New Music
New Music
Introducing: Oscar Jerome
Meet the South London musician delivering an intoxicating blend of funk, jazz, hip hop, R&B, and soul.
Rising jazz talent Oscar Jerome has a big year ahead of him, with his debut album Breathe Deep set for release on 10 July 2020.
Having recently released new music, the single Your Saint featuring Brother Portrait, as well as a video for Give Back What U Stole From Me, the young singer-songwriter has also announced a winter headline tour.
Jerome’s Breathe Deep UK 2020 tour will kick off in Birmingham on 16 November and stop at six cities across the country, including Glasgow and Birmingham, before wrapping up with a huge homecoming show on 25 November at London’s Electric Brixton.
Who is Oscar Jerome?
Oscar Jerome is a composer, singer and guitarist. He became obsessed with music as a child, recalling rocking out in bands in his parents’ garage from the age of 11. Influenced heavily by jazz, Jerome lists legends like John Martyn and The Clash, as well as American luminaries like George Benson, Otis Redding, Jimi Hendrix and Gil Scott-Heron as his inspiration. Hip hop artist James Yancey, better known as J Dilla, was also influential in shaping Jerome’s work, as were grunge bands like Nirvana and Rage Against The Machine, which got him interested in writing political songs. Today Jerome’s songwriting also draws on themes of spirituality and self-reflection, as he is dedicated to creating music with sincerity at its core.
Where is Oscar Jerome from and how old is he?
Born in Norwich, Jerome is in his late 20s. He’s been living in south London for over a decade. Having studied at the renowned Trinity Laban Conservatoire of Music and Dance in London, Jerome has developed a broad musicality – and that can be heard in his work today which merges elements of funk, jazz, hip hop, R&B, soul and more.
What music has Oscar Jerome released?
Over the past few years, Jerome has offered a consistent stream of singles and EPs. Among his most popular tracks are 2018’s Do You Really, a jazz-flavoured piece that explores identity.
Also in 2018 Jerome released the five-track EP Where Are Your Branches?, which combines sounds of hip hop, jazz and electronica while exploring dysfunction in modern society.
In 2019 he unveiled tracks like Gravitate and Lizard Street, showing off his moodier side with a blend of strings alongside complex chords and a strong guitar melody.
Then in early 2020, Jerome revealed Sun For Someone, which focuses on the debate around climate change. His latest releases are Give Back What U Stole From Me (based on a similar track, called Give Back What You Stole From Me, that he’d done in 2016) and Your Saint.
His forthcoming Breath Deep album follows in the footsteps of this rapidly growing catalogue that has seen him pick up support and plenty of play time from BBC’s Radio 1, 6 Music and 1Xtra.
Relive Oscar Jerome performing Smile On A Screen on the roof of his south London flat.
Does Oscar Jerome play in a group?
Jerome is part of the Afrobeat band Kokoroko. Other members of this musical group include leading figures from London’s jazz scene like Cassie Kinoshi, Richie Seivwright, Ayo Salawu, Mutale Chashi, Yohan Kebede, Onome Edgeworth and Sheila Maurice-Grey. Kokoroko means “be strong”, and the band aim to channel the sounds of West Africa through a jazz-focused approach to music. They released a self-titled EP in 2019 containing the songs Adwa, Ti-de, Uman and Abusey Junction.
Does Oscar Jerome have any collaborators?
In addition to Kokoroko, Jerome has collaborated with a wide range of artists including Shabaka Hutchings, Yussef Dayes, Joe Armon-Jones and Moses Boyd. When his Breathe Deep album comes out, it will showcase collaborations with other artists including Sons Of Kemet, Ezra Collective and Maisha. Jerome has also been creating material with Lianne La Havas, who brings her unique hybrid of alternative soul and folk into his eclectic mix.
Where has Oscar Jerome played live?
In 2019 Jerome was on the road supporting spiritual jazz virtuoso Kamasi Washington. Jerome has also played packed-out tours around the UK, as well as in the US, Europe and Asia.
What are Oscar Jerome’s 2020 UK tour dates?
Alongside Jerome’s new album coming out this summer, you can see him live this winter. The full list of tour dates are shown below:
16 November 2020 – Mama Roux’s, Birmingham
17 November 2020 – Belgrave, Leeds
18 November 2020 – Gorilla, Manchester
20 November 2020 – Drygate, Glasgow
21 November 2020 – St Doms Social Club, Newcastle
22 November 2020 – Fleece, Bristol
23 November 2020 – Norwich Arts Centre
25 November 2020 – Electric Brixton, London
Where can I get tickets for Oscar Jerome?
Tickets for Oscar Jerome’s Breath Deep 2020 UK tour are on sale now at Ticketmaster and TicketWeb.
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