Undoubtedly, one of the most exciting artists to emerge from the UK scene in recent years, Labrinth, releases his eagerly anticipated debut solo album, Electronic Earth, through Syco Records on 19th March.
Born Timothy McKenzie, in just two short years, 22-year old Labrinth has become the trailblazing artist on everybody’s lips. The multi-talented musician debuted with Let The Sun Shine last September. The single rocketed straight into the top three and was still being played on UK radio six months later.
The follow up Earthquake arrived in October [a year after his debut] and went in at #2. A song of seismic proportions, Earthquake featured long time collaborator Tinie Tempah and stayed in the top ten for an incredible six weeks.
With two smash hits already under his belt, Hackney-born Labrinth is currently in the studio putting the final touches on the much-awaited debut album, which is being entirely written, composed and produced by himself at his studio in Wood Green, London.
"I’m a musical geek. It’s like there’s this big, wild universe in my head and I love to express it," he says of the diverse influences and kaleidoscopic sonics that Electronic Earth encompasses.
Always looking to make something different, Labrinth refuses to tick any genre boxes and the album brings with it a fusion of different sounds from reggae to dubstep to jungle to jazz to house.
"My whole ethos is musical freedom. I’ve really learnt that while developing myself," he explains.
Coming from a musical family, the totally self-taught Labrinth discovered his talent for music at 13, by going to a local studio whilst still at school and learning to make beats and play guitars and keyboards.
He took it upon himself to study music theory as he felt it was important to study his craft and understand the music - and it is this kind of determination and dedication to his work and experimental edge which has lead to him becoming one of the UK’s most visionary young artists.
Stylish, humble and oozing a charisma that is almost electric, Labrinth has single-handedly redefined our perception of the UK ‘urban’ look, sound and feel.
A hypnotic and engaging performer, he accumulates rave reviews for his live performances. Recently performing to packed-out crowds at the likes of BBC 1Xtra Live, he has just been announced to return to the line-up at Wireless 2012.
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