Emma-Jean Thackray – Weirdo
Leeds-born jazz, pop and soul artist Emma-Jean Thackray announces her second album, Weirdo, set for release this Friday. A bold fusion of funk with a pinch of soul and a sprinkle of pop, this record is a celebration of what it means to survive and thrive in a sometimes unforgiving world. Written and recorded entirely by Thackray, this is an ode to her undeniable talent at putting pen to paper and producing a sound that resonates so closely with listeners. The record is deeply personal and invites fans in on heartbreaking events Thackray has navigated, creating a “grief diary” that lays bare her struggles with mental health through honest, reflective songwriting.
The artist opens with the eerie 30-second track Something Wrong With Your Mind, a haunting blend of vocals and jazzy riffs that represent inner chaos. This leads into the album’s title track, setting a powerful tone for the rest of the record. Weirdo, one of the standout singles, highlights feelings of isolation and mental health challenges, yet is cleverly wrapped in upbeat melodies and infectious riffs.
Thackray has released four songs ahead of the album release, including It’s Okay featuring Kassa Overall. This dreamy number demonstrates Thackray’s ability to mix genres and create an otherworldly soundscape for listeners. The words “it’s okay” are repeated throughout and act as a gentle assurance that you’re in for a relaxing ride.
Black Hole is another track introduced ahead of the album late last year. Featuring Reggie Watts, Black Hole showcases Thackray’s genre-crossing style – from pop to jazz to soul, there’s a bit of everything in there, but Thackray achieves this in a way that doesn’t come across as doing too much.
Other pre-released numbers include Maybe Nowhere and Wanna Die. The former is a gentle rock tune with repetitive riffs that encourage some headbanging, whereas Wanna Die brings a darker, fast-paced jazz track with raw, thought-provoking lyrics that will leave you craving more.
Shorter interludes are scattered throughout, like the cool and collected In Your Mind, and the quirky, food-themed Fried Rice. This unevenly timed format of the record will keep listeners on their toes and allows Thackray to genre-jump whilst remaining true to her distinct sound.
An unapologetically honest record, Thackray proves her commitment to using music as a form of healing and connection. Her candid approach to songwriting and fearless experimentation make this release a powerful milestone in her career, demonstrating growth and depth as an artist. Fans have welcomed the album announcement with open arms, and it’s clear that Thackray’s journey is only just beginning.
Emily Downie
Image: Lewis Vorn
Weirdo is released on 25th April 2025. For further information or to order the album, visit Emma-Jean Thackray’s website here.
Watch the video for the single It’s Okay here:
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