- 2023-11-26
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MUSIC
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Richard Walters Releases New Album “Murmurate”
British singer-songwriter Richard Walters released a new album “Murmurate” on November 17, 2023 via Nettwerk.
It is his first body of work in three years since the 2020 album “Golden Veins”.
The album comprises 12-track, featuring a guest appearance from London-based singer-songwriter Lydia Oliver.
All tracks were written by Richard Walters and produced by Eliot James.
The album was born out of the pandemic and sketched out during those isolating times and inked-in during the colourful rush of social and creative hook-ups that immediately followed.
But the album is not “lockdown album”, but rather a reflection of the curious period that followed.
Richard Walters said of the album, “When the world started to wake up again post lockdown I sprinted towards the door; I bolted, with unbelievable enthusiasm and joy, and I fell. I wiped out a fair few times in my desire to get back into a routine, to return to normality. I eventually found myself moving back from the bustle and noise, a combination of anxiety and a previously unearthed desire for more and more calm.... For me this is not a lockdown record. It was largely written in 2022, post weirdness, but many of the songs do tap into that sense of post-lockdown-anxiety (PLA!?) and the mixed up, confused feeling of needing to be elsewhere but feeling the tug of home.”- He continued, “When it comes to music, throughout lockdown I was desperate to be in the room with other people making things again. In my opinion, Zoom just doesn't cut it when it comes to finding common musical ground and building things up. That's where the title 'Murmurate' comes from - I just wanted to feel that unison again, to move in time with other songwriters and musicians, to flock and gather and soar a little bit, even if the distance from my homelife made me feel torn from time to time.”
He added, “It was made as a whole, so I'd like people to find the time to listen through if they can - a moment of reflection. It's a record that speaks of shared experiences, of a life we've all lived, so I hope it speaks to people and finds a place in their days.”
Also, Richard Walters was nominated for Best Dance/Electronic Album with Kx5' “Kx5” at the 66th Annual Grammy Awards.
On the album, he co-wrote, produced and performed “Eat Sleep”. -
Richard Walters explained about some tracks for the album.
“Move On”
“In arguments or heated moments I'm the person that loses my cool and then the moment passes, the grievance dilutes and I'm able to gather myself. It's like I need the release. My wife is the opposite, and this is a song of apology and acceptance of my flaws and inability to sit with negativity too long.”
“After Midnight”
“My attempt at being Springsteen! The older I get, the more home-based I become. It's a feeling I've noticed other friends my age expressing. So it's a middle aged anthem about not wanting to be out on the town post-midnight, about the beauty of the quiet life and the taxi home.”
“Lost in Your Light” featuring Lydia Oliver
Richard Walters said, “'Lost in Your Light' came from a long talk with a friend - he'd found himself in an endless on/off relationship. He knew it was bad for him, he knew he couldn't see a future, but he said he was like a moth trapped in her light. I loved the idea, and I think we can all relate - sometimes we can't help doing the thing that hurts us most.”
Lydia Oliver said, “I've loved every minute of being a part of this one! I have also been listening to it on repeat since I was sent the master a few months ago and have been so excited to share it with you all… I hope you love it as much as I do.”
“Anchor”
“'Anchor' is a song about and for my daughters; I've been away a fair bit the last 12 months, which felt especially hard post lockdown, and it's a song about that familial pull and instinct to protect and support them.”
“Long Way Down”
“It's an attempt by a sad songwriter to pen something uplifting! I think post lockdown I was more appreciative of the ground I've covered in life and happy to acknowledge my successes and joys. It's easy to forget or even ignore the past and progress.”
“Philip Seymour Hoffman”
“Philip Seymour Hoffman was a huge hero of mine and I was heartbroken when he died…this is me imagining his final moments, the slipping away and weird things one might imagine as the lights go out ('I'm thinking of a hotel before..') Quite dreamlike and surreal. Who could ever play him better than he played himself? Nobody can fill those shoes.”
“Skye”
“It was the last song we recorded and it felt like a joyful, big moment. It's a good, strong, positive memory and I loved writing this one.”
Photo by Will Killen - source : Apple Music
