Loyle Carner
Musician with a cause

Jemma Finch x Timberland Sustainability

 

Born Benjamin Coyle-Larner in South London, he made his recording debut in 2014 with the EP 'A Little Late'. His Mercury Prize nominated debut full-length 'Yesterday's Gone' was released in 2017 to critical acclaim, resulting in him winning an NME Award (Best British Solo Artist) and receiving two BRIT Award nominations (British Breakthrough Act and British Male Solo Artist).

 

Loyle refers to real life for everything, the title of ‘Yesterday’s Gone’ came from a song of his step father, the title of his new album ‘Not Waving, But Drowning’ comes from a poem by his grandfather, which in turn came from a Stevie Smith poem. It is this approach to life commentary that has made him a social activist with real empathy for his community, that genuinely wants to make the world a better place.

 

Loyle is a prolific reader, reading about anything he can to expand his knowledge base on the world and the social challenges that we all face. Throw dyslexia and ADHD (Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder) in to the mix and life for Loyle should have become more difficult, but he channels his personal challenges in to energy to help others and the communities around him.

 

Loyle started a cooking school for kids with ADHD, mentoring the kids and running free workshops to teach them that cooking could be therapeutic for those with ADHD, because he grew up with the condition himself. He has also campaigned for mental health and suicide with charity organisation CALM, showing the strong links between being outdoors in nature and its positive effect on mental health and our general well-being.

 

This connection to nature has seen Loyle become an ambassador for London National Park City which is a movement to improve life in London. It’s a community movement working with residents, visitors and partners to enjoy London’s great outdoors more and make the city greener, healthier and wilder. Through this partnership, Loyle is shining a light on forgotten places in London that have been consumed by urban sprawl and fallen victim to the growth of the concrete jungle.

About the collaboration, Loyle says: “I’m just tryna make my city a little greener, my dad used to plant trees in the city and I’m just following in his footsteps”.

It is this approach to the wider community and how nature can drive to impact social change that has Loyle Carner leading a conversation with a new generation of everyday social activists, and showing that no matter how small your involvement, we can all make a difference.

MEN’S COURMA GUY BOOTS, worn by Loyle Carner

Loyle is wearing boots named after Courmayeur, an Italian city at the foot of Mont Blanc, because they’re both rugged and fashionable at the same time. We made them with sustainably-sourced leathers and recycled PET linings and laces.

On top of that, they’re 100% waterproof to let you stay outside even if it’s wet.

 

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