Alex Watts is set to release his debut album, Another Step in the Dark, through Astound Records on Saturday August 20, with a one-off art exhibition and live show at Hugs and Kisses with support from Emma Russack.
Recorded to tape at Melbourne’s Soundpark Studio, Watts chose to work with some of his favourite local musicians pulling together some of Melbourne’s best musicians including Eliza Lam (Dr. Doctor/Oh Mercy) Mark Gregory, Joe Cope (Dan Kelly Dream Band), Steven Clifford (The Hello Morning), Michael Hubbard (The Bluebottles, Spencer P. Jones, Nick Barker) and saxophonist Phil Noy (The Bamboos).
“I have fairly eclectic musical tastes and I saw no reason not to explore whatever stylistic approach the song needed,” says Watts. “Hopeful is all ‘60s pop, complete with 12-string Rickenbacker and sitar, Manipulated has a bit of a new wave punk thing going on. When we did Reunited I suddenly found myself conducting a string section, which was kind of bizarre and exhilarating.”
As a companion to his music, Alex Watts asked 10 Melbourne based visual artists to each interpret a track from the album through painting, still animation or photography. Artists such as Celeste Potter (Ouch! My Face), Ben Montero (Montero), Damian Cazaly (Blackchords), Cesar Rodrigues (Saatsuma), Kate Moon, Sacha Bryning, Tajette O’Halloran and Lucy McCallum, will each display their work, which will also be for sale at the beginning of the launch show.
Catch Alex Watts perform Another Step in the Dark in full with a nine-piece band, with support from Emma Russack.
Another Step in the Dark Album Launch Show & Visual Art Exhibition
Saturday August 20
Hugs and Kisses
22 Sutherland Street, Melbourne
Support: Emma Russack
Doors 7.00pm
Tickets now online: eventbrite.com.au
Pre-order Another Step in the Dark at www.alexwatts.com.au.
