EMMA-JEAN THACKRAY ANNOUNCES NEW ALBUM ‘WEIRDO’ OFFERING A BOLD, GENRE-BLURRING EXPLORATION OF SELF AND SURVIVAL

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Emma-Jean Thackray is back with Weirdo, her highly anticipated second album, set for release on April 25th.

A fearless producer, composer, and multi-instrumentalist, Thackray has built a career on defying musical boundaries, and this latest project is her most personal and ambitious work yet. Written, recorded, mixed, and produced entirely by Thackray in her South London flat, Weirdo is an uncompromising exploration of selfhood, grief, and gratitude. Merging grunge, pop, soul, p-funk, and jazz, it’s a celebration of survival and individuality.

Leading the album is ‘Wanna Die,’ a frenetic, emotionally charged single that captures the raw intensity of Thackray’s songwriting. The track’s scattered rhythms and lush harmonies contrast with its starkly honest lyrics, creating a sonic landscape that is both chaotic and cathartic.

“I think we need to talk about the dark shit in our heads, and finding the humour in it only makes that easier,” Thackray says. “The lyrics to this are very diary-esque, like confessional poetry… When you centre in on the silliness, it’s easier to speak on your pain, and easier for others to hear it.”

The song’s music video, co-directed by Thackray and Nick Suchak, pays homage to 1970s TV performances, with Thackray playing every member of the band and a cameo from Gilles Peterson as the show’s host. The retro visuals mirror the track’s blend of playfulness and emotional depth.

Originally conceived as a meditation on neurodivergence and mental health, Weirdo took on new meaning following the unexpected loss of Thackray’s long-term partner in early 2023. The album reflects this shift, capturing a raw, deeply human response to grief and resilience.

Collaborations with Reggie Watts and Kassa Overall bring additional textures to tracks like Black Hole and It’s Okay, but at its core, Weirdo is a singular artistic statement - equal parts bold, vulnerable, and genre-defying.

Thackray is entering a new chapter. Weirdo isn’t just an album; it’s a statement of artistic freedom, a celebration of individuality, and a fearless confrontation of life’s complexities.

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