Band bio

Richard Hawley

In an era where next big things, scenes and in-sounds flash by and even our favourite tunes are listened to on shuffle we need music that will stick around for a while, albums that we can go on listening to in one sitting until they wear out like previous generations had done with their Johnny Cash, Frank Sinatra, The Beatles and The Smiths records.

Something real. Something timeless. Something proper. That something is Richard Hawley.

His previous albums, (Coles Corner nominated for the 2006 Mercury Music Prize and follow up Lady Bridge) were hits and his sixth studio album Truelove's Gutter set to be released on Mute on 21st September is a testament to his intoxicating song writing talents with eight new classic compositions.

Arrangements on Truelove's Gutter occasionally feature some truly uncommon instrumentation, such as the megabass waterphone and crystal baschet. "I use a load of odd sounds on this album that are not heard on many other records," says Richard. "The sounds in my head on a lot of the tracks - I didn't even know what they were called!"

Eccentric instruments notwithstanding, the lush but minimal production provides a haunting backdrop to Hawley's unique voice and allows him plenty of space for some outstandingly beautiful guitar solos. "I wanted it to be a listening experience from start to finish, where you couldn't just pause it and go off and watch Coronation Street or whatever," explains Hawley. "Sonically, it flows. It's not jumping all over the place. It just has a mood that goes through the whole thing."

According to the law of Hawley all great songs should make you want to fight, shag, cry or drink. Hawleys songs fulfils these categories in spades

Experience something real,  timeless and proper - see the talent that is Richard Hawley playing Brangwyn Hall Swansea on October 16th.