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Liam Bailey
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Key Information
Liam Bailey is an English singer-songwriter from Nottingham.[1] He is noted for his soul, reggae, and blues-influenced vocal style.
Career
[edit]In 2010, he released two solo EPs on Amy Winehouse's Lioness Records.[2] Recorded entirely by Bailey and his guitar, the debut EP 2am Rough Tracks was released on 23 September, following its recording some weeks before. The EP consisted of "Your Heart's Not Safe", "I'd Rather Go Blind" and "Please, Please, Please, Let Me Get What I Want". This was followed by a second three track EP So Down, Cold, released on 29 November, featuring the tracks; "Fool Boy", "Breaking Out" and "So Down, Cold".[3] Bailey signed to Polydor Records earlier the same year.[4]
Bailey has been performing around the world with Chase & Status since 2010. Bailey co-wrote and performed on their single "Blind Faith", released on 21 January 2011 in the UK, where it debuted at number five in the UK Singles Chart; it also featured on their second album No More Idols. They then collaborated on the single "Big Man", released 16 October 2012, which reached No. 13 on the UK Dance Chart and appears on some editions of follow-up album Brand New Machine.
Bailey's prospective debut album Out of the Shadows[5] was recorded, produced by Salaam Remi, and scheduled for issue in September 2011 but Bailey unexpectedly pulled the release.
Following the break with Polydor, 2013 saw the re-release of "When Will They Learn" on Speakerbox, MistaJam's Ministry of Sound imprint,[6][7] complete with remixes by Shadow Child and others. The video was shot with Bailey's friends in Nottingham for the relatively small sum of £1,750.[8] Manager Sarah Stennett told HitQuarters that its homegrown, low-key nature was a perfect fit saying: "The video with Liam is amazing because his friends capture him so well. He was signed to a major label previously and they never quite captured it."[8]
Bailey's collaboration with Shy FX, "Soon Come" reached No. 6 on the UK Indie Chart in August 2013 and received praise from David Rodigan, Zane Lowe, and Annie Mac.[citation needed] They also collaborated on an EP as "Project Maldonado",[9] which was released for download on SoundCloud.
His debut album Definitely Now was released in the US in August 2014 on Flying Buddha/Sony,[10][11][12][13] with download single "On My Mind" available with pre-order. In an interview with Wondering Sound, Bailey explains how "it's been torture trying to figure out which way to go" in terms of musical direction.[14] Definitely Now shows that he has now found his sound, and is described by Wondering Sound as "sweet Daptone soul infused with blues moods, Oasis riffage, Sam Cooke grooves and light Jamaican accents".[14]
Nine years after first working together on The Dynamic Set's "When Will They Learn" single, Liam Bailey and Big Crown boss Leon Michels recorded an album together.[15] Ekundayo builds on the Nottingham singer-songwriter's penchant for recording lo-fi soul. Nevertheless, AllMusic describe the 13 track collection as 'reggae'.[16]
Bailey's fourth studio album, Zero Grace, was released in February 2024, produced by Leon Michels and the El Michels Affair collective.[17][18]
Discography
[edit]Studio albums
[edit]| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| Definitely Now |
|
| Ekundayo |
|
| Enfant Terrible (with St Francis Hotel) |
|
| Zero Grace |
|
EPs
[edit]| Title | Details |
|---|---|
| 2am Rough Tracks |
|
| So Down, Cold |
|
| It's Not the Same |
|
| Brand New |
|
| Broken Home (with Dogger & Mindstate) |
|
Singles
[edit]As lead artist
[edit]| Year | Single | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2010 | "I Belong" [A] | Non-album single |
| 2011 | "You Better Leave Me" | |
| "It's Not the Same" | It's Not the Same | |
| 2013 | "When Will They Learn" | Non-album single |
| 2014 | "On My Mind" | Definitely Now |
| "Villain" (featuring A$AP Ferg) | ||
| "Please Love Me" | Non-album single | |
| 2016 | "Love My Neighbours" | |
| 2018 | "Brother, Why You Gotta Love Her" (featuring Maverick Sabre) |
Brand New |
| "You Saw the Devil in Me" | ||
| "Tonight I'll Be Staying Here with You" | Non-album single | |
| 2019 | "Broken Home" (with Dogger & Mindstate) |
Broken Home |
| "Champion" | Ekundayo | |
| 2020 | "Fight" | |
| "Don't Blame NY" | ||
| "You Saw the Devil in Me (Remix)" (with Dogger, Mindstate & DRS) |
The Time is Yours | |
| "White Light" | Ekundayo | |
| "Angel Dust" | ||
| 2021 | "Give Me Time" | Big Crown Records presents Dear Sunny... |
| "Awkward (Take 2)" (with El Michels Affair) |
Ekundayo Inversions | |
| "Walk With Me" (with El Michels Affair) | ||
| "I Love NY" (with El Michels Affair) | ||
| 2022 | "Come Around Slowly" (with Shy FX) |
Non-album single |
| 2023 | "Divine Light" (with St Francis Hotel) |
Enfant Terrible |
| "Recovery Time" (with St Francis Hotel) | ||
| "Heavysoul" (with IZCO and FELIXCW) |
Non-album single | |
| "Bliss" (with Fybe:One) |
This Is Ours | |
| "Rain" (with Zefer) |
Before It Gets Too Late | |
| "Good People" (with St Francis Hotel) |
Enfant Terrible | |
| "Water Your Time (Bag Uh Reasons)" (with Summer-Pearl) |
TBA | |
| "We're Not Clear" (with NARX) |
TBA |
Notes
- A – The track was released as a free download from his website.
As featured artist
[edit]| Year | Single | Peak chart positions | Album | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| UK [25] |
UK Dance [26] |
DEN [27] | |||
| 2011 | "Blind Faith" (Chase & Status featuring Liam Bailey) |
5 | 1 | 24 | No More Idols |
| 2012 | "Breathe" (Delilah featuring Liam Bailey) |
87 | — | — | |
| "Big Man" (Chase & Status featuring Liam Bailey) |
68 | — | — | Brand New Machine | |
| "Don't Tell Me" (DJ Fresh featuring Liam Bailey) |
— | — | — | Nextlevelism | |
| 2013 | "Soon Come" (Shy FX featuring Liam Bailey) |
55 | 18 | — | Cornerstone |
| 2015 | "Revelation" (Breakage featuring Liam Bailey) |
— | — | — | When the Night Comes |
| 2016 | "4am Where Are You" (Kumarachi featuring Liam Bailey) |
— | — | — | Flashback |
| 2020 | "Yesterday" (Friction featuring Liam Bailey) |
— | — | — | Non-album singles |
| "Make No Sound" (Brookes Brothers featuring Liam Bailey) |
— | — | — | ||
| "Lost & Proud" (Alix Perez featuring Liam Bailey) |
— | — | — | Without End | |
| 2022 | "Look 4" (Brighter Days Family featuring Liam Bailey) |
— | — | — | Non-album single |
| 2023 | "Gunshot Love" (Break featuring Liam Bailey) |
— | — | — | Digital World |
| "Rivers" (Think Tonk vs. DJ Fresh featuring Jamie McCool and Liam Bailey) |
— | — | — | Non-album single | |
| "Satisfy My Soul" (Halogenix featuring Liam Bailey) |
— | — | — | TBA | |
| "Enough" (Manudigital featuring Liam Bailey) |
— | — | — | TBA | |
| "No Fear" (V V Brown featuring Liam Bailey) |
— | — | — | Am I British Yet? | |
| "No Sunset For Soul" (Monty featuring Liam Bailey) |
— | — | — | So Sunset For Soul | |
| 2024 | "Sorrow" (Joe Armon-Jones featuring Liam Bailey) |
— | — | — | Aquarii In Dub |
Other appearances
[edit]| Year | Song | Artist | Album |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2018 | "I Belong" | Salaam Remi | One: In the Chamber |
| "Dancing with the Devil" | Roxanne Tataei | Full Moon in Aries | |
| 2019 | "Lay You Down" | Foreign Beggars | Matriarchy |
| "Actualize" | Louis Cypher | Cypher Sore Eyes | |
| "For This" | Friction | 15 Years of Shogun Audio | |
| 2020 | "Been Away" | Juga-Naut | Bem |
| "The Time is Yours" | Dogger & Mindstate | The Time is Yours | |
| "Holding Back" | Dogger, Mindstate & DRS | ||
| "Moving On" | Alix Perez | Without End | |
| 2021 | "Lord's Prayer" | Dimension | Organ |
| 2022 | "Living Hard" | Juga-Naut | Time & Place |
| "Don't Even Try It" | DJ Yoda | Prom Nite | |
| "Not Today" | Matata | Super Morio | |
| 2023 | "Gotta Believe" | Break | Digital World |
| "Don't Let Go" | Fybe:One | This Is Ours | |
| "What Have I Done" |
References
[edit]- ^ Oakes, M. Gosho (10 June 2010). "The New Soul of Nottingham: Introducing Liam Bailey". SoulCulture.com. Retrieved 24 February 2014.
- ^ Lester, Paul (11 June 2010). "New Band of the Day –Liam Bailey (No 806)". The Guardian. London: Guardian News. Retrieved 21 October 2010.
- ^ "Liam Bailey: Soul pride". Bluesandsoul.com. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
- ^ "BBC Nottingham artist Liam Bailey signs to Hendrix label". BBC News. 11 March 2010. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
- ^ Andy Kellman. "Out of the Shadows [Unreleased] – Liam Bailey | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
- ^ "Liam Bailey – When Will They Learn | Ministry of Sound Australia". Ministryofsound.com.au. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
- ^ "Liam Bailey". Turn First Artists. 18 August 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
- ^ a b "Interview with Sarah Stennett (part 2)". HitQuarters. 4 March 2013. Retrieved 1 August 2013.
- ^ "Project Maldonado". Project Maldonado. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
- ^ "Definitely Now – Liam Bailey | Songs, Reviews, Credits, Awards". AllMusic. 19 August 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
- ^ "Liam Bailey 'Definitely NOW' – Album Review". Blogs.dickinson.edu. 17 August 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
- ^ "LIAM BAILEY Drops New Single 'On My Mind;' Album 'Definitely Now' Out 8/19 – BWWMusicWorld". Broadwayworld.com. 19 August 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
- ^ "Listen To What's on Liam Bailey's 'Mind'". SoulBounce. 5 June 2014. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
- ^ a b "Liam Bailey Interview". Wondering Sound. Retrieved 24 November 2014.
- ^ "Ekundayo - Liam Bailey | Credits". AllMusic. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
- ^ "Liam Bailey - Ekundayo Album Reviews, Songs & More". AllMusic. Retrieved 16 July 2023.
- ^ Lesuer, Mike (11 December 2023). "Liam Bailey Reflects on a Turbulent Childhood on Soulful New Single "Disorder Starts at Home"". Flood. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
- ^ Dillon, Ryan (21 February 2024). "Liam Bailey Deploys Subtle Soul On 'Zero Grace'". Glide. Retrieved 18 July 2024.
- ^ "Definitely Now by Liam Bailey". Music.aple.com. Retrieved 19 August 2020.
- ^ "Ekundayo by Liam Bailey". Bandcamp.com. Retrieved 13 November 2020.
- ^ "Enfant Terrible by Liam Bailey + St Francis Hotel". Bandcamp.com. Retrieved 4 September 2023.
- ^ "2am Rough Tracks: Liam Bailey: Amazon.co.uk: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
- ^ "So Down, Cold: Liam Bailey: Amazon.co.uk: MP3 Downloads". Amazon.co.uk. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
- ^ "Music News – LIAM BAILEY – IT'S NOT THE SAME EP / Fred Perry Subculture". Fredperrysubculture.com. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
- ^ "2011-02-05 Top 40 Official Singles Chart UK Archive". Official Charts Company. 5 February 2011. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
- ^ "2011-02-05 Top 40 Dance Singles Archive". Official Charts Company. 5 February 2011. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
- ^ Steffen Hung. "Chase & Status feat. Liam Bailey – Blind Faith". Danishcharts.dk. Retrieved 25 August 2014.
External links
[edit]
Liam Bailey
View on Grokipediafrom Grokipedia
#Liam Bailey
Liam Bailey (born 1983) is an English singer-songwriter from Nottingham, England, known for his distinctive soul, reggae, and blues-influenced vocal style that draws from a diverse array of musical influences including Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, and Jimi Hendrix.[1][2]
Born to an English mother and a Jamaican father, Bailey grew up immersed in his parents' eclectic record collection, which profoundly shaped his early musical sensibilities and led him to begin performing at open mic nights in London around 2005.[1][2] His career gained momentum through collaborations, including work with producer Leon Michels on tracks like "When Will They Learn" and "I'm Gonna Miss You," as well as stints with hip-hop collective 1st Blood and folk outfit Accidental, contributing to their 2008 album There Were Wolves.[2][1]
Bailey's breakthrough came with a signing to Amy Winehouse's Lioness Records in 2010, resulting in the release of EPs 2AM Rough Tracks and So Down, Cold, followed by features on tracks like Chase & Status's "Blind Faith" and a support slot on Ellie Goulding's UK tour.[1] Despite challenges with major labels like Polydor—where his debut album Out of the Shadows was delayed—he independently released his first full-length album, Definitely Now, in 2014 via Flying Buddha/Sony.[1] Joining Brooklyn's Big Crown Records marked a pivotal shift, leading to critically acclaimed albums such as Ekundayo in 2020 and Zero Grace in 2024, along with singles like "Never Lose Faith" in 2025, both produced by Michels and emphasizing raw, personal themes of love, struggle, and social commentary through a blend of reggae rhythms and soulful introspection.[2][3][4]
These releases demonstrate Bailey's evolution from stripped-back intimacy to more experimental, genre-blending projects, often receiving praise for their authentic vocal delivery and lyrical vulnerability.[24]
Early life
Family background
Liam Bailey was born in 1983 in Nottingham, England, to an English mother and a father of Jamaican descent.[1] His father, described in various accounts as either Jamaica-born or second-generation Jamaican English, worked in a factory and was largely absent from his life, contributing to a chaotic upbringing marked by the social challenges of 1980s England.[5][2] Bailey was primarily raised by his single mother, who worked as a checkout clerk in a working-class environment.[5] The family later relocated to a more affluent, predominantly white suburb of Nottingham, where Bailey experienced less overt violence but encountered significant racism due to his mixed heritage.[5][6] This period shaped his early sense of identity, blending British and Jamaican influences amid the clichés of racial mixing in Thatcher-era Britain.[7] Bailey's mother played a pivotal role in his early exposure to music, curating a diverse record collection that included artists like Bob Marley, Stevie Wonder, Jimi Hendrix, and The Beatles, which he would listen to intently as a child.[7][1] This familial musical foundation, combined with the socioeconomic and cultural tensions of his youth, informed his later artistic development.[2]Musical influences
Bailey's musical influences were deeply rooted in his multicultural upbringing in Nottingham, England, where his Jamaican father and British mother exposed him to 70s roots reggae through their lifestyle and record collection.[8] This early immersion in reggae artists like Gregory Isaacs, whose charismatic flair inspired Bailey to engage with music, and Bob Marley, whom he cited as a primary influence, shaped his foundational appreciation for the genre's rhythmic and lyrical depth.[8][9] Additionally, his parents' diverse tastes introduced him to old soul and blues, genres that resonated with his emerging self-taught singing style.[9] As a teenager performing at acoustic nights in London around 2004, Bailey drew vocal inspiration from soul icons such as Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, and Tina Turner, emulating their emotive delivery and range in his early folk experiments.[6] He also admired rock legends like Jimi Hendrix for boundary-breaking guitar work and innovation, John Lennon for songwriting prowess, and Joe Strummer of The Clash for a raw, imperfect punk ethos that influenced his own delivery and lifestyle.[6][8] Bands such as Oasis, The Beatles, Led Zeppelin, and Rage Against the Machine further broadened his rock influences, blending modern rock 'n' roll with his reggae and blues base.[9][8] Other formative voices included Motown's Jimmy Ruffin for his powerful timbre, jazz innovator Miles Davis, and folk-soul artist John Martyn, reflecting Bailey's eclectic early palette that mixed cultural heritages into a personal sound.[8] This blend of reggae, soul, blues, punk, and rock not only informed his initial bedroom recordings but also his resilience amid a challenging youth marked by racism in Nottingham.[6]Musical career
2010–2012: Early releases and breakthrough collaborations
In 2010, Liam Bailey released two solo EPs on Amy Winehouse's Lioness Records imprint, marking his initial foray into recorded music as a solo artist. The debut EP, 2am Rough Tracks, and the follow-up So, Down Cold, were both recorded entirely by Bailey using just his guitar, capturing his raw, emotive soul style in intimate, bedroom-style sessions. These releases garnered attention for their bluesy, heartfelt songwriting and helped establish Bailey's reputation in the UK music scene, particularly after Winehouse, a key supporter, endorsed his work and facilitated the deal through her Universal-affiliated label.[10] That same year, Bailey signed a major label deal with Polydor Records, expanding his opportunities amid growing buzz from his acoustic performances and early recordings. Under Polydor, he prepared his debut single "You Better Leave Me," released in early 2011, which showcased his gravelly vocals over a blend of soul and reggae influences. However, creative tensions arose, leading Bailey to exit the contract later that year before his planned debut album Out of the Shadows could be released; the label ultimately shelved the project due to disagreements over direction and promotion. During this period, Bailey also collaborated with producer Salaam Remi, who had worked extensively with Winehouse, further honing his songwriting amid the personal and professional upheaval following Winehouse's death from an overdose in July 2011.[11][12] Bailey's breakthrough came through high-profile collaborations that highlighted his versatile vocal delivery. In January 2011, he featured on "Blind Faith" by electronic duo Chase & Status, from their album No More Idols; the track peaked at number 5 on the UK Singles Chart and spent 36 weeks in the top 100, earning radio play from BBC Radio 1's Zane Lowe and broad acclaim for blending drum and bass with Bailey's soulful, reggae-tinged performance. This exposure propelled Bailey into live performances, including with Chase & Status at events like Glastonbury Festival that summer. Additionally, in 2011, Bailey contributed vocals to the 7-inch single "When Will They Learn" by The Dynamic Set (a project led by producer Leon Michels of El Michels Affair), released on Truth & Soul Records; the reggae-infused track exemplified his early work with Michels, which dated back to 2007 but gained wider release during this pivotal phase. These partnerships solidified Bailey's transition from underground acoustic sets to mainstream recognition in the UK soul and electronic scenes.[13]2013–2015: Debut album and major label period
In 2013, Liam Bailey signed to producer Salaam Remi's Flying Buddha imprint, a subsidiary of Sony Masterworks, marking his entry into the major label system after years of independent releases and collaborations. This deal came as part of Remi's broader partnership with Sony to launch the imprint, allowing Bailey to develop material that had been in the works since his earlier Polydor stint, which had stalled without a full album release. The signing positioned Bailey for a more structured push into the U.S. market, leveraging Remi's production expertise to refine his soulful, genre-blending sound.[6] Bailey's debut album, Definitely Now, was released on August 19, 2014, in the United States through Flying Buddha/Sony Masterworks. Executive produced by Bailey and Salaam Remi, the album featured primary production from Remi alongside contributions from Leon Michels, blending elements of soul, R&B, blues, and reggae across 14 tracks recorded in studios in London, New York, and Miami. Key singles included "On My Mind," which accompanied pre-order availability and highlighted Bailey's raw, emotive vocals, and "Summer Rain," showcasing his reggae influences. The album's eclectic style drew from Bailey's personal experiences, with songs like "Villain" and "Black Moon" exploring themes of inner conflict and resilience through gritty guitar riffs and acoustic arrangements.[14][15][16] Critics praised Definitely Now for Bailey's versatile voice and the album's seamless fusion of retro and modern elements, though some noted its stylistic shifts could feel disjointed. Clash magazine awarded it 8/10, calling it a "welcomed reminder that feature artists can make it big," while PopMatters highlighted its "acoustic reggae, soulful R&B, and down-and-dirty blues rock." Mother Jones described it as "sneakily addictive," appreciating the mix of "slick modern pop, old-school soul, torch ballads, and a dash of reggae." AllMusic gave it 3/5 stars, commending Bailey's songwriting but critiquing uneven pacing.[17][18][19] In 2015, a European edition of Definitely Now was issued on July 10 via Flying Buddha, expanding its reach with additional distribution. Bailey supported the release with live performances, including UK headline shows at venues like Rescue Rooms in Nottingham and Notting Hill Arts Club in London, as well as joining A$AP Ferg's U.S. tour as an opening act. He also recorded live sessions for tracks like "Stun Me" under Sony, further promoting the album amid growing recognition for his live energy. This period solidified Bailey's major label presence but foreshadowed his shift toward independent ventures as promotional momentum waned.[20][21][22]2016–2019: Independent transitions
Following the release of his debut album Definitely Now in 2014 under Sony's Flying Buddha imprint, Liam Bailey navigated a period of artistic independence, free from major label constraints that had previously stalled his projects. During 2016 and 2017, he focused on selective collaborations and personal songwriting, including uncredited studio sessions with Gorillaz for their 2017 album Humanz, where his contributions ultimately did not appear on the final record. This time allowed Bailey to experiment with raw, introspective soul and reggae influences without commercial pressures, marking a shift toward self-directed output.[6] In 2016, Bailey independently released the single "Love My Neighbour," a soulful track emphasizing themes of community and resilience, distributed digitally without a major label backing. By 2018, he previewed material from his emerging independent catalog with the single "You Saw the Devil in Me," which explored personal struggles with self-doubt and therapy, as Bailey later shared in interviews. This track, produced in a minimalist style highlighting his gravelly vocals and acoustic elements, signaled his growing emphasis on emotional authenticity over polished production.[16][23] The year 2019 represented a pivotal consolidation of his independent phase, with multiple releases showcasing diverse partnerships. Bailey issued the Brand New EP on February 8 via the independent label Fae, featuring six tracks including the title song and a collaboration with Maverick Sabre on "Brother, Why You Gotta Love Her." The EP blended ambient guitars, piano ballads, and gospel-tinged soul, receiving praise for its revitalizing atmosphere and modern take on classic genres. Later that year, he collaborated with producers Dogger and Mindstate on the Broken Home EP through 1985 Music, contributing vocals to drum and bass-infused tracks addressing urban hardship. Additionally, Bailey signed with Brooklyn-based Big Crown Records, releasing the standalone single "Champion" on their roster—a reggae-soul anthem of perseverance that foreshadowed his fuller commitment to the label. These efforts underscored Bailey's transition to a more autonomous career, prioritizing creative control and niche collaborations over mainstream visibility.[24][25][26]2020–present: Big Crown Records and recent work
In 2020, Liam Bailey signed with Brooklyn-based independent label Big Crown Records, marking a significant shift toward greater artistic freedom following his major-label experiences. His debut album on the label, Ekundayo, was released on November 13, 2020, and produced entirely by Leon Michels of El Michels Affair. The title, derived from the Yoruba phrase meaning "sorrow becomes joy," reflects Bailey's personal journey of transformation, with tracks blending soul, reggae, and R&B influences, including standout singles like "Champion" and "When Will They Learn."[27][7] Building on the album's success, Bailey and Michels released Ekundayo Inversions on August 13, 2021, a reggae and dub reinterpretation of the original tracks that emphasized instrumental riddims and Jamaican production elements. This project highlighted the duo's chemistry and Big Crown's focus on genre-blending sounds, with contributions from musicians like Thomas Brenneck and Nick Movshon.[28] Bailey's sophomore album with Big Crown, Zero Grace, arrived on February 23, 2024, again helmed by Michels and exploring themes of emotional vulnerability, love, and societal tensions through lo-fi soul and reggae grooves. The record features introspective tracks such as "Holding On" and "Disorder Starts at Home," praised for its raw honesty and subtle psychedelia. An instrumental version followed in May 2024, underscoring the production's instrumental depth. In July 2024, Bailey collaborated with French producer Blundetto on the EP Heavy Soul, released via Les Rythmes Ruban, which delves into reggae-infused social commentary with songs like "Stand Alone" and "Out in the Streets." In 2025, Bailey featured on Dizzee Rascal's single "Gather Around (Good Times)" and collaborated with SLICKnBOBBY on the EP Dance Affi Nice / Juicy Bubble, both released in August.[3][29][30] As of 2025, Bailey continues performing, including a September 2025 show supporting his ongoing work with Michels and Big Crown.[31][32][33]Musical style
Vocal style and genres
Liam Bailey is renowned for his soulful vocal style, deeply influenced by classic soul, reggae, and blues traditions, which lends his singing a warm, rough-edged authenticity that conveys raw emotion and impulsively honest expression.[2] His voice has been compared to iconic figures such as Otis Redding, Sam Cooke, and Bill Withers for its heartfelt delivery and rhythmic phrasing, while reggae elements evoke Bob Marley and Dennis Brown through a laid-back yet urgent tone.[12][34] Early recordings, captured on basic equipment like a laptop's built-in microphone, added a gritty distortion that enhanced the unpolished, genuine quality of his performances.[12] Bailey's music spans multiple genres, primarily rooted in soul, reggae, and blues, but often incorporates jazz, funk, and rock 'n' roll elements for a genre-bending sound.[34] His influences draw from 1970s roots reggae and punk's emphasis on unapologetic delivery, shaped by artists like Gregory Isaacs, Joe Strummer, and Jimi Hendrix, as well as Motown staples from his mother's record collection including Stevie Wonder and Marvin Gaye.[8][12] This eclectic blend results in vibrant, groove-oriented tracks that mix lo-fi soul with dancehall rhythms and classic funk grooves, creating an entertaining live sound that prioritizes emotional resonance over polished production.[34] Over time, Bailey's vocal approach has evolved from the raw, distorted edges of his initial releases to a more mellow and warmed timbre, reflecting personal growth while maintaining its core soulful integrity.[12] Collaborations, such as those with Chase & Status on dubstep and drum and bass tracks, highlight his versatility in adapting his reggae-infused vocals to electronic and dance genres without losing their bluesy depth.[34]Songwriting approach
Liam Bailey's songwriting process is often spontaneous and mood-driven, beginning with him picking up a guitar when inspiration strikes, allowing lyrics to flow naturally without a rigid structure. He has described this as unpredictable, likening it to waiting for the right feeling before attempting to craft something on the instrument, sometimes while sipping red wine to let ideas "fall out." This approach emphasizes honesty and soul, reflecting his reputation as a skilled songwriter who prioritizes emotional authenticity over premeditated formulas.[35] A key element of Bailey's method involves freestyling stream-of-consciousness lyrics, which initially may sound like gibberish but evolve into deeply personal and thoughtful narratives through refinement. He frequently collaborates with producers like Leon Michels, where his contributions help shape tracks across genres, blending raw ideas into polished songs that maintain a dub and reggae foundation while exploring hip-hop, folk, and soul elements. For instance, on albums like Ekundayo (2020), Bailey channels personal growth—such as overcoming sorrow and turning it into joy—drawing from long walks in London for mental clarity and inspiration, which inform his reflective lyrics.[6][36] Bailey uses songwriting as a cathartic outlet to process negative energy, transforming frustrations or burdensome relationships into intimate tracks that extend his character. Influenced by artists like Michael Jackson, Marvin Gaye, Bob Marley, and Paul Weller, he avoids emulating complex styles like Radiohead's, instead focusing on accessible, genre-crossing expressions of vulnerability. Examples include "On My Mind," written to rid himself of a draining person's influence, and "Villain," which captures reactive irritation turned into musical release.[10]Discography
Studio albums
Liam Bailey's discography includes four principal studio albums, blending soul, reggae, and rock influences, often produced in collaboration with notable figures in the genre. His debut full-length release, Definitely Now (2014), marked his entry into major label distribution under Flying Buddha, co-written and executive produced by Salaam Remi, featuring a mix of R&B, rock, and blues elements.[37] Following a period of EPs and singles, Bailey signed with Big Crown Records, releasing Ekundayo (2020), his label debut produced by Leon Michels of El Michels Affair, which draws on reggae riddims and introspective lyrics exploring personal and societal themes.[38] In 2023, he issued the collaborative album Enfant Terrible with producer St. Francis Hotel, a self-released project emphasizing raw emotional delivery across soul and reggae tracks.[39] Bailey's most recent solo effort, Zero Grace (2024), serves as his second album with Big Crown Records and continues his partnership with Michels, incorporating vintage reggae sounds with contemporary songwriting on topics like love, vulnerability, and social unrest.[3] Additionally, in 2021, the collaborative remix album Ekundayo Inversions was released by El Michels Affair featuring Liam Bailey on Big Crown Records, providing instrumental versions and remixes of tracks from Ekundayo across 13 songs. In 2024, he released the collaborative EP Heavy Soul with French producer Blundetto on Les Rythmes Ruban, fusing dub, soul, and reggae in a concise collection of nine tracks.[30][40]| Year | Title | Label | Type |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2014 | Definitely Now | Flying Buddha | Solo studio album |
| 2020 | Ekundayo | Big Crown Records | Solo studio album |
| 2023 | Enfant Terrible (with St. Francis Hotel) | Self-released | Collaborative studio album |
| 2024 | Zero Grace | Big Crown Records | Solo studio album |
Extended plays
Liam Bailey has released several extended plays throughout his career, often showcasing his raw soulful vocals and guitar-driven arrangements, particularly in his early independent work. These EPs served as platforms for his breakthrough, blending blues, soul, and reggae influences, and were instrumental in attracting attention from major labels and collaborators like Amy Winehouse.[41] His debut EPs, released on Winehouse's Lioness Records imprint, captured intimate, lo-fi sessions recorded in his bedroom, emphasizing emotional depth over polished production. Later EPs reflected shifts toward more collaborative and genre-fusing efforts, including reggae and electronic elements.[17] The following table summarizes his primary extended plays:| Year | Title | Label | Tracks | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2010 | 2am Rough Tracks | Lioness Records | 3 | Features acoustic covers and originals like "I'd Rather Go Blind"; recorded solo with guitar.[42] |
| 2010 | So Down, Cold | Lioness Records | 3 | Includes "Fool Boy," "Breaking Out," and title track; highlights melancholic soul themes.[43] |
| 2011 | It's Not the Same | Polydor | 4 | Debut major-label EP with tracks like title song and "Blind Faith (Acoustic)"; marked his signing and broader exposure.[44] |
| 2019 | Brand New | FAE | 5 | Collaborative elements with Maverick Sabre on "Brother, Why You Gotta Love Her"; explores introspective lyrics over atmospheric production.[45] |
| 2019 | Broken Home EP | 1985 Music | 2 (Bailey's contributions) | Part of a split release with Dogger and Mindstate; focuses on raw, emotional reggae-soul tracks.[25] |
| 2024 | Heavy Soul | Les Rythmes Ruban | 9 | Collaboration with Blundetto; blends dub, reggae, and soul in an extended format emphasizing heavy rhythms.[46] |
| 2025 | Dance Affi Nice / Juicy Bubble | Touching Bass | 2 | With SLICKnBOBBY; fuses ragga, steppers dub, and soul vocals for a dance-oriented release.[33] |
Singles
Liam Bailey's singles output spans collaborations, solo efforts, and promotional tracks, often blending soul, reggae, and electronic influences. His early work featured prominently on tracks by established artists, leading to chart success in the UK, while later releases under Big Crown Records emphasize standalone vinyl singles and album lead tracks.[47][48] Breakthrough collaborations defined his initial singles phase. In 2011, Bailey provided vocals for Chase & Status's "Blind Faith," which peaked at number 5 on the UK Singles Chart and spent 36 weeks in the Top 75.[13] Follow-up features included "Big Man" with the same duo in 2012, reaching number 68, and "Soon Come" with Shy FX in 2013, which charted at number 55.[49][50] Solo singles from this era, such as "It's Not The Same" (2011, Polydor) and "Please Love Me" (2012, Truth & Soul), showcased his raw vocal style without major commercial impact.[51] During his major label period, Bailey released "Villain" featuring A$AP Ferg in 2014 as a promotional single on Sony Music, highlighting hip-hop crossovers. Independent transitions brought "Champion" in 2019 via Big Crown Records, a soulful anthem issued as a 7-inch vinyl single. This was followed by the double A-side "White Light / Cold & Clear" in 2020, serving as precursors to his album Ekundayo.[52] Recent years have seen a focus on collaborative and solo singles tied to albums. The 2021 project Ekundayo Inversions by El Michels Affair featuring Liam Bailey produced tracks like "Walk With Me" and "King" as digital singles from the remix album. In 2023, "Love In Here" with Jolliffe appeared on Device label.[53] By 2024–2025, releases included "Stand Alone" and features like "Sorrow" (2024, with Joe Armon-Jones), alongside "Dance Affi Nice" (2025) and "Gather Around (Good Times)" with Dizzee Rascal, Bou, and Shapes, which peaked at number 77 on the UK Singles Chart. Additional 2025 singles include "Never Enough" (feat. Rose Bailey, September 2, 2025) and "Without A Trace" (feat. Tyler Stephenson & Rose Bailey, September 15, 2025), both independent digital releases.[54][16][55][56][57]| Year | Title | Artist(s) | Label | UK Peak |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2011 | Blind Faith | Chase & Status ft. Liam Bailey | Mercury | 5 |
| 2012 | Big Man | Chase & Status ft. Liam Bailey | Mercury | 68 |
| 2013 | Soon Come | Shy FX ft. Liam Bailey | Digital Soundboy | 55 |
| 2019 | Champion | Liam Bailey | Big Crown Records | — |
| 2020 | White Light / Cold & Clear | Liam Bailey | Big Crown Records | — |
| 2021 | Walk With Me | El Michels Affair Meets Liam Bailey | Big Crown Records | — |
| 2025 | Gather Around (Good Times) | Dizzee Rascal, Bou, Liam Bailey & Shapes | co:brand | 77 |
| 2025 | Never Enough (feat. Rose Bailey) | Liam Bailey | Independent | — |
| 2025 | Without A Trace (feat. Tyler Stephenson & Rose Bailey) | Liam Bailey | Independent | — |