The Hempolics
Biography The Hempolics
The Hempolics
are out to put those organic rootsy vibes back into music; with their fat radio-friendly hooks, bumping soundsystem bass and a wanderlusty, ineffably real sound all of their own… Over years of recording top international talent The Hempolics enigmatic leader, Grippa Laybourne, has been carefully honing his own masterpiece and selecting a gang armed and dangerous enough to execute it.
The Hempolics caused an instant stir with their single Serious, on the Reggae Roast label, which hit number one in the 2010 UK reggae charts and was playlisted on Massive Attack’s BBC takeover. Their latest releases have maintained success with a sync to the worldwide trailer for new Coen Brothers and George Clooney film ‘Hail, Caesar!’ and latest single Me Love To Sing has been playlisted by BBC6 Music with support from Steve Lamacq, Lauren Laverne, Rodigan & Don Letts. Combined with tight as a tick live performances – honed at their own underground club night in London – they are becoming the worst kept secret on the UK circuit today.
With their amazingly eclectic forthcoming album sounding like the i-pod of the attention-deficit generation and swelled by guest appearances from various international talents such as Maxi Jazz and Paulo Nutini - to name a few - The Hempolics have a storm brewing that promises to tear up the UK music scene. The album entitled ‘Kiss, Cuddle & Torture Vol. 1’ has been recorded in back to basics fashion throughout the bedrooms and home studios of the band producing an infectious mash-up of Reggae, Electro, Hip-Hop, Dancehall, Rock and Pop.
Although the weather out might be dull London-side it’s strictly sunshine vibes, resplendent with huge hooks and festival-friendly choruses. These are tunes that people will be bopping to across festivals, clubs and car journeys for years to come. As well as pedigree recordings and live shows The Hempolics are producing gritty videos with a striking realness to accompany their tunes, in contrast to the polished pretentiousness of the music establishment. They are the brainchild of veteran sound engineer and record producer Grippa Laybourne. Core vocalists, the empyreal Nubiya and devilishly dashing Dan Collier, combine together impeccably, with Dan’s brother Harry sometimes stepping in with his own smooth tones. The rest of the band comprises of deft bassist Lorenzo, Leon King who ranks up there with the finest Reggae/Dub guitarists around and the exceptional Craig Boorman on drums. Take your eye off The Hempolics at your peril. Ital business!
