John Williamson - Butcherbird (2018)

Beloved Australian music icon John Williamson is set to release his momentous 20th studio album Butcherbird on Friday 24 August.

“Butcherbird is probably my most relaxed album ever,” says Williamson. “I didn’t expect to write another eleven songs, but I can’t help myself.”

“It’s a very honest and reflective album and it was quite a breeze to write. Perhaps because at this stage of my career I had a ‘what the hell, just do it’ attitude. It felt right.”

“There’s a crazy song, a protest song, some reflections, underscored by my beautiful Numinbah Valley.”

To appease fans until Butcherbird’s release, the track ‘Pigs On The River’ will be available to download for those who digitally pre-order the album.

Williamson has already treated live audiences to the album tracks ‘Pigs On The River’, ‘Buddy & Slim’ and ‘Simpson Desert’.

“Why ‘Butcherbird’? Well, the Butcherbird is my favourite feathered singer. They have been here longer than humans, yet their melodies are remarkably fresh. They are my mates in the garden and have inspired the first track, ‘The Valley of His Dreams’.”

Williamson’s extensive career in the music industry is nearing 50 years strong and hails accolades such as the induction into the ARIA Hall of Fame, three ARIA Awards and selling over four million albums. KIERA MCDIARMID