Emerging artist Indy Newland, a 22-year-old transgender hip-hop artist and skater hailing from London, is set to captivate audiences with the release of his debut album, Little Man. An honest and compelling exploration of life’s firsts, self-identity and the journey to embracing one’s true self, Little Man is a groundbreaking addition to the music scene.
When the global pandemic forced Indy’s studies at Leeds Conservatoire to a sudden halt during lockdown, he turned to the comforting embrace of jazz-influenced, old-school hip-hop. Inspired by the music he immersed himself in, he embarked on a journey of self-discovery that led him to both music production and the art of rap. The result? A genre-defying sound that seamlessly weaves elements of hip-hop, jazz and soul into a tapestry of emotion and storytelling. Indy’s vocals draw inspiration from iconic R&B and jazz artists like Erykah Badu and Amy Winehouse, while his rap and production style recalls the likes of Action Bronson, Mac Miller and Tyler, The Creator.
Little Man is more than just an album; it’s a reflection of Indy’s personal journey, a narrative that delves into his first experiences at university, finding independence, discovering love and realising his true identity as a transgender man. The album also delves into themes of creating a chosen family in friendships, facing the challenges of substance abuse within close circles and the unwavering determination to never give up, no matter how challenging life becomes.
Speaking on his motivation for creating the album, Indy Newland says, “Music has saved my life countless times, and that’s why I do what I do, so I can repay the gift. Not giving up despite how ‘bad’ things seem and working on my career to become one of the best one day, doing whatever it takes to get there.”
A standout feature of Little Man is the inclusion of samples from the documentary film Paris Is Burning, which chronicles New York’s LGBTQ+ community in the 1980s. The film explores the community’s ambitions and dreams in the face of harsh adversity – an enduring theme that runs throughout the album.
Little Man is an embodiment of resilience, authenticity and embracing one’s true self. Indy Newland’s journey is one of courage, and through his music, he invites listeners to join him on this transformative path. Little Man is available to buy/stream now on all platforms.
