Brother May

Musician — London

01Profile

A Brother May Photo

03Interview

Name, where are you from?
My name is Brother May, I am from the world, meaning anywhere and everywhere is my home but at present, I reside in the City of London for now!

Describe your style in three words?
Clean, Crisp and Zest.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Blak Twang live at Deal Real record shop in Carnaby Street, West End. He performed all his old school tracks and spoke of meeting Biggie Smalls and performing with Wu Tang Clan. Edris Elba also came through to support. S/O Maslawsun.

If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
Nirvana because it's Nirvana! Who wouldn’t want the blessing of having graced the same stage as them?
Bob Marley because growing up Bob Marley was a very positive influence in mine and many other people’s lives globally with his message of love.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
Garage into Grime with Wiley, Dizzee Rascal and BBK being the front-runners of the subculture Grime. Their success proves that people may not understand in the beginning stages, but through persistence and evolution of music, and ultimately the subculture expanded into its own culture.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Bob Marley because I can relate to him musically and I feel we would share the same topics and we could understand each other's views and collaborate musically. I also enjoy playing football too.

Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
Roundhouse in Camden, London where we (CURL) played in front of thousands of people at a sold-out event. We opened up for Mount Kimbie, the energy was surreal and we played a show we all were proud of.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Whitney Houston is a huge inspiration to me. She is the most awarded woman in music of all time (Guinness World Records). She sold over 200 million records worldwide. This makes her my heroine as I share similar goals. I also love people who are living testaments that the seemingly impossible, can be made possible.


Brother May released his LP 'Aura Type Orange' on 28th June 2019 via AWAL/KOBALT, purchase it via apple.co/31QA1A6.

Brother May also performed at Fred Perry Subulture's All Our Tomorrows festival in 2019, which you can read all about here.

04Playlist Notes

The first track you played on repeat?
'Jump' by Kriss Kross.

A song that defines the teenage you?
'Quiet Storm' by Mobb Deep.

One record you would keep forever?
'Life After Death' by Biggie Smalls.

A song lyric that has inspired you?
"Remember doing shows ain’t nobody show up,
Pour your heart out ain’t nobody show love,
They used to laugh when my whip was on the tow truck,
Til me and being broke finally broke up."

From Kanye West's verse on 'Glow' by Drake from his 'More Life' album. 

The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
'Got To Give It Up' by Marvin Gaye.

A song you wished you had written?
'Thriller' by Michael Jackson.

Best song to turn up loud?
'Lovely Day' by Bill Withers.

A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Could It Be Magic' by Barry Manilow.

Best song to end an all-nighter on?
'Sock It 2 Me' by Missy Elliot ft Da Brat.

Any new music you are listening to right now?
'Transport for Lewisham' by Coby Sey.
'Songs for MIDI' by Kwes.
'SYMBOL DRAGGONS' by Kwake Bass.
'Devotion' by Tirzah.
'This is England' by Farai.
'Full Moon in Aries' by Roxanne Tataei.

03Interview

Name, where are you from?
My name is Brother May, I am from the world, meaning anywhere and everywhere is my home but at present, I reside in the City of London for now!

Describe your style in three words?
Clean, Crisp and Zest.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to?
Blak Twang live at Deal Real record shop in Carnaby Street, West End. He performed all his old school tracks and spoke of meeting Biggie Smalls and performing with Wu Tang Clan. Edris Elba also came through to support. S/O Maslawsun.

If you could be on the line up with any two artists in history?
Nirvana because it's Nirvana! Who wouldn’t want the blessing of having graced the same stage as them?
Bob Marley because growing up Bob Marley was a very positive influence in mine and many other people’s lives globally with his message of love.

Which subcultures have influenced you?
Garage into Grime with Wiley, Dizzee Rascal and BBK being the front-runners of the subculture Grime. Their success proves that people may not understand in the beginning stages, but through persistence and evolution of music, and ultimately the subculture expanded into its own culture.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
Bob Marley because I can relate to him musically and I feel we would share the same topics and we could understand each other's views and collaborate musically. I also enjoy playing football too.

Of all the venues you’ve been to or played, which is your favourite?
Roundhouse in Camden, London where we (CURL) played in front of thousands of people at a sold-out event. We opened up for Mount Kimbie, the energy was surreal and we played a show we all were proud of.

Your greatest unsung hero or heroine in music?
Whitney Houston is a huge inspiration to me. She is the most awarded woman in music of all time (Guinness World Records). She sold over 200 million records worldwide. This makes her my heroine as I share similar goals. I also love people who are living testaments that the seemingly impossible, can be made possible.


Brother May released his LP 'Aura Type Orange' on 28th June 2019 via AWAL/KOBALT, purchase it via apple.co/31QA1A6.

Brother May also performed at Fred Perry Subulture's All Our Tomorrows festival in 2019, which you can read all about here.

04Playlist Notes

The first track you played on repeat?
'Jump' by Kriss Kross.

A song that defines the teenage you?
'Quiet Storm' by Mobb Deep.

One record you would keep forever?
'Life After Death' by Biggie Smalls.

A song lyric that has inspired you?
"Remember doing shows ain’t nobody show up,
Pour your heart out ain’t nobody show love,
They used to laugh when my whip was on the tow truck,
Til me and being broke finally broke up."

From Kanye West's verse on 'Glow' by Drake from his 'More Life' album. 

The song that would get you straight on the dance floor?
'Got To Give It Up' by Marvin Gaye.

A song you wished you had written?
'Thriller' by Michael Jackson.

Best song to turn up loud?
'Lovely Day' by Bill Withers.

A song people wouldn’t expect you to like?
'Could It Be Magic' by Barry Manilow.

Best song to end an all-nighter on?
'Sock It 2 Me' by Missy Elliot ft Da Brat.

Any new music you are listening to right now?
'Transport for Lewisham' by Coby Sey.
'Songs for MIDI' by Kwes.
'SYMBOL DRAGGONS' by Kwake Bass.
'Devotion' by Tirzah.
'This is England' by Farai.
'Full Moon in Aries' by Roxanne Tataei.

 

05Videos

Brother May | Can Do It (2020)

Brother May | U Kno (2016)