Richard Walters Talks New Album, Live Shows And More

We recorded at Eastcote Studios in London, with Eliot James producing. Making a record with just two people is an amazing experience, like a great conversation, and we had the greatest time trying to play everything without any outsiders sneaking in. The singer Lydia Oliver joined for one day to add her beautiful voice to a few songs, but apart from that it was just me and Eliot going mad in a small room for 2 months.                                      

Do you have any interesting, funny, or memorable stories from the recording sessions?       

It’s a little bleak, but darkly funny (depending on your sense of humour I suppose)…the Queen died on day two of tracking. It was quite surreal, a little eerie on the streets of London. We actually had to stop recording because church bells all over the city were ringing, it was so loud it penetrated the soundproofing and meant not much could be done.                                                                                                                                           

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?                                           

I grew up in Oxford. Ancient, Creative, Nostalgic, Beautiful and Touristy!                               

Your latest single is ‘Philip Seymour Hoffman’. What was the story behind this song?            

PSH was one of my biggest heroes, just the greatest actor in my opinion. When he died I was utterly heartbroken, the only time I’ve cried over the death of a ‘star’, someone I didn’t know. The song is about his last moments on earth, an out of body experience, and the big question of ‘who’s going to play me now’ – who could ever play PSH, theatrically or in life. He’s irreplaceable.                                                                                                                      

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals?                                                                                           

I’ve got two guitars I can’t live without. Recently I’ve loved playing with my Organelle, a tiny analogue synthesizer, which produces some amazing and unexpected sounds.              

Was it a difficult album to write?                                                                                                                   

No, I was ready and willing to make something new. It felt very relaxed, very welcome, to be in the studio with Eliot.                                                                                                          

Do you have any live plans to support the album release?                                                                         

I’ll be playing four UK shows in November, which will also be my last solo dates for the foreseeable future. I love playing for people but I hate being away from home, from my children, I’m missing too much, too many important things. Maybe I’ll tour again in 15 or 20 years when my kids are grown up.                                                                                            

How do you look after your voice?                                                                                        

I just listen to my body and avoid singing when I’m ill, when there’s any weakness. When on tour I try to steam everyday, drink hot drinks and avoid too many late nights.                       

What makes Richard Walters happy and what makes you unhappy?                                   

I feel very lucky to be making music, that makes me unbelievably happy. My family, my friends, the world being available again (after the drama of the last few years) are things that I’ll never take for granted again. What makes me unhappy? Corruption, lies and inequality. And arrogance, I can’t stand people driven by their ego. But I try not to dwell on the unhappy triggers these days and focus on goodness.                                                          

Photo Credit: Supplied By PR