JJerome87: alt-J’s Joe Newman Goes Solo with ‘Brush Me Like A Horse’

Look, we all know Joe Newman as the guy behind the haunting, geometric melodies of alt-J. But his new solo project, JJerome87, is a complete “windows-down” gear shift.

If you’re expecting the glitchy, avant-garde vibes of Fitzpleasure, think again. His debut single, “Brush Me Like A Horse,” is a warm, soulful, and surprisingly vibrant pivot that sounds more like a sunny afternoon in Echo Park than a rainy day in Leeds.

The Sound: LA Sunshine Meets Motown Soul

To bring JJerome87 to life, Newman headed to Los Angeles to link up with producer Carlos De La Garza (the magic ears behind Paramore and M83). The result? A sound that feels lived-in and analog.

Instead of the minimalist loops we’re used to, “Brush Me Like A Horse” is built on the backs of world-class session players and a powerhouse trio of female backing vocalists. It’s a mix that shouldn’t work on paper but feels incredible in your headphones:

• The Groove: It’s got that classic Motown “stomp” that makes it impossible to sit still.

• The Grit: There’s enough bluesy guitar and gospel-heavy harmony to keep it from feeling like “just another pop song.”

• The Vibe: It captures that hazy, 70s Californian aesthetic—think Laurel Canyon, but with a British wit.

Why the Shift?

While Joe Newman has already secured his place in music history with a Mercury Prize and an Ivor Novello, JJerome87 feels like him finally letting his hair down. It’s pop, but it’s smart pop. It’s polished, yet it feels more human and spontaneous than anything we’ve heard from him in years.

“Brush Me Like A Horse” isn’t just a side project; it’s a total reimagining of what a “Joe Newman song” can be.

The Breakdown

Whether you’ve been following alt-J since the beginning or you’re just looking for the perfect track for a weekend drive, JJerome87 is a breath of fresh air. “Brush Me Like A Horse” is officially out now, and if this is just the start, we’re in for a very good year.