Introducing…The Bullitts

By Greg Cochrane
Newsbeat music reporter The Bullitts, as a 'collaborative' project are visually represented by their logo

When Jeymes Samuel, aka The Bullitts fixes your stare, you know he means what he says.

"With me, when I have an idea," he says slowly, looking from deep behind a pair of sunglasses. "I have to execute it."

It's not just his infectious personal skills which makes you believe him.

Look at the evidence: Since the Londoner decided to set out on his own project after collaborating with the likes of Gorillaz and producing KT Tunstall he's gone about something very special. More than special. Dare we say it, genre-busting.

'Movie' project

The Bullitts isn't just a guest-heavy pop album a la Mark Ronson, it's a full-blown illustrated interactive story, turned album, turned film.

"It's like a 5D movie. You can read it, listen to it, watch it," says Samuel, attempting to explain.

At the root of The Bullitt's first project is a story. It's the tale of fictional character Amelia Sparks (played by actress Lucy Liu), a murderer on the run.

All aspects of the project will unfold over the coming months.

But for the moment, fans can hear the first single Close Your Eyes out in April. The characters in the story are also making short films and keeping daily Twitter diaries.

It's a process which has thrown some unlikely collaborators together.

"When I think of Lucy Liu I think of a sword-wielding femme fatale," he says.

"When I think of Jay Electronica (the rapper also guests) I think of the dopest MC on the planet.

"As far as I'm concerned why can't they be on the same joint? Why can't they occupy the same sonic space?"

It's that kind of open door possibility that's landed guests spots on the album - called They Die By Dawn And Other Short Stories, out at the end of the summer - from Tori Amos, Mos Def and some other guests he's yet to reveal.

He's after one unlikely collaborator already: "I want to collaborate with Ronnie Corbett - 100%. I think he's the illest story teller on the planet," he booms.

"Imagine Ronnie Corbett in a YouTube clip reading off a Jay Electronica verse."

Playing live

Best thing is, he's not even joking.

"One of the dope things about The Bullitts. Whether you're an actress, singer, painter - whatever your field - somewhere I can utilise it in the story.

"The possibilities are endless."

For the moment, as confusing as some of the aspects of The Bullitts sound, all will be unveiled and unravelled. Samuel will also gather his gang and take it on stage.

"There's talk of us doing the iTunes festival in late July," he says with the enthusiasm of a man who's only limits are those of his own imagination.

"I cannot wait to unleash the live aspect."