Author: Michael Darling
Springfest is coming up this weekend, and the campus is abuzz about the event, particularly about hip-hop legend Nas. However, another exciting artist is also on the bill: Mayer Hawthorne, a Los Angeles-based retro-soul singer.
Mayer Hawthorne is the stage name of 31-year-old Andrew Mayer Cohen. The Ann Arbor, Michigan native recently moved to Los Angeles after being signed by Peanut Butter Wolf, founder of Stones Throw Records. Hawthorne first attracted the attention of music tastemakers like the DJs of KCRW and record producer Mark Ronson with his 2008 single “Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out.”
Hawthorne’s debut album, “A Strange Arrangement,” released last September, has led to a surge in his popularity. On this record, Hawthorne employs all the standard tools of classic soul music: layered backing vocal harmonies, funky drums and wailing saxophones. Interestingly, most of the instruments on the record are played by Hawthorne himself. “A Strange Arrangement” primarily tells tales of love: love that has lasted, love that has expired and love that has yet to begin.
Soul music has long been concerned with themes of love, and Hawthorne’s vocal techniques reflect this particular style. On the ballads he employs an aching falsetto filled with sorrow, while on more upbeat tracks he utilizes a lower and more joyful croon.
Other key soul influences are found in his lyrics. Hawthorne has said that he is influenced by the Holland-Dozier-Holland, the legendary songwriting trio who boast 21 number one hits for Motown Records. Their emotional songwriting style is reflected in Hawthorne’s song “Make Her Mine.”
While staying true to the soulful music on the record, Hawthorne also incorporates a variety of musical styles into his songs. The record opens with an a capella prelude that is reminiscent of the Beach Boys. The record then segues into “A Strange Arrangement,” where he progressively adds instrumental elements in a manner similar to singer Dusty Springfield. On the saxophone-driven “Your Easy Lovin’ Ain’t Pleasin’ Nothin,” Hawthorne employs a shuffle similar to the Supremes’ “You Can’t Hurry Love.” The closing track, “Green Eyed Love,” features psychedelic guitar reminiscent of Carlos Santana.
In addition to his own recordings, Hawthorne has helped out other artists on their own projects. For example, Snoop Dogg invited him to remix his hit “Gangsta Luv,” and the resulting track was included on the album “More Malice.” Meanwhile, Kanye West and Spike Jonze have chosen to feature Hawthorne’s music in their short film “We Were Once A Fairytale.”
Although Hawthorne’s style may owe a bit to the artists of the past, he is an original. He writes his own songs and plays many of the instruments featured on the record. In this age of over-digitized pop, it’s great to see a multi-talented songwriter appear on the scene.
This is a record that, if not for the more modern ideas reflected in some songs, could seamlessly be put in a jukebox alongside Marvin Gaye, Sam & Dave and Aretha Franklin. It hardly feels like a recent release, not because the sound is dated, but because the music and the messages are timeless.
Give Mayer Hawthorne and his live band The County a listen and check him out this Saturday. He’s already making a mark on the music scene, and with his rising popularity, it’s clear he’s not quitting anytime soon.
This article has been archived, for more requests please contact us via the support system.
