UK electronic talent Model Man have announced details of their eponymous debut album, also unveiling new single ‘Don’t Cry’ featuring East London artist Hamzaa, out today.
The Model Man LP will be released on 29th October. It’s a vulnerable body of work exploring two sides of Brandon’s world; on one hand his traditional Mormon upbringing with classical undertones, and on the other his awe-inspiring discovery of rave culture and electronic music. The name itself refers to the pressures of upholding the image of the Mormon definition of a “model man”. Brandon explores an alternative definition for the term that highlights inclusivity amongst men from different backgrounds, and breaking away from unrealistic ideologies. At the heart of the project is the idea of standing in your truth, and embracing the multiple facets of masculinity.
Talking about his purpose for the Model Man LP, Brandon explains, “on my debut album I’ve wanted to create a world of euphoria and nostalgia – echoes of nights out, fragments of people you’ve been with, memories and a longingness for both the past and the present.”
The album announcement is accompanied by the release of new single ‘Don’t Cry’. A moving exercise in the space between rave nostalgia and emotive composition. The track is a life-affirming melange of enchanting piano chords, pensive melodies and Hamzaa’s soulful vocals. Speaking on the single, Hamzaa says, “This song is a banger, straight vibes. Model Man took the lead and I followed, it came together so easily.”
Brandon adds, “the melodic idea for Don’t Cry came from a fear of flying – I was really scared of the turbulence – so started singing that ‘hey hey don’t cry…’ melody but at that stage without lyrics.”
Speaking about the collaboration with Hamzaa, he continues, “Hamzaa is one of the most energised personalities I’ve worked with – she brought her amazing vocal power to the Don’t Cry and I hope we get to work together in the future again.”
Alongside the single is a thought-provoking visual directed by Theo Watkins with additional work from cinematographer Jamie Harding – collectively they have worked on visuals for Idles, Squid and Arlo Parks in the past. The video follows a protagonist going through daily routines, eyes-shut and lost inside his own existence. As the piece builds, we see flashes of contrasted gesticulation that hint at the crescendo as his eyes finally open and he comes alive.
