The Brand New Heavies on You Are the Universe, partying in the ‘90s, turning down ‘Space Jam’ & new music

Few tracks capture the timeless groove of The Brand New Heavies quite like You Are the Universe. Released in 1997 as part of the band’s platinum-certified album Shelter, the song’s uplifting lyrics and irresistible funk-soul groove have made it a fan favourite across the globe, cementing the band’s place as pioneers of acid jazz. Andrew Levy, who’s been The Brand New Heavies’ bassist since the group formed in the late ‘80s, reflects on the group's enduring appeal, why they never go out of style, touring almost 40 years on, and reveals new music plans…

Released as the third single from their fourth album Shelter, the song reached number 21 in the UK and number 11 on the British Chart-Track, captivating audiences with its uplifting lyrics, infectious groove, and sing-along appeal. It is a track that continues to resonate with fans around the world, particularly in Asia, and has become synonymous with the band’s signature sound of funk-infused jazz and soul.

“There’s something about that track that people have really adopted as one of their favourites from The Brand New Heavies, and it’s global too,” begins Levy. “I wrote it with Siedah Garrett, who used to sing backing vocals for Michael Jackson and co-wrote Man in the Mirror with him. So I’m very honoured to have co-written a song that touches people’s hearts alongside Siedah.

“It’s also quite easy to sing along to,” he points out. “I was analysing it the other day, trying to work out what it is about that song that everyone connects with, and technically, the lyrics fall right on the beat, which makes it very simple to sing. It’s uplifting as well, full of positive vibes, which is everything The Heavies are about. I guess that’s one of the reasons people love it. I love playing it too, and I get my little bass solo halfway through, which is always a nice moment for me.”

Levy suddenly recalls that they were approached about the song appearing in the 1996 live-action/animated basketball film, Space Jam: “For some reason, we didn’t go through with it! I still don’t know exactly why or what happened, but I think the label wanted to protect it a little before it was used in a film. But lots of our other songs have been used in films and adverts – even now we still get offers. 

"One of our tracks was used in the film Happy Feet – the one about the penguins. It was actually from my rap album we did in 1992, called Jump and Move, and it ended up as the title music for Happy Feet. That was lovely in lots of ways, financially of course, but also because I can play the film to my kids and say, ‘Daddy wrote that.’”

Formed in London in 1985 by Levy, Simon Bartholomew, and Jan Kincaid, The Brand New Heavies rose to international acclaim after adding N’Dea Davenport in 1990. They helped define acid jazz, blending funk, soul, jazz, hip hop, and disco into a danceable, sophisticated sound that quickly found fans in clubs across the UK, Europe, the United States, and beyond. 

Their breakthrough came with Brother Sister in 1994, which went platinum and produced the crossover hit Dream On Dreamer. The album garnered a Brit Awards nomination for British Dance Act.

Davenport departed in 1996 and was replaced by American singer-songwriter Garrett, whose collaboration helped shape the follow-up album Shelter in 1997. The album produced charting singles, including Sometimes, You Are the Universe, and You’ve Got a Friend, further cementing the band’s reputation for sophisticated, danceable grooves and soulful arrangements.

“We met each other way back, probably around ’79, when we were kids at the same school,” recalls Levy. “We actually signed a contract in ’89 as The Brand New Heavies. Looking back, because we’ve been continuously playing, touring, writing music and recording, it doesn’t really feel that long, but I guess it is,” he shrugs, revealing what he thinks is the secret to the band’s longevity, almost 40 years on.

“I think having the right songs has been key. We were self-produced, and we’ve written all of our hits, so having good songs is crucial. If there’s any advice I’d give to anyone starting in music, it’s always focus on songwriting, because those songs are the things that can propel your career and keep it going into the future. 

"Our fans come to hear the songs we released back in the ‘90s, and without those, I don’t think we’d still be here. You can always have fun jamming and doing different things on stage, but it’s all about the songwriting. That’s what will give you a long career.”

With decades of touring behind them and over 2.5 million records sold worldwide, the band continues to perform for audiences across the UK and Europe, with dates lined up into 2026. Their shows are a masterclass in groove, live energy, and musicianship, proving that their sound has lost none of its appeal. Headliner catches up with Levy after the band’s recent set at Lakefest in Ledbury.

“We weren’t headlining, so there’s always that fear that people might not turn up to see the non-headlining band,” he admits, but adds that the tent was packed. “They were ready to dance and boogie. They were all in a really good mood and were singing along to the songs,” he smiles.

Acid jazz started in London clubs and went global. Levy reflects on how the genre continues to appeal to new generations of listeners: “I think it’s the sound,” he says. “The thing about the ‘70s is that it’s always being reinvented. 

"It’s a bit like flared jeans. People are still designing and making bootcut or flared jeans, and they’re still cool. There’s just something about the ‘70s. I think it might be to do with disco music and the fact that house music is very similar, and EDM and dance music are basically the same as disco, just with a harder sound now. Some things in this world just don’t go out of fashion.

“Luckily, we were right on the cusp of that time when disco was transitioning into EDM,” he continues. “The genre we chose to emulate a bit, that ‘70s funk sound, never goes out of fashion. And jazz never goes out of fashion either. I wish we’d actually decided on that genre intentionally, because it would have been a very good plan, seeing as it’s still fashionable!”

To this day, the band gets booked for lots of jazz festivals, even though they’re not technically jazz players. “There’s something about jazz and funk and soul that’s always going to be at the forefront of what people want in music when they go out for entertainment,” he says.

Levy is currently taking a well-earned break before the next run of shows picks up again, and shares what keeps touring exciting for the band. “We’re very well oiled, but we weren’t really classically trained or given lots of lessons,” he says of the band’s on-stage chemistry. 

“I taught myself how to play the bass, Simon had just a few lessons, and our original drummer, Jan Kincaid, who left us in 2015, had no lessons at all. So whenever we play, we’re always learning. I’m still learning how to do a bass solo,” he jokes. “I’m getting quite good at it now after a couple of decades! I think that’s what keeps the spark alive. 

"Every time we play, something new is going to happen. Maybe we can get away with a new drum lick or a bassline I want to try. I’m constantly learning. And we’re backed up by really well-trained keyboard players, trumpet and brass sections, and backing singers. But the spark is that it never gets boring, because we’re always learning.”

Of the band’s upcoming shows, he’s particularly looking forward to performing in Italy and Paris – the latter where the band have a lot of fans due to their label in the ‘90s being based there.

“There’s still a big following there. In those days, we didn’t have families, kids, partners and wives and stuff, so we were enjoying ourselves with a capital E,” he laughs. 

“We were being taken out and paraded around Paris all the time back in the ‘90s because we were hot stuff. We got to meet loads of celebrities who used to come to our gigs, including Spike Lee, who turned up at a show just on the off chance. There was no planning; he just appeared at the back of our dressing room, and he really enjoyed the show.

“Meeting different celebrities and knowing that they loved our music was amazing. We were this little old band from the suburbs of West London, and we had people like Mike Tyson loving our stuff, and Spike Lee and Stevie Wonder, and even Prince, who used to come to our gigs quite often. 

"At the time, it just felt like part of our world. Our focus was on stage and doing our shows, but only looking back now, talking to my kids and friends about it, you realise how incredible it really was. I often reminisce and try to remember all the details from back then. There were lots of very good times – lots of partying,” he recalls fondly. “Nothing too crazy, because we always had to get up in the morning and fly somewhere or do an interview.”

He reports that they have a more chilled approach to touring these days, conscious of giving the fans the very best shows they can. “We’ve got to conserve energy,” he nods. “We’re still going to do it and have fun, but we have to reserve our energy – three decades later. It’s all going to be very well planned, with plenty of sleep, rest and good food. 

"Fans expect a certain quality and a certain level of professionalism, and we have to deliver that. We’re so grateful to still be in demand at this age, and we have to work hard to make sure we give the fans what they’re expecting. That’s part of the deal we’ve signed by still going out there and getting on stage. So it’s going to be fun, but controlled.”

Levy realises that The Brand New Heavies haven’t played in Paris in almost 10 years. “That’s going to feel like a proper homecoming,” he enthuses. “We’ve got two nights at the New Morning club – where Prince used to play – and they sold out within days. In hindsight, we should’ve gone for somewhere bigger, but it’s nice to have shows that sell out instead of half-empty rooms, you know?”

Offstage, Levy champions music education through his work as an ambassador for Restore the Music. The charity provides instruments and funding to schools in areas of high socio-economic deprivation, helping young people develop confidence, creativity, and ambition.

“In my little bubble, I didn’t realise that music education was being cut from so many schools, especially those that are financially challenged in London and across England,” he admits. “I was really surprised and thought it was outrageous,” he recalls of his decision to get involved with the initiative.

“I’ve always wanted to do something like this. I won’t use the cliché about ‘giving back,’ but I have a lot of knowledge and experience that I don’t use all the time – not just technically, but from performing on stage. There’s a certain aspect of connecting with the crowd, stagecraft, and performing that isn’t really taught in schools. Restore the Music allows me to pass that on, because I’ve been touring for decades.

By giving children the tools to play and perform, Restore the Music is transforming schools into hubs of energy and opportunity. “Not everyone is academically gifted or excels in all the standard things at school, but everyone can express themselves through music,” he nods. 

“Whether they want to be a performer or just learn an instrument, Restore the Music gives them that chance. Hopefully, it will also make the government think twice when they cut music budgets – even PE, which is another vital subject. Cuts like this are changing the pathways for lots of kids who wouldn’t normally have a chance to pick up a guitar, a tuba, or sit behind a drum kit. I think what Restore the Music is doing is amazing.”

The Brand New Heavies have a legacy rooted in acid jazz, but have never been afraid to evolve. Levy hints that the band have new music on the way, promising that their next album will deliver the signature grooves fans love, with a few surprises.

“We do have a new album coming out next year,” he says, careful not to reveal too much at this stage. “All I can say is that it’s going to be what you’re expecting, with a few changes. There will be lots of high-quality, well-thought-out music and songs. 

"At our stage, switching things up too much in our style and genre would be too much for our fan base. They like a certain sound, tempo, and vibe, so we’re going to stick to that. But it certainly won’t be boring. There will also be a couple of surprises on the album. Our record label suggested we do something that might raise a few eyebrows, so watch this space,” he grins.

Photo credits: Luke Dyson