MUMBAI: Universal Republic Records has signed alternative soul impresario Mayer Hawthorne. His full-length debut for the label, How Do You Do, will hit US shelves and digital retailers this fall, and the buzz single A Long Time, was released digitally on 24 May.

Listeners will be introduced to Hawthorne via the intoxicating and seductive sounds of A Long Time. The singer’s voice instantly transports listeners back to the golden age of soul but with a slick modern kick. He’s got a refined, timeless style reminiscent of Smoky Robinson and Curtis Mayfield mixed with a forward-thinking sound.

The Ann Arbor, MI native released his self-produced independent debut, A Strange Arrangement, in 2009. A limited-edition 7" heart-shaped vinyl of the single Just Ain’t Gonna Work Out/When I Say Goodbye was pressed and – combined with the traditional digital single — exceeded sales of 50,000 copies while critics everywhere began embracing his unique flavor and flare. Mayer Hawthorne’s stellar debut was included in Entertainment Weekly’s "Best-Of" 2009 issue, and he was also chosen as one of Playboy’s breakout artists of 2009.

Now, anticipation continues to mount for How Do You Do as tastemakers, celebrities, and fans alike unanimously sing Hawthorne’s praises.

Hawthorne hit the road this spring with Bruno Mars and Janelle Monae with a performance at Lollapalooza 2011 planned for August.