John Butler, one of Australia’s leading independent artists is set to go global with the release of his new album ‘PRISM‘ on 5th September. Released in the UK on Because Music, it is available to pre-save and pre-order now. Today he shares lead track ‘So Sorry‘. He will tour the UK in October and November.
John Butler is an icon, a political activist, environmental warrior and prolific musical revolutionary with accolades spanning from #1 charting albums to platinum records, ARIA and APRA Awards. He has played on the world’s most iconic stages, from venues to festivals, including Glastonbury, Coachella, Fuji Rock, Red Rocks Amphitheatre and beyond with his high energy live performances and revered musicianship connecting deeply with diverse audiences. In 2003, as the John Butler Trio, he released ‘Sunrise Over Sea’, the first independently released album to reach number one in Australia, paving the way for troubadours to rewrite their pathway to success in the music business, free from the shackles of major labels, corporate sponsors and moral compromise.
Marking a formal departure from the John Butler Trio moniker and hurtling headlong into the power of the one-man “band” that kicked it all off back in the early days of JB’s busking prowess, ‘PRISM‘ celebrates the fire and brimstone of this raw talent. While ‘PRISM‘ possesses a full throttle band sound, it was crafted entirely solo by Butler and producer James Ireland (POND), both sharing instrumentation and production responsibilities.
Lead single ‘So Sorry‘ is out today, 28th May. Butter says, “Long relationships end up having a lot of water under the bridge. We end up saying and doing things we live to regret. You get together as “kids” and if you’re lucky, you learn how to regulate and become adults together. But no one gets out unscathed.”
On ‘PRISM’, Butler laces his deeply personal tales with an epic soundscape brimming with fierce guitars, robust percussion and meteoric choruses. There are radio-friendly ear-worms that will generate instant festival singalongs, moshpit frenzied rock outs, and soulful ballads that are as pensive as they are stirring. Butler’s ability to mine the depths of the human condition, most especially his very own heart space, while consistently expanding his musical tapestry, layering explosive percussion with hypnotic string pickings is second to none.
“It’s a big life and the world, in many ways, is in turmoil. Personally, I did a lot of soul-searching and reflecting as this record took shape,” Butler explains. “For me, ‘PRISM’ is a cathartic release, a celebration of going solo, moving away from the John Butler Trio moniker, and yet another sonic stretch as I continue to refine my musical journey. The title reflects the sonic and emotional “bandwidth” I wanted to explore: the whole spectrum of what it is to be human. Love, death, politics, inner and outer turmoil and redemption.”
Last month he dropped ‘Trippin On You’, which is awash with honky tonk swagger, sunshine stomp and a pop-fuelled chorus that defies Butler’s roots-inspired alternative rock foundations, while simultaneously exploring the realities of working hard to keep a relationship buoyant.
‘PRISM’ is Season Three of Butler’s Four Season roll-out. In early 2024 Butler released ‘Running River’, an ambient album taking the audience on a journey of deep relaxation, meditation and incredible musicianship. In November 2024 Butler released the second album ‘Still Searching’. The fourth instalment will be released in 2026.
With his new band–featuring original JBT member Michael Barker on drums, Michael Boase on percussion and Ian Peres on bass / keys, Butler recently toured Australia as part of the SummerSalt lineup before playing Bluesfest. In June, July and August he will undertake an extensive US tour. Today he announces UK dates, with more worldwide dates to be announced soon!
UK LIVE DATES
30 Oct – Royal Showgrounds – Cornwall UK
31 Oct – Bristol Academy – Bristol UK
1 Nov – Troxy – London UK
3 Nov – O2 Ritz – Manchester UK
