Australian folk troubadour William Crighton unleashes his sophomore album, 'Empire', this May, the follow-up to his self-titled 2016 debut.
With his first offering catching the ears of listeners and critics through William's poetic lyricism and country-tinged folk rhythms, 'Empire' sets out to chronicle his own personal and musical growth over time.
“It was a journey to make, that's for sure,” William says of the album.
“It kind of came about in a way that was pretty natural. I had a vision to put out something that was honest and something that was where I was at this point in time.
"I didn't have a finished picture in my mind when I began it, it's all just trying to capture moments in time. I've grown a bit since the last album as a person, and as an artist and musician, so I wanted to reflect those changes on this album.”
At the heart of 'Empire' is an affinity with the landscape of Australia and its importance in informing the identities and personalities of artists such as William.
“The landscape of everywhere I go, the people I meet whether it be in Australia, America, Canada, Asia or wherever I end up I always try to observe as much as I can and take in as much as I can, and I think my perspective is Australian because I'm Australian.
“The Australian landscape is something that's very close to my heart. We live in a very special spot and so to be able to get away from things and feel that spirit of this place is great because what it does is open you up.
"So no matter where you are in the country you can feel that spirit and how it relates with the land itself, the creatures in it and the people around you as well. It's just a bit of a journey as Australians.”
Even within the stifling confines of sprawling concrete jungles, William says that sense of earthly connection is never truly lost. “We might cement over the top of it, but it's all part of it,” he says.
“Everything is from the earth so once you key into that and feel that spirit and energy, that is with you if you continue to pay respect to it. It won't leave you, whether you're in a city or 300kms from anywhere.”
'Empire' also reflects a deep, familial bond for William, working with a close group that included his brother Luke, his wife Julieanne and friend and Crowded House drummer Matt Sherrod to produce 'Empire'.
With the album released in early May, William sets out on a run of metro and regional live shows throughout July and August, pre-empted by a performance at Narara Music Festival. “We'll definitely be playing a long set and playing songs from both albums as well as some songs that aren't on either of them,” William says of the upcoming shows.
“It'll be a brand new show; my brother Luke is taking a break from playing bass because he's having a second child, so I'm shifting up the rhythm section. Matt Sherrod, who played on the record, is going to come out and play drums for me and take Reuben [Alexander]'s spot because he's taking a rest... [and] Julieanne my wife will be there too, so yeah it's a bit of a new show.”
'Empire' is released 4 May.
William Crighton 2018 Tour
Sat 5 May - Narara Music Festival (Mt Penang Gardens, Central Coast)Sat 14 Jul - The Northern (Byron Bay)
Sun 15 Jul - Bello Winter Music Festival (Bellingen)
Thu 19 Jul - The Grace Emily (Adelaide)
Fri 20 Jul - Howler (Melbourne)
Sat 21 Jul - MONA (Hobart)
Fri 27 Jul - 48 Watt St (Newcastle)
Sat 28 Jul - Factory Floor (Sydney)
Thu 2 Aug - Black Bear Lodge (Brisbane)
