma-Jean Thackray on 2019-09-12 11:53:28
I spent last night doing my favourite thing: improvising.Starting something from nowhere, making something new, no preconceived ideas, clear mind, eyes closed, state of flow - it’s what I live for.People ask me all the time if I get nervous on stage, and last night people asked me more than ever before. The answer is never. Never. On stage improvising, that’s where life truly is for me.Thanks to @redbullmusicuk. It’s meant a lot to grow with you since being taken under the @rbma wing in 2015.No more gigs now for a while! But no rest, I’ve got lots of stuff to finish up. I’ve not released anything for a minute, but like buses it’s all coming now. I’ve got records on records on records of stuff coming.
A post photo by Emma-Jean Thackray on 2019-09-12 11:53:28
Shouts to @jazzalavillette, to Paris, to @yasiinbey and to @kamaalwilliams! We stepped it up and went double keys on you. We opened the show with something brand new - it’ll be on my debut album. It you weren’t there you missed it, and you might not hear it for months, a year? We’ve got some live double keys music coming out soon; a new version of a track you already love. If you’ve been coming to the shows you’ve already heard it. If you haven’t been coming out this summer then rest up while we’re on a break for the rest of September and we’re back on it for the Autumn tour. Get on the mailing list (link in bio) for info straight from the horse’s mouth.Next solo show - Round Robin @redbullmusicuk Wednesday 11/9 @earthackneyNext band show - @soundcityips Friday 4/10 A post photo by Emma-Jean Thackray on 2019-09-09 13:51:52
Shouts to @jazzalavillette, to Paris, to @yasiinbey and to @kamaalwilliams! We stepped it up and went double keys on you. We opened the show with something brand new - it’ll be on my debut album. It you weren’t there you missed it, and you might not hear it for months, a year? We’ve got some live double keys music coming out soon; a new version of a track you already love. If you’ve been coming to the shows you’ve already heard it. If you haven’t been coming out this summer then rest up while we’re on a break for the rest of September and we’re back on it for the Autumn tour. Get on the mailing list (link in bio) for info straight from the horse’s mouth.Next solo show - Round Robin @redbullmusicuk Wednesday 11/9 @earthackneyNext band show - @soundcityips Friday 4/10
A post photo by Emma-Jean Thackray on 2019-09-09 13:51:52
It was my birthday last week, and it’s been as good a time as any to reflect. It’s been a crazy summer; we’ve been playing live constantly since April and always tried to bring you the best show we could. It’s been hard to keep producing at the same time, to split your brain when your body aches and your shoes are falling apart. It means your personal life comes second, sometimes not even second, sometimes further down the list. It’s hard to stay on top of eating, let alone having quality time with the people you love. I’ve been trying really hard to look after myself and failing so often, but it matters that I’m trying everyday.I try and think of life like a pyramid with your basic needs at the bottom and creativity at the top - the pyramid falls if the foundation isn’t strong. My pyramid falls over all the time, but failing is learning.Thanks so much to everyone that’s had us come play this summer. We’re bringing the summer gigs to a huge close tomorrow night at @jazzalavillette with @yasiinbey @hypnoticbrass @kamaalwilliams. I’m bringing out the full crew tomorrow and we’re dropping some new music. My debut album has been written for at least a year, and I’m finally gonna share some of it with you. A post photo by Emma-Jean Thackray on 2019-09-06 19:12:38
It was my birthday last week, and it’s been as good a time as any to reflect. It’s been a crazy summer; we’ve been playing live constantly since April and always tried to bring you the best show we could. It’s been hard to keep producing at the same time, to split your brain when your body aches and your shoes are falling apart. It means your personal life comes second, sometimes not even second, sometimes further down the list. It’s hard to stay on top of eating, let alone having quality time with the people you love. I’ve been trying really hard to look after myself and failing so often, but it matters that I’m trying everyday.I try and think of life like a pyramid with your basic needs at the bottom and creativity at the top - the pyramid falls if the foundation isn’t strong. My pyramid falls over all the time, but failing is learning.Thanks so much to everyone that’s had us come play this summer. We’re bringing the summer gigs to a huge close tomorrow night at @jazzalavillette with @yasiinbey @hypnoticbrass @kamaalwilliams. I’m bringing out the full crew tomorrow and we’re dropping some new music. My debut album has been written for at least a year, and I’m finally gonna share some of it with you.
A post photo by Emma-Jean Thackray on 2019-09-06 19:12:38
Ebo Taylor
Zara McFarlane
Ezra Collective
Makaya McCraven
Nerija
