Bombay Bicycle Club announced a hiatus in January 2016 as the band members had decided to pursue their own individual projects. Steadman had embarked on a round-the-world trip without flying and recording his solo album. In
Shanghai, Steadman boarded a cargo ship and set up a studio in his cabin and began writing his solo album. The name Mr Jukes comes from a character in
Joseph Conrad's
Typhoon named Jukes, who was second in command on a ship heading into a
typhoon. Steadman read the book while he was travelling on the cargo ship. The opening song of Mr Jukes' debut album is titled after the same novella. On 21 March 2014, English singer/songwriter
Sivu released the single "Can't Stop Now". The digital single included a remix by Mr Jukes. Mr Jukes' debut album
God First was released on 14 July 2017. including with
Lianne La Havas,
Charles Bradley,
De La Soul,
Horace Andy,
Lalah Hathaway,
BJ the Chicago Kid. In 2021, the collaborative project
The Locket recorded by Steadman and
Barney Artist was released. The London-based artist Barney Artist also contributed to
God First's track "From Golden Stars Comes Silver Dew" (with Lalah Hathaway).
The Locket features 10 tracks cut from sessions that span over 18 months, with its title track referring to memories of happier times: "we fill a locket with memories we protect, and don't forget to keep it round your neck". The record features two guest artists - Lex Amor on the sixth track "Autumn Leaves" and Kofi Stone on the eighth, titled "Check The Pulse". ==Discography==