Credit: Found On Internet

John Butler is a confident man – in a sure-of-himself manner, rather than manifesting as arrogance - and he’s got every reason to be. While he might be an unknown to the vast majority of British music fans, the American-born but Australia based John and his Trio have clocked up a 4 ARIA Awards (that’s the Aussie equivalent of a Brit Award), and two platinum albums in Australia, and have toured the USA with the Dave Matthews Band. Music Towers caught up with the dreadlocked band leader for a quick chat as he prepared to launch new album, “Grand National”, here in the UK.

So how’s the new album different from the last one?

“People ask what direction we’re going on this album, and the only answer is ‘forwards’. We’re not a band that’s interested in re-inventing ourselves, or trying to re-invent the wheel. We have our own sounds, and our own style; we’re developing it and adding more colours to the palette all the time, creating something that’s really special and unique. We’re further down the road. It’s a really good album and it’s a real evolution.”

Why did you go with “Funky Tonight” as the first single?

“Over in England that’s what the record company wanted to do, and we said whatever, that’s what they did in Australia, so feel free. We’ve had 'Better Than' and 'Good Excuse' in other places as well. I guess that’s just what we think will suit the British people.”

Obviously you’re much better known in Australia than you are in the UK, are you worried about the expectations over there and the reception over here?

“No, not at all. It’s a great album; I’m making the art that I want to make, and as an artist, that’s what I do – I make art, and I’m satisfied with it. That is the first objective, always, me going in to the studio and making the album and walking out feeling very satisfied, and that’s what I’ve done. I’m not interested in making art to keep other people happy, and I kind of despise art that does. That’s called Advertising, and it’s better to be honest and say you’re in the line of Advertising than that of being an artist. If you’re an artist then you must be unforgiving.“