Lemar is celebrating his 20th anniversary in music with his seventh studio album ‘Page In My Heart’.
The singer – who shot to fame in 2003 after finishing third place on the first series of UK TV show ‘Fame Academy’ – will release his first collection of original material in 11 years this spring.
It’s preceded by the eighties-inspired funk single Future Love, with Lemar sharing: “With this new album, I wanted to make something for anyone who ever bought [debut album] ‘Dedicated’, as this year is 20 years since its release.
“I thought I’d like to make something for the people who got behind that album, something that they would appreciate and like. That’s really reflected in the first single Future Love.
“It’s more uptempo, it’s got that soulful feel, it’s a bit looser, a bit Chaka Khan. A bit Dance (With U)… it’s got that kind of energy to it.”
‘Page In My Heart’ is Lemar’s first LP since the 2015 covers collection ‘The Letter’, with the singer-songwriter adding: “My fans have been really, really patient. I always say soon, soon, soon, soon. And they’re like, well, when’s that?
“I’ve been doing some acting, I’ve done other TV bits which they have supported, but I didn’t want to announce a show celebrating the first album without giving them something new. I’m always writing songs, but I’ve been writing songs for other things over the years.
“So I thought, let me make sure that I get a new offering on the table.”
In support of the album and his latest career milestone, Lemar will return to the stage with two special gigs in Manchester and London on April 27 and 28.
‘Page In My Heart’ is out March 24 on AMP and available to pre-order now. Tickets for the shows go on sale Friday, February 10 at 10am GMT.
