86 In-spire
LS
T
here are a few things in life that are guaranteed: that
night will follow day, British summers are always pants,
and that if the Brand New Heavies release an album it is
going to be epic!
In anticipation of the release of their first studio album
in seven years, I caught up with founding member, Jan
Kincaid, to shed some light on the return of the Heavies.
Meeting as youngsters, Jan, Simon and Andrew could not
have predicted that borrowing instruments from school
and jamming together would result in them becoming
pioneers of London's acid jazz scene in a career spanning
almost three decades. In fact, in the early days they all
still maintained their day jobs until they realised they
were on to a winner. Ever since then, "It's been all gravy,"
Jan tells me in a laid back way you could only expect from
someone in one of the coolest bands this country has ever
produced.
Why are they so cool? Well in Jan's own words, the
Heavies "Cross a few territories. We are not just a dance
act or a soul act or a jazzy act... we are comfortable in
all of those scenarios," and this was proven with the
release of Heavy Rhyme Experience Vol 1, which saw
collaborations with Q-Tip, Guru and Pharcyde.
The group also has the knack of finding the most
incredible female vocalists to work with, N'Dea
Davenport, probably being the most well-known and
long standing of all.
The Heavies now have a new addition to the line-up.
Dawn Josephs, came highly recommended to the band
who instantly loved her vibe. "She has exceeded our
expectations, people usually have their favourite singers
but she has done really well and put her own stamp on it,"
Jan tells me.
So it seems they could be described as the Brand New
and improved Heavies, but what can we expect from
them this time round? "Everything you would expect
from a Heavies album," I am assured by Jan, "good lyrics,
and good melodies... everything the Heavies' fans like."
The fans also played a part in getting the new album
made, "We started making this record with a campaign
online to raise money to do it." Jan describes this to me
as a modern take on the old skool fan clubs where all that
was on offer was a few pictures.
Fans willing to part with cash before an album is even
made is confirmation if ever you needed one that the
Heavies are the kind of group that always deliver. "A lot of
artists are struggling to find that
Brand New Heavies
In-spire LS
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Words by Taytula Burke @Teebeewrites