Lemar Obika first burst onto the UK scene via the BBC’s Fame Academy, where he came third proving that winning isn’t everything. He’s since had three hit albums, won two Brits and two MOBOs and is firmly established in the top eschelon of UK soul singers. His new album The Reason is out on November 24th, and RealMusic Blog caught up with a very excited and trim-looking Lemar recently to talk about his new music, writing in LA, turning 30 and becoming a father…
Tell us a bit about your new track, If She Knew…
“It’s a song I wrote in LA and it’s about the communication breakdown that can happen in relationships - when you’re fighting and you don’t really know what you’re fighting about. It’s one person saying to the other - if only you knew how much I love you, you wouldn’t be feeling like you are.”
I’m sure a lot of people will listen to the radio and think he’s talking about me! Let’s talk about the new album The Reason - is it different to the last few you’ve done?
“I would say the last three albums have come together for me to make this one. This has got elements of soul, elements of R&B and the songs have all got a pop sensibility to them. It’s very different to my last album, which only had one producer and a classic old-school sound. I didn’t want to play it safe and just replicate that. I travelled a lot while I was making this one, met a lot of different producers and rediscovered that passion for music and was inspired to write some great songs. I hope I’ve written a fun and modern-sounding album.”
Can we expect a few more upbeat songs like 50/50?
“Definitely - this album carries a lot more tempo than my previous albums. The songs analyse my life and my views on life so there should be something for everyone.”
Did you write the songs?
“I was involved on all but one - I’ve always been involved in most of my songs from the start. However, the process of songwriting for this album was different from before, in that I got to go away and not be disturbed. I don’t need to prove I can write or sing, so this is just me writing inspiring music. I called the album The Reason because I wanted to rediscover why I loved music in the first place, and I found it’s because I love listening to inspiring songs and that’s what I wanted to write. This album pushes boundaries and should make people think.”
Did you go anywhere nice to record?
“Yes! (Laughs). I spent about two months in Miami on South Beach, which was a lot of fun. Before, I’d go to the studio and just get straight to work. But this time I hung out and just listened to music for a couple of days which got the juices flowing again and enabled me to write better songs.”
Any plans to go to America with your music?
“I’d love to! I’ve got a new-found love for the States and if there was one of my albums that would work over there, I think it would be this one.”
You broke big on Fame Academy - are you still in touch with anybody from that time?
“Once in a while people still text to tell me a video or song was cool, or just to say hi - that’s always nice.”
Are you a fan of the current talent shows like X Factor?
“Absolutely - and as time goes on, shows like that are becoming a credible and realistic path into the industry for some people. I think what Leona’s done is given talented people a push - if she can do it, so can they and you don’t have to make a fool of yourself in the process - you don’t even have to win!”
What do you do when one of your songs comes on the radio?
“I smile and say someone still wants to listen! (Laughs) Seriously, it’s always a nice moment. I don’t dance though - you never know who’s looking…”
You worked with Sway recently - how was that?
“It was really cool! He’s really talented and his The Signature album is great - he’s more of a poet really. There’s a track on there called Pray For Kaya which is such a great song.”
Any other collaborations in the pipeline?
“I’d love to do a song with Alica Keys. I’ve met her a couple of times, she’s cool and I think our voices would complement each other so maybe one day!”
You turned 30 this year - did you have a party?
“Yes! Family and friends came round and it was great. I’m in a good place right now in my life. I have a new baby daughter who’s a great blessing and it’s made me take a new view on life. I can’t be selfish anymore now I’ve got her…”
Did you buy anything when your first broke big?
“Not really. Maybe it’s because I used to work in a bank, but I’m so cautious with money. It’s been 14 years till now of me trying to get into the industry and in that time I’ve seen so many people come and go, so when I started I was cautious, which has been good in the long run!”
You did a Comic Relief boxing match with Ben Shepherd - how was that and are you still in shape?
“I’m in way better shape than I was then! I didn’t train very much for that and Ben was a lot stronger than I imagined. At the time I had no stamina, but now I run as well as lifting weights, so I’m firing on all cylinders now. It was great to take part in it though and raise money for charity.”
What’s next?
“I’m touring from March next year for a month - I haven’t done that for a while, so it’ll be great to get in front of people again.”
Have you got a favourite song to do live?
“I like doing What About Love - we do that acoustically and it always go down really well. But I just can’t wait to showcase my new stuff - I’m really happy with it.”
What’s the most played song on your MP3 player right now?
“Coldplay’s Lost - I run to it two or three times a week.”
Watch Lemar’s If She Knew right here…
Listen to Lemar Radio on RealMusic
Lemar’s album The Reason is out on November 24th
(Clare Lydon)
