Jamaican star on the rise, Mortimer, is being acknowledged as a nominee for Best New Artist (Reggae) at the second inaugural Caribbean Music Awards, held at Kings Theater in Brooklyn, NY.
This achievement is ahead of his anticipated debut album From Within (Overstand Entertainment/Easy Star Records, Sept 20), produced by Jamaican Grammy-nominated visionary Winta James with the help of Mortimer on select tracks. His first studio release will feature reggae legend Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley on the opening track as well as 2023 Grammy-winner Kabaka Pyramid & modern-day Jamaican contemporary Lila Iké on his brand new single “Bruises,” out this past Friday, Aug 23.
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Mortimer says “Bruises”, his new song, “speaks on the mistreatment we’ve had to endure as Black people especially, but also about the human condition and the emotional distress we all face regardless of race or status. We all bear scars, both seen and unseen; some spoken of and those kept secret.”
Watch the visualizer for “Bruises” (directed by Pete Beng).
Mortimer describes his debut From Within as an exploration of human duality, capturing both the pain and hope in our everyday lives, balancing themes of emotional struggle and joy. His voice seamlessly transitions from a raspy, smoky alto to a silky falsetto, marked by his signature unhurried delivery. His chilled R&B meets reggae vibe is layered with profound, soul-searching lyrics over calm grooves and hypnotic downtempo rhythms.
Born in Kingston, Jamaica, Mortimer originally aspired to be a soldier or auto engineer before focusing on music. He has been a key player in the current wave of Jamaican reggae. His upcoming debut album From Within follows his 2019 EP Fight The Fight and its standout single “Lightning” – with over 25m + YT views and dubbed “pure love in its heavenliness” by The FADER. His singles, along with guest features on tracks by Protoje, Keznamdi, Jaz Elise, and Khalia, struck a chord with audiences worldwide and solidified Mortimer’s position as a breakout artist in the scene. Mortimer’s recent projects include contributions to Winta’s Gratitude Riddim, Samory I’s Strength, and a David Bowie cover of Easy Star All-Stars’ Ziggy Stardub. He also completed a successful European tour with Samory I and Tippy I Grade this past Spring.
Find Mortimer:
Website | Instagram | Facebook | Youtube
Mortimer – From Within – Album Artwork:
Track Listing:
- In My Time Ft. Damian “Jr. Gong” Marley
- Bruises Ft. Kabaka Pyramid & Lila Iké [Watch]
- Not A Day Goes By * [Watch]
- Rather Be
- My Child * [Watch]
- Whole Heap * [Watch]
- Balcony Swing
- Slowly * [Watch]
- Heavy
- New Roads
- You And Me
- Changes
- My Own Tears
- Where Would I Be
