Richard Walters (singer-songwriter)

Richard Walters
Born Oxford, England, United Kingdom
Occupation(s) Singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist
Website Official website

Richard Walters is an English singer-and multi-instrumentalist, born in Oxford.[1]

Early life

Walters fronted a number of bands in his teens before signing to Warner Chappell Music Publishing as frontman of Theremin in 2001.[2] The band released one double A-side single – 'In the Barn/Minor Planets' – through legendary Oxford indie 'singles club' label, Shifty Disco in 2001, before disbanding in late 2002.[3] Walters was immediately taken on as a solo artist by both Warner Chappell Music and Radiohead's Courtyard Management in 2003, recording the 'Umbrella Songs' EP at the companies Oxfordshire studios in 2004. The EP gained critical support on both sides of the Atlantic, catching the ear of KCRW presenter Nic Harcourt, who repeatedly played tracks from the EP on his 'Morning Becomes Eclectic' show. 'All at Sea', a short 2-minute piano-led track from the EP, was used in a closing scene of American television show CSI: Miami in 2005.[4]

Walters was diagnosed with epilepsy[5] in 2005 and took a break from writing and recording. He eventually returned to the studio in 2006 and released the resulting Guy Sigsworth (Frou Frou, Madonna, Björk) produced 'Pilotlights' EP in 2007 on cult British label Big Scary Monsters.[6]

'The Animal'

Walters signed with British-based record label Kartel in 2008, putting out several singles before releasing the David Kosten (Bat For Lashes) produced album 'The Animal' in 2009.[1] The album was met with critical acclaim and strong radio support in the United Kingdom, with several songs being placed in prominent American television shows including So You Think You Can Dance? and Grey's Anatomy. Chrysalis Music Publishing signed Walters in early 2010. Walters took up residence in Paris around this time. Touring throughout Europe continued well into 2010 – including tours with The Cranberries, Martha Tilston and American-French group Moriarty.

'Pacing'

In late summer 2010 Walters began writing with songwriter, producer and acclaimed Britpop guitarist Bernard Butler (notable for co-writing the first two albums by Suede and his work with Duffy) and The Cranberries guitarist Noel Hogan, the result was the 10 track album 'Pacing' released in Spring 2011. The album, a guitar heavy record, was a departure from Walters' signature ethereal sound, and received mixed reviews.[7]

Songwriting and EPs 2011–2013

Moving back to the United Kingdom in early 2011, Walters began writing new songs, self releasing a download only EP of 'sketches' in December 2011 entitled 'Young Trees'.[8] A full-length album 'Regret Less' was released on Walters own imprint, Beard Museum Records in October 2012. The album received critical praise[9] throughout Europe and a number of songs from the album (and EP) were placed on American TV shows including Revenge, Criminal Minds and Private Practice. Walters toured extensively in support of the album.

In August 2013, Walters released a new four track EP, 'Two Birds'.

Collaboration and side projects

Walters has collaborated with The Cranberries guitarist and songwriter Noel Hogan a number of times since 2005, first appearing on Hogan's Mono Band album, and later the Arkitekt project. In 2007 Walters co-wrote and performed the track 'Cool is the Night' for the 'Between Voices' album by Anti Atlas, a studio project by Radiohead manager Chris Hufford and classical composer Ned Bigham.[10] In 2010, Walters co-wrote several songs with Grammy Award winning singer/songwriter Joe Henry, one of which – 'Eyes Out For You' – featured on Henry's 2011 album 'Reverie'.[11] Walters collaborated with American house producer Morgan Page in 2011, two tracks 'The Actor' and 'Light Years', appearing on Page's 2012 'In the Air' album.[12]

Discography

Albums

Album information
The Animal
Pacing
Regret Less

EPs/Singles

Album information
Umbrella Songs
  • Released: May 2004
  • Label: Beard Museum Records
  • Format: CD, EP
Pilotlights EP
Brittle Bones/True Love Will Find You in the End
Young Trees
Two Birds

References

  1. 1 2 Paul Lester (13 May 2009). "New band of the day – No 546: Richard Walters | Music". London: Guardian. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
  2. ↑ "Richard Walters – The Animal | Album Reviews". musicOMH. 28 September 2009. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
  3. ↑ "Shifty Disco". Shifty Disco. 22 October 2001. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
  4. ↑ "Richard Walters // Drowned in Sound". Drownedinsound.com. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
  5. ↑ Music Reviews (22 April 2010). "Richard Walters: The Animal – Entertainment – NZ Herald News". Nzherald.co.nz. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
  6. ↑ ben marwood (29 November 2006). "Richard Walters caught by Big Scary Monsters / Music News // Drowned in Sound". Drownedinsound.com. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
  7. ↑ Johnson, Andy (10 May 2011). "Richard Walters – Pacing". The Line of Best Fit. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
  8. ↑ "Richard Walters – Young Trees EP – One Note Forever ∞". Onenoteforever.com. 25 January 2012. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
  9. ↑ "Album | Richard Walters – Regret Less | For Folk's Sake". Forfolkssake.com. 20 November 2012. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
  10. ↑ Gill, Andy (31 August 2007). "Chris Hufford: The man who guided Radiohead to stardom has his own chillout project to shout about – Features – Music". London: The Independent. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
  11. ↑ "Reverie | Joe Henry". Joehenrylovesyoumadly.com. Retrieved 1 July 2013.
  12. ↑ "Available Today, Anticipated New Album 'In The Air' From Morgan Page". Nettwerk. Retrieved 1 July 2013.

External links

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