| While his name might not ring a bell, chances are his
guitar has already been ringing in your ears. Richard Hawley
plays guitar for Pulp (he's featured prominently on their
forthcoming record). He's also a former member of the Britpop
band, The Longpigs who toured the states playing stadiums
opening for U2. Richard has contributed to records by Beth
Orton, Robbie Williams, Nellee Hooper, Finlay Quay and Perry
Farrell. He even plays a mean solo on the All Saints hit
version of "Under the Bridge".
What can a young man do having played in such rock'n'roll
bands in sleepy London Town? He can go solo and release
his first full-length album, Late Night Final. Hawley's
songs are from a life where classic Americana collides
with true Northern Britain grit. He has mastered the beauty
of Roy Orbison, the wistfulness of Buddy Holly and the
dark moodiness of Johnny Cash. Hawley writes timeless
atmospheric tunes that dip into the same classic waters
as The Everly Brothers and Scott Walker (a recent collaborator.)
The son of a Sheffield steelworker, Richard started touring
with his uncle's band at the age of 14. Both of his parents
were musicians and Sheffield has a rich musical heritage
that contributed to his creative growth. This is the town
that boasts the birthplace of Cabaret Voltaire, the Human
League, ABC, Pulp and many many more.
Having already experienced being a "pop star",
Hawley, has no desire for it. "After swimming with
the tide for so long, I did what I wanted to do!"
And that he did, creating a stunning album of unashamed
romantic crooning mixed with nostalgia.
"It's quite a selfish record. I made it just for
me. But without trying to sound pretentious, I hope it
has come out with a generous spirit," says Richard
Hawley
The NME has called Late Night Final a "very classy
turn." The Guardian sees "a haunting croon,
a tremolo bar and an echo chamber the size of the Mersey
tunnel." He conjures up images of a time where all
songs were listened to while hoisting a frosted mug of
ale. "You can almost smell the hair grease, yet strangely
timeless. Never underestimate the appeal of a leather-clad
lonely boy."
Late Night Final was recorded in Hawley's hometown of
Sheffield with his band: Andy Cook (drums), Colin Elliot
(bass & studio engineer), Shez (guitar) and Simon
Stafford (keyboard). It great music haunted by the spirit
of rock'n'rollers long since gone and we guarantee it's
going to touch the haunted parts of your heart.
Press contact: Perry Serpa/Nasty Little man
(212) 343-2314 perry@nlmpr.com
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