Jimi Hansome aka Tim Bryant
Jimi Hansome aka Tim Bryant is a California-born, Detroit-raised singer, songwriter, and musician whose career spans soul, R&B, funk, hip-hop, house, EDM, and dance music.
His musical journey began in Detroit's Motor City (Motown) at just eight years old, when he joined his brothers in their band, The Young-uns, as the group's drummer and co-lead singer.
He comes from a musical family. His father, Jimmy Bryant, and uncle, Frank Bryant, were members of the Just Brothers, whose hit “Sliced Tomatoes” became a Northern Soul dance-floor classic and is famously known as the sample behind Fatboy Slim's “The Rockafeller Skank.”
His brother, Calvin Bryant, who played bass in The Young-uns, went on to a successful career as a bassist, performing with jazz legends Earl Klugh and George Benson. His brother, James Bryant Jr., who played keyboards in The Young-uns, went on to perform the lead role of Conrad Birdie in Bye Bye Birdie at the University of Detroit.
In 1982, just out of high school, he released his first solo record, “Feelin' of the Fire,” under the name Tim Bryant on his own label, Redshank Records. The record received airplay on Detroit's influential WGPR-FM from DJ Marvelous Marv.
In 1983, he was discovered by Alan Sanchez, a prominent figure in Detroit's punk-rock scene and a member of the influential punk band The Cubes. Sanchez has since built a distinguished career as a painter and visual artist in southwestern France, with his work exhibited throughout France and the United States. The two would soon become bandmates in Circuit II, alongside Tom Rossiter.
Circuit II would go on to record its album Can't Tempt Fate on Warner/Elektra with legendary producer Arthur Baker. Through his work with Baker, Jimi became part of a vibrant New York music scene and was introduced to a remarkable roster of songwriters, producers, and artists.
He would go on to lend his distinctive vocals to recordings associated with such names as The Latin Rascals, The Cover Girls, Tommy and Lotti Farragher, Al Green, The O'Jays, Grayson Hugh, The Blow Monkeys, Stephen Gaboury, Eric Kupper, Dr. Robert, and Arthur Baker.
During the recording of the Circuit II album, Jimi also became friends with Beastie Boys member Adam Yauch, who at the time was working as an assistant at Arthur Baker's Shakedown Sound recording studio. Yauch would contribute a rap to Circuit II's “Rock This (Take Me Out),” which appears on the Can't Tempt Fate album.
After recording more solo material, Jimi was offered a solo recording deal with SBK Records by its chairman and CEO, Charles Koppelman. Although the songs recorded for the project remain unreleased, the opportunity marked another significant chapter in his recording career.
Jimi would soon shift gears and move into the business side of the music industry, joining Sony Music Entertainment, where he worked from 1993 to 1997.
He would later make an even more dramatic career transition. After earning a degree in Business Finance, Jimi entered the world of investment banking, working with major financial institutions including Deutsche Bank, Credit Suisse First Boston, and AllianceBernstein.
Throughout the years, Jimi never stopped making music. He has been married for 37 years and is the proud father of four children, including Bria and Chazz Bryant, who appeared on Season 4 of Love Island.
Today, Jimi has embraced the new digital era of music, creating TikToks, videos, and original music while independently releasing his work across social media and digital platforms. Drawing on a lifetime of experience in soul, R&B, hip-hop, house, EDM, and popular music, he continues to explore new sounds while using music as a way to respond to the world around him.
His socially conscious songs turn real-world events, politics, public figures, and the stories dominating the headlines into musical commentary.
A Detroit kid who once released independent music on his own record label is now releasing independent music through social media. His father always taught him to find stories in the headlines and turn them into songs.
Today...
The headlines become songs. 🎵
Jimi receives regular airplay on:
Magic Soul Radio (UK) - DJ Andy Benzie
Soul Groove Radio (UK) - DJ Bob Christie
Grooveline (UK) - DJ Stephen Howe
Sparkle FM Radio (Amsterdam) - DJ Gordon Covey
Heat FM Radio (New York) - DJ Elaine Lamb
Affinity Radio (UK)
Gordon Covey (Heat FM Radio): “Wow! That's FanF@#$%tastic! Your best so far!”
Elaine Lamb (Sparkle FM Radio): “Oh wow, I love the new song! I think it is your best yet! And what a wonderful thing to do to help heal the world!”