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Rewind // 2007: His debut album Beta Male Fairytales was an out of the box success, with the whole country embracing Jamie’s heartfelt vocal and lyrical delivery. In the UK, the album went Gold, with the respective singles earning top 10 airplay positions and a prestigious Ivor Novello nomination (only losing out to Amy Winehouse).


With his trademark look and engaging personality, Jamie led his band through sell out tours at home, and major festival stages around Europe, picking up fans in the US on the back of a major TV ad, and top 10 hits in countries across Europe and South America.


Fast Forward // 2009: All change: markets crashing, house prices plummeting, jobs lost and for some, record labels came and went. ‘Battling Giants’, Jamie’s new album, released via his own imprint, Flat Cap Records, is a personal snapshot of these changing times. After the massive changes at the beleaguered record company EMI, Jamie is an integral part of the album release this time around. “I suppose the theme of this album is about that sense of adversity… being the little guy again, squaring up to the monster.”


Jamie is keen to point out that the new album is “a lot more optimistic this time around too, and I think you can hear that when you listen to Battling Giants. To be honest, I’m just in a better mood this year!’ The lyrical focus and depth prevalent on Beta Male Fairytales is combined with a “sense of optimism that pervades ‘Battling Giants'. This upbeat mood is enhanced by the appearance of several very special guests...


Jamie’s lyrical prowess attracted further collaborations. The first single ‘Apologise’ was written with Natalie Imbruglia. “The lyric is pretty self explanatory from my point of view – just say sorry for once so that I can forgive you. I think it meant something else to Natalie, but that’s the beauty of songwriting, the best ideas come from what’s going on in your world at that given moment.”


That notion of writing about life experience resonates throughout the album, from the nagging self doubt of ‘What if I,’ through the resignation of ‘Bitter End’ to the joyful release of ‘She Is Love.’


“I didn’t know it when I wrote it, but ‘Battling Giants’ became the most relevant song on the new record. It now reflects where I am, making my own record the way I always wanted to – with amazing people I admire – and putting it out on my own label. I’m going my own way. Like a lot of people in the world, I’m facing a 2009 which poses as many questions as answers – with so much change in the music business and the world in general. But I’m also strangely happy and excited about it – and what’s more I just know I’m doing the right thing.” He muses, “We’re all battling giants now, and I can’t wait to take the world on!”

Out on 26th October 2009 on Island Records

Ben’s Brother release their brand new single ‘Stalemate’ featuring Anastacia on 26th October 2009 through the legendary Island Records.

Written by Jamie Hartman and Camilla Boler, Jamie Hartman is accompanied on vocals by the little lady with the big voice – global multi million album selling artist Anastacia. Jamie contacted Anastacia to find out what she thought of the single ‘Stalemate’ and she instantly fell in love with it. Anastacia says, “I loved the song the moment I heard it and have been thrilled to add my vocals and have the opportunity to work with Jamie."

Having just played V festival and scored a stellar 4 star live review in The Times, new single ‘Stalemate’ is taken from Ben’s Brother’s second album “Battling Giants” and continues to build on the remarkable success of their debut album “Beta Male Fairytales”. This duet extends Jamie Hartman’s long list of collaborations and co-writes, including, Joss Stone, Jason Mraz, Paul Young, Will Young, Natalie Imbruglia, Emma Bunton, Lemar, Beverley Knight and N-Dubz.

Island Records stepped in just four weeks before the UK release of first single ‘Apologise’, to take Ben’s Brother’s second album “Battling Giants” to an international audience. The band then signed a world-wide joint-venture deal and this year Island Records; itself celebrated its 50th birthday after a lifespan that has introduced the world to the undisputed talents of the likes of Bob Marley, U2 and Amy Winehouse. Now Ben’s Brother join these legends to form part of Island Record’s history.

Powerful, melody laden, vibrant and boasting immaculate lyrics, ‘Stalemate’ is possibly the best song ever written by Ivor Novello nominated Jamie Hartman and highlights his undeniable talent for writing the catchiest songs.

Jamie Hartman says on the new single, “Anastacia is an amazing singer and a great performer - it was a total pleasure working with her and I'm looking forward to performing with her live!”

www.bensbrother.com

Single: ‘Stalemate’ will be available on download and CD on 26th October 2009 on Island Records