07 December 2012 - 0 Comments

To look at the 6.4 buff frame of Tim Walker you might size him up as a boxer or a rugby player, and you would be absolutely right.   But contrary to his physical immensity, Walker’s real talent lies in the art of the sensitive love song.  His voice is soft, fine, emotive.  His songs are lush love stories that would make even the most jaded person melt.  The proof of the pudding lies in Walker’s debut album 'You/Me', due for release on December 7th.

In May this year, Walker won the Musicoz International Artist of the Year award with his singles 'Lullabies' and 'Maybe Baby' from his forthcoming album. He also made the finals for the best video and best acoustic singer/songwriter.  No mean feat for an unsigned and relatively unknown artist from New Zealand.

Native Tongue Music Publishing signed Tim Walker following his award win after courting him for several months. “People don’t realise how difficult it can be to write a great pop ballad. Walker is incredibly talented and we are proud to have him in our enclave of songwriters.” Says Native Tongue general manager for NZ, Jan Hellriegel.

“I’ve been inspired by the likes of Van Morrison, Glen Hansard of Swell Season and Damien Rice” Says Walker. “ My sister introduced me to his (Rice’s) album 'O' when I was 15, which turned out to be a big turning point in the way I approached songwriting, and he has gone on to be one of my biggest influences”

Walker shares Rice’s lush folk-pop sensibilities.  His new single, 'Only She' opens with soft rhythmic strums on acoustic guitar and Walker’s clear, intimate vocals setting the scene. The pre chorus introduces warm piano chords reminiscent of Steve Winwood. Layered harmonies build up to the breaking falsetto chorus of 'Only She' as the instruments pulse like a yearning wave until the song’s close.  Walker wears his heart on his sleeve unabashedly and we are grateful for it.

To coincide with the album release, 'Only She' will be available as a free download for one week only here:

http://www.aeroplanemusic.co.nz/a/

Animator, Justo Cascante III has created a beautiful video for the single involving a romantic encounter between a mermaid and a circus performer.  To view the video click here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GYwX-nEcJV0

Recording the album took two years to complete. “We recorded at my friend Jimmy Wong's home studio. I would turn up to his house with a song that was written, we would sit down and build the song up from acoustic guitar using it as the backbone to the song. We basically just tried adding things and taking them away until I was happy. It was all done on a shoe-string budget.”

The result is a highly polished, engaging, acoustic-pop gem.

‘You/Me’ is released through Tunecore and Border Music.

http://www.facebook.com/twmusic

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