Mayer Hawthorne

I am going beyond the confines of my experience at Outside Lands Music Festival to talk about this artist. I have heard of him for the first time in Outside Lands where he did an outstanding performance. My friend knew of his music which was why I went to the Sutro Stage (one of 5 stages) to check him out. I remember standing in line by a burrito stand adjacent to the stage (before I have given his music a listen and walked to where the stage was) and bobbing my head and telling my friend , " Wow! Listen to that bass line. I don't know who this artist is but I really like how he sounds."

His music is a throw back of the classic rhythm and blues particularly in the 60s and 70s. He carries on the legacy of Motown's velvety groove and the harmoniously tingling vibe of Doo Wop. While the music of R and B has evolved through the ages;Hawthorne is bringing us back when non-digital musical instruments flowed through the airwaves - from percussions, guitars, bass guitar, wind instruments and best of all vocal harmony. Oddly, his sound is "refreshinly old". Lyrically, he talks about the "good old lovin'" , romantic relationships and chemistry/attraction. Music shouldn't be restricted to a person's race and he has proven that. This tall, adorably nerdy white boy (in his sneakers, dress pants and starchy buttoned down shirts) shows his love for music with no apologies.

His pieces has caught the attention of Kanye West, Spike Lee, Jay-Z and must've had the pleasure of doing his own interpretation of Snoop Dog and The Dream's "Gangsta Luv". Which , if you ask me, sounds a whole lot better than the original. Although, I do have respect for the original and I still want to give it credit.

He released his first album called A Strange Arrangment released by Stones Throw Records and it was released September of 2009. I wish I knew about it sooner. I'll make sure this time that he doesn't drop off my musical radar.

I've been disenchanted by Music Videos as of late but there is something about his music videos that is so low key yet it still maintained a feel-good, and refreshingly youthful vibe.

Check out his video for Green-Eyed Love:




Here is his website from his record label:

www.stonesthrow.com/mayerhawthorne


I am a new fan and I look forward to discovering more about his music.