The Hempolics unleash ‘Play On’, the second single from their upcoming second album ‘Kiss, Cuddle & Torture: Volume 2’, planned for release in April 2020 through their own record label Zee Zee Records via Kartel Music Group.
Following the recent release of their trip-hop meets dub-influenced single, ‘Full of Surprises’, which saw support at radio from BBC 1Xtra’sDavid Rodigan,6Music’s Steve Lamacq, Don Letts and 6Music Recommends, ‘Play On’ examines the game-like aspect of some relationships, mashing up soul and reggae with horn hooks and electro dub flourishes.
Born from a studio session with Juno Awards-winning Canadian reggae and electronic artist Dubmatix, the new cut is the result of a different approach to music writing for the band; “we wanted to make something fresh and with an instant upbeat feel”, recalls the band’s mainman and producer GrippaLaybourne – who has previously worked in the studio with a variety of international top acts like Mattafix and Faithless – “I wanted the band to be more involved with the writing process, it’s the only track they found, wrote and recorded their own parts before I arranged it and finished it off adding horns and keys overdubbed”.
Vocalist Nubiya’s infectious soul-pop vocals and empowering lyrics show one of the main strengths of The Hempolics, the capacity to talk about sensitive topics while channelling their own struggles into something positive and exciting.
The Hempolics’ blend of Reggae, Hip-Hop, Dancehall and Pop has already been heavily supported across UK national radio by BBC Radio1, BBC 1Xtra, BBC Radio 2 and BBC 6Music, where the band had three playlisted singles. They went on to have 6Music ‘Album of The Day’ and were subsequently chosen by Liz Kershaw’s pick for ‘Album Of The Year’, after an impressive live session for Lauren Laverne.
‘Play On’ is The Hempolics most captivating offering yet. And with a new album coming out next year the band is set to cement their status as one of the most interesting bands of this generation
The Hempolics are Grippa Laybourne (Dub FX, Keys), Nubiya Brandon (Vocals), Dandelion (Vocals), Harry Collier (Vocals, Guitar), Leon King (Guitar), Lorenzo (Bass) and Craig Boorman (Drums).
