Things have been looking way up for Mayer Hawthorne, the soothing soul-pop singer whose music often sounds like a classic throwback to another era. Hawthorne signed to Universal Records halfway through the production of his newest album, How Do You Do, which was released earlier this month and debuted at #1 on iTunes R&B/Soul Chart. When he's not bowling at White House in DC, he's traveling throughout the US and Canada, on his worldwide tour.
Last week Hawthorne performed his hit single "The Walk" on The Late Show with David Letterman, below.
[youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HZASLU0gEHc[/youtube]
When I first learned about Hawthorne and his music, I read a number of interviews that revealed his curatorial his process of searching for old records. Hawthorne has a knack for finding and tastefully revitalizing vintage tunes, as seen in his DJ set for The Do Over in LA.
Mayer Hawthorne – The Do Over DJ Set
[soundcloud url="http://api.soundcloud.com/tracks/27015592"]
If you're looking to take Hawthorne's own music for a test drive, consider Impressions, released earlier this year in May. Hawthorne wanted to put out a free EP and chose to do one that features Isley Brothers as well as Chromeo, but with a Hawthornesque twist.
Download: Mayer Hawthorne – Impressions
When producer Mark Ronson heard Hawthorne, he couldn't help but exclaim, "I have no idea what this is, old or new, but it's fucking good!!!" Think that about sums the guy up.
