First things first, a little introduction if you please 
Hello, my name is Richard Walters. I’m a musician. I sing and write songs, but I’d rather not be cornered in with the singer/songwriters - they’re no fun.
I’m just about to release a second full length album called ‘Pacing’ which follows up my debut ‘The Animal’ which came out a year and half ago. I’m currently working on a third record, which I hope to get out early next year, and a few collaborative projects. 

How long have you been singing/playing guitar? Is this what you’ve always wanted to do?
I started guitar at around 15, and singing shortly after that…but like everyone else, I was singing when I was a child, just not with intent or in front of anyone. I suppose this is what I always wanted to do, apart from a brief period somewhere between the ages of 8 and 11 when I  wanted to become a vet. Making music for a living is endlessly frustrating and occasionally heartbreaking, but I’m not built to do much else in all honesty - I’d be a bit lost without this outlet. 

What has been your biggest achievement so far?
Hmmmm - on a personal level, working with one of my genuine idols, the singer Joe Henry. I co-wrote some songs with him last summer at his studio in Los Angeles, and we’ve continued to collaborate on ideas via email ever since. He’s recorded one of the songs we wrote together for his next record, which pretty much means I can die happy. On a ‘impress my parents’ level, playing at the Royal Albert Hall last spring was very special, and will long be remembered by myself and everyone in my band that night. 

Your new album, ‘Pacing’ is out today. How are you feeling about it?
Well, I’m not entirely sure. I found the making of this one a bit strange in the sense that I wasn’t 100% involved in the production process. I was touring a great deal during the sessions and as a result it was a very stop/start thing - I’d be in the studio for a few days then away for 3 weeks, then back for a week. I guess as a result I feel a little detached from the finished product. Bernard Butler, who produced the record, is a genius guitarist and producer, and he’s definitely brought his sound-mark to the album, but I’m not certain it fits with my own ideas completely, if I’m brutally honest. I’m still proud of ‘Pacing’ and want people to hear it, I just think my best is yet to come. 

Did you have any particular influences for the album?
Bernard and I are both enormous New Order fans, and I think in terms of the synth-y nature of the record, that’s pretty evident. For me there are lots of amazing moments that make me think of Kate Bush and Low era Bowie - big bold pop elements.

Do you have a favourite song from it?
I am incredibly proud of the title song. It’s a very personal lyric, and I think the string arrangement on the track is insanely good…it builds slowly, then explodes when you least expect it.

What are your plans for the next half of this year?
I’ll be doing a small tour in May to promote ‘Pacing’, and a few shows in the UK and Europe scattered about over the summer. I adore playing live, but constant touring is not something I’m interested in doing right now - it feels much nicer to pick and choose shows, and concentrate my efforts on making those special. I’m also going to continue working on the new album, and hopefully will have finished recording by mid summer. Other than music, I’ll be spending a great deal of time with my favourite people in gardens, by rivers and in bed. 

If someone famous were to download the new record from itunes and put it on their ipod, who would you most like it to be?
I like the idea of David Bowie uploading the album onto his gold-plated iPod, preferably while wearing his pyjamas and drinking some ridiculously good coffee. 

And finally, if there was one song you think everyone should hear, by any artist, what song would that be?
Shit, so difficult. I could make a list of songs that people should hear that would go into triple digits. A great, great song should stay with you and nag at you and be beyond explanation as to why you love it. One song that comes to mind is ‘Jesus Was a Cross Maker’ by Judee Sill. Hardly anyone has heard of her, and I think that’s an absolute crime. The two albums she made in her lifetime are like nothing else out there, and I implore people to research her as an artist and have her music in their life - it’ll be better for it, I promise. 

A note from Alexa: Richard’s first album The Animal has to be one of my favourite musical discoveries this year. What’s striking, for me, is the contrast between what is being sung and the way in which he sings it; gentle falsetto and soft melodies, mixed with heart-wrenching, powerful lyrics, makes for something hauntingly beautiful. These aren’t just pretty songs that will fade from your memory. These are songs that will no doubt strike a chord deep within, the kind of songs that stick and become etched into the soundtrack of your life. I have no doubt that Pacing will be just as much aural pleasure. Do your ears a favour and download the new album today, you won’t regret it.