By now, you’ll probably be familiar with the name Mayer Hawthorne.

Hailing from the small city of Ann Arbor (it lies just outside of Detroit), and noted for his distinct ‘retro-modern’ vocal, rumor has it that Stone Throw label boss Peanut Butter Wolf signed him after hearing two singles. He’s since gone on to release acclaimed debut album A Strange Arrangement, a gorgeous collection of soul and R&B, defined by his distinct, sweet vocals.

Currently on tour with his band Mayer Hawthorne and The County, we caught up with the LA-based crooner to find out a little bit more about him.

Hey Mayer, what have you been up to for the past two weeks?

“Well, my debut album A Strange Arrangement came out a couple weeks back, and I’ve mainly been rehearsing with The County, my live band, and celebrating life.”

Tells us about your background in music.

“I was fortunate to grow up in a musical family – my father is a great bass player and he taught me to play when I was 6 years old. My mom plays piano and sings as well. I played in bands throughout high school – mostly punk, rock and funk stuff.  Then I got really into hip-hop, and started DJing and producing rap records. I used to write songs for those bands in high school and they always sucked.”

What was the first record you ever bought?

“I think it was the Police, Synchronicity. My dad had a copy and I would just play the shit out of it. I think I wore it out and he made me buy another one. I remember buying Michael Jackson’s Thriller too. And the 45 for Queen ‘Another One Bites The Dust’.

You were bought up in Michigan, how did Detroit’s music scene affected you?

“Detroit is such a magical place.  You can really feel the soul of the city, just walking through the streets. I couldn’t imagine growing up anywhere else. I’m so lucky to have been a part of that scene.”

How did you get together with Stones Throw?

“I met PB [Peanut Butter] Wolf at a party in LA. When he first heard my tracks he didn’t understand what they were. He didn’t believe that it was me.”

Tell us about A Strange Arrangement.

“I produced it all. I wrote all the songs (except for one), played the majority of the instruments, sang all the vocals, produced and mixed everything and recorded it all in my bedroom.  It’s sort of strange like the title indicates, but it’s a lot of fun too.”

Alongside all the kudos you have been receiving, there have also been some criticisms about authenticity in your sound, how do you feel about that?

“I never even thought these songs would ever be released or heard by the general public. I make music for myself, and for my close friends and family. If other people happen to like it, that’s great. If not, that’s fine too.”

Who are your favourite singers from the Motown era?

“Wanda Rogers of the Marvelettes, Brenda Holloway and Smokey Robinson, of course.”

What soul music are you listening to lately?

“I love all the new Motown singles box sets. Will Sessions is also doing big things in Detroit. Bilal’s ‘Love For Sale’ was fantastic – sad that it never got an official release. I’ve been digging for all the old Carnival Records stuff as well.”

What artist should we be listening too?

“I love this Norwegian singer/songwriter Hanne Hukkelberg. Buff1 and 14KT are killin’ the hip-hop game. James Pants and Dam-Funk are both incredible. Grizzly Bear’s new album is great too.”

What are you working on at the moment?

“I’ve been talking to Snoop Dogg and Ghostface about working on some tracks. Either one would be a dream come true. I’d love to do a song with Alicia Keys one day.”

You’ve started doing the Dear Mayer segment for Stones Throw, what’s been your favourite question so far?

“The food questions are probably my favourite. I love food.”

Which do you prefer, performing as Mayer Hawthorne or DJing as Haircut?

“I’m still more comfortable DJing. I’ve only been singing for about a year. But Mayer Hawthorne shows are a lot of fun. I get to really connect with the crowd and step outside of my comfort zone.”

Where do you see yourself this time next year, what do you hope to achieve in that time?

“Hopefully I’m just making a decent living off of music so I can continue to make more and not have to go back to a day job.”

Anything else you would like us to know?

“I be tweetin’. Follow me: twitter.com/mayerhawthorne.”

Zainab Jama