Soul Legend Omar talks 40 Years in Music, Upcoming Album, and US Tour! Interview w/ Kai Jasper
British soul legend and pioneer Omar Lye-Fook is marking an impressive 40-year milestone in the music industry, and he shows no signs of slowing down. Best known for his timeless classic There’s Nothing Like This, Omar is currently putting the finishing touches on his long-awaited ninth studio album, Brighter the Days.
The veteran singer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist sat down with KJ to reflect on his musical journey, collaborations with legends like Stevie Wonder, Erykah Badu, and Common, and what fans can expect from his upcoming US tour.
Omar’s breakthrough track There’s Nothing Like This remains a staple in the UK soul scene. Recalling its origins, he shared how inspiration struck while digging through his father’s vinyl collection. A song by The Ohio Players, Heaven Must Be Like This, sparked his creativity. “There was nothing else that sounded like that at the time,” Omar explained. He wanted to pay homage to that beautiful track, He knew he had something special when early cassette copies of the song were played on repeat among friends.
Eight years after his last album, Omar is preparing to release Brighter the Days, a deeply personal and uplifting project centered around hope and resilience. One of the tracks, Lovey Dovey, has been in the works since 2007, passing through the creative process of two previous albums before finally being deemed ready. The album includes music written during the pandemic, with Omar aiming to offer listeners a sense of light through challenging times. “I wanted to show people that there are better things coming for all of us,” he said.
In addition to studio work, Omar remains a commanding presence on stage. Having performed worldwide, he shared that one of his favorite places to tour is the United States. “They bring the energy, excitement, and vibes,” he said. Fans there really live in the moment they sing, they dance, they enjoy themselves externally
Omar is set to return to states this July for a US tour running from July 13th to 29th, with stops including Chicago, Nashville, and Los Angeles. Fans can expect soulful performances, new material, and classic hits that span his four-decade career.
Check out the full interview for more!
For more info on Omar visit:
http://www.omarmusic.co.uk
Follow on Omar on socials:
https://www.instagram.com/omar_lyefook
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