ACCLAIMED Hunter Valley musician William Crighton will release his second album Empire on May 4.
The album is the highly-anticipated follow-up to Crighton’s 2016 self-titled debut, which launched the Bellbird troubadour’s career.
Coming off the success of his debut, Crighton has toured alongside Dan Sultan and performed in Canada and at respected festivals like Bluesfest.
The first singles off the record Fire In The Empire and Happiness signal a darker rock direction than his country-flavoured debut, which introduced a uniquely Australian sound. Somewhere between John Williamson and Nick Cave.
Written predominately on the road while touring over the past two years, Empire examines the human psyche and the impact of the rapidly-changing modern world.
“This album is a result of doing what I've always loved to do and will always do - write songs about my experiences and relationships in the environment around me.” Crighton said of Empire.
“My last album was the first time I was able to really look back and examine myself and my life in context. I guess I'll get more of a picture of what this album is to me the closer I get to the next one, it felt right to make.”
Joining Crighton in the studio on Empire were Crowded House drummer Matt Sherrod, wife Julieanne (vocals) and brother Luke (bass).
Crighton is expected to debut new material from Empire on March 27 when he performs at Maitland’s Grand Junction Hotel. The show will be recorded for a future live album.
Josh Leeson
Josh Leeson is an entertainment and features journalist, specialising in music, at the Newcastle Herald. He first joined the masthead in 2008 after stints at the Namoi Valley Independent and Port Stephens Examiner and has previously covered sport including the Asian Cup, A-League, Surfest, cricket and rugby league.
Josh Leeson is an entertainment and features journalist, specialising in music, at the Newcastle Herald. He first joined the masthead in 2008 after stints at the Namoi Valley Independent and Port Stephens Examiner and has previously covered sport including the Asian Cup, A-League, Surfest, cricket and rugby league.
