He hit the limelight on talent show Fame Academy in 2002, dazzling the judges with his soulful voice and green eyes, and now Lemar is back with a brand new album.
Dance with U, Time To Grow and If There's Any Justice all made it to the top 10 UK Singles Chart, but the 37-year-old is back with a whole new soul sound- he told us why.
How did it feel being back on stage after your three year break?
"I really enjoyed it. It’s been three years since my last record and I love performing live- I’ve been eager to get back on the stage and do my thing."
What did you get up to during your break?
"Just life really, a bit of travelling as well -there was a change in my management, I’m with IM1 Music now and DMG as well. I've also been coming up with the concept of my new album and the flavours and directions I wanted to go that took a bit of figuring out."
What inspired your album?
"Since my first single people have always said I have a soulful voice and I sound a bit Sam Cook-ish or Al Green-ish, so I figured my sixth album would be the right time to pay tribute to a few people that have influenced me.
"My song Love turns Hate comes from being in a long term relationship and sometimes you can neglect each other or stop appreciating each other. If you leave it long enough that love can turn into hate, so it's just the story of someone’s who's been in that long term relationship and left it too late to save."
Are you speaking from personal experience?
"I'm 37 now and have been with someone for 20 years. We made a conscious decision to keep our relationship out of the media. It's hard enough to have a relationship, let alone under scrutiny. I imagine if we made it public then probably we wouldn’t be together now. Keeping it separate and keeping it quiet is key.
How do you keep the romance alive in your relationship (Lemar has two children with childhood sweetheart Charmaine Powell)?
"It’s a hard one especially when you are in this industry because you are so busy travelling and your world is consumed by music. It's hard to keep the balance but I do think every so often, letting the person know that they are still on your mind and you do appreciate them. I think an occasional nice gesture, whether that be a night out or a quick holiday, the unexpected stuff, keeps them on my side."
What is the most romantic gift you've ever given?
"Flowers, chocolate, all of the above really! Holidays, Jimmy Choos- they never go a miss."
Were there any big collaborations?
"The main big collaboration was with the producer, he’s a legendary producer. He’s worked with some great people, Joanna Mitchell, Herbie Hancock, some really amazing soul albums that he produced. My backing singers have sung on legendary albums as well, from Marvin Gaye down to Sam Cook and Dianne Ross. "
Is there anyone you'd like to collaborate with?
"I like this band called Alabama Shakes and I love James Bay. And Kendrick Lemar because I think our names go well together!That would be a good little mix, bit of soul singing and some hip hop."
And who are you a bigger fan of, Drake or Meek Mill?
"I lean more towards Drake."
Have you been watching Xfactor?
"I haven’t really been watching much as I’ve been on the road."
Would you ever been a judge on a talent show?
"Well you know I always say my voice is my weapon of choice so you know, I have always been fascinated by voices so its been 13 years since fame academy so who knows, it could come knocking at my door."
Who is your celeb crush?
"Beyoncé, she’s pretty hot. I've been on tour with her a few times when I was coming up. When she did her solo stuff, about 6 years ago, I went on tour with her around Europe."
What are your hopes and plans for the upcoming years?
"More album promotion and like I said I like performing live so any more live shows, you know maybe a few in Europe. I’ve never released an album in America so maybe that’s on the cards shortly as well."
The Letter is out 9th October 2015.