Newton Faulkner, English singer-songwriter and guitarist

Newton Faulkner: An Overview of the English Singer-Songwriter and Musician

Sam Newton Battenberg Faulkner, born on January 11, 1985, is an acclaimed English singer-songwriter and musician originating from Reigate, Surrey. He is widely recognized for his distinctive and highly skilled percussive style of guitar playing, a technique that transforms the acoustic guitar into a multi-instrumental canvas. This approach involves simultaneously hitting, tapping, and slapping the guitar's body and strings to create intricate rhythmic patterns and melodic lines, effectively turning the instrument into a drum kit, bass, and melody provider all at once. This unique technique, which often sees him using his entire hand, knuckles, and fingernails, has become a hallmark of his sound and a key element in his live performances.

Early Breakthrough: Hand Built by Robots (2007)

Faulkner's career trajectory saw a significant ascent with the release of his debut studio album, Hand Built by Robots, in 2007. This critically and commercially successful album quickly achieved double platinum certification in the United Kingdom, signifying sales in excess of 600,000 units. It also topped the UK Albums Chart in August 2007, solidifying his position as a prominent new artist. The album was effectively promoted by three key singles: "Dream Catch Me," "I Need Something," and "Teardrop." Among these, "Dream Catch Me" proved to be a particular standout, reaching an impressive number seven on the UK Singles Chart and becoming one of his most beloved tracks.

Resilience and Rebirth: Rebuilt by Humans (2009) and Write It On Your Skin (2012)

Following the success of his debut, Faulkner released his second studio album, Rebuilt by Humans, in 2009. This album continued his chart success, reaching number three on the UK Albums Chart. The title held a deeply personal significance, stemming from a serious accident in 2008 where he broke his right wrist after a fall. The injury necessitated surgery and extensive physiotherapy, posing a significant challenge to his signature percussive guitar style. His poignant reflection, stating he had "been put back together again by humans," directly inspired the album's name, highlighting his resilience and the profound impact of his recovery journey.

In April 2012, Faulkner offered fans a taste of new material with an EP titled Sketches. This preceded the release of his third studio album, Write It On Your Skin, in July 2012. Demonstrating his sustained popularity and ability to connect with audiences, this album once again soared to the top of the UK Albums Chart, securing another number one spot for the artist.

Innovation in Recording: Studio Zoo (2013)

Faulkner's fourth album, Studio Zoo, released in 2013, peaked at number ten on the UK chart but truly distinguished itself through its innovative recording process. In an unprecedented move, the entire album's creation was streamed live online, offering fans a unique and transparent glimpse into the artistic process. This real-time, public recording from his home studio allowed his audience to observe the development of each track, fostering an unparalleled level of engagement and demonstrating his commitment to breaking down barriers between artist and listener.

Evolution and Theatrical Ventures: Human Love (2015) and American Idiot (2016)

His fifth studio album, Human Love, arrived in November 2015. During its creation, Faulkner notably underwent a significant personal transformation by removing his long-standing dreadlocks, an act that symbolized a reinvention of his public image and perhaps a shift in his artistic direction. This period also marked his foray into musical theatre, showcasing his versatility as a performer.

Following this successful theatrical engagement, Faulkner released his sixth studio album, Hit the Ground Running, in 2017, which continued to explore his evolving musical landscape.

Iconic Roles and Comprehensive Collections: War of the Worlds (2018) and The Very Best Of... (2018)

Newton Faulkner continued to expand his theatrical repertoire, taking on another significant role in late 2018. In November and December, he starred as the "Sung Thoughts of the Journalist" in the 40th-anniversary musical version of Jeff Wayne's seminal concept album, The War of the Worlds. This role in the iconic rock opera demonstrated his ability to interpret complex narrative pieces and further showcased his vocal and performance range.

On December 10, 2018, Faulkner excitingly announced through his social media channels the forthcoming release of The Very Best of Newton Faulkner...So Far. This comprehensive collection featured a remarkable 31 songs, carefully curated to represent his career to date. The album included a selection of tracks from his six studio albums, three brand-new songs, and, notably, studio recordings of "all the covers I play live, from 'Bohemian Rhapsody' to 'Send Me On My Way' and a track I promised myself I'd never record!" This release was previewed by a new Christmas-themed track titled "Wake Up," which was promoted on his official website, offering fans a festive glimpse into the upcoming compilation.

Adapting to New Realities: The Interference (Of Light) (2021)

Faulkner's seventh album, The Interference (Of Light), was released in 2021, marking another chapter in his musical journey amidst unprecedented global circumstances. This album was uniquely recorded in isolation, a direct response to the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic. In a testament to his adaptability and commitment to connecting with his audience, the recording process once again featured a live stream, echoing the innovative approach first seen with Studio Zoo. This allowed fans to witness the creative process in real-time, even as the artist worked remotely.

Frequently Asked Questions About Newton Faulkner

What is Newton Faulkner best known for?
Newton Faulkner is primarily known for his distinctive percussive style of guitar playing, where he uses the guitar as a multi-instrument, creating both rhythm and melody by tapping, slapping, and hitting the instrument's body and strings.
What was Newton Faulkner's debut album called, and how successful was it?
His debut album was titled Hand Built by Robots, released in 2007. It was highly successful, achieving double platinum certification in the UK and topping the UK Albums Chart.
How did Newton Faulkner's wrist injury impact his music?
A serious broken wrist injury in 2008 required surgery and extensive recovery, which directly inspired the title of his second album, Rebuilt by Humans, reflecting his journey of rehabilitation and return to playing his signature style.
Which of Newton Faulkner's albums were recorded via live stream?
His fourth album, Studio Zoo (2013), and his seventh album, The Interference (Of Light) (2021), were notably recorded via live streams, allowing fans to watch the creative process in real-time.
Did Newton Faulkner star in any musicals?
Yes, he starred as Johnny in the musical American Idiot, based on Green Day's songs, for its UK Tour and West End run in 2016. He also played the "Sung Thoughts of the Journalist" in Jeff Wayne's The War of the Worlds in 2018.
Why did Newton Faulkner remove his dreadlocks?
During the creation of his fifth album, Human Love (2015), Faulkner removed his dreadlocks as part of a decision to reinvent his appearance and image.