Newton Faulkner plans Australian tour in 2026 to promote new album “Octopus”
Newton Faulkner is gearing up for a return to Australia in April 2026 for a national headline tour coinciding with the release of his upcoming album, “Octopus,” which is scheduled to drop on 6 March 2026 through Cooking Vinyl Records. Faulkner has just released a new single, “Gravitational,” offering fans a glimpse into the experimental production approach that defines his current artistic phase.
“Gravitational,” a collaborative effort with INK, features layered vocals, a pulsating rhythm, and subtle hints of synth and vocoder. Faulkner explains that the song captures the pivotal moment when someone unexpectedly alters your emotional trajectory, embodying the magnetic pull that occurs before the mind comprehends the change. The track delves into the vibrant world of electronic textures, a signature element of his recent musical output.
From his origins as an artist known for his unique percussive acoustic style, Faulkner’s new music showcases the breadth of his musical evolution. While he has always integrated production tools, looping devices, and keyboard-based arrangements into his creative process, “Gravitational” places a spotlight on these elements, shaping the song’s character. Faulkner’s aim is for the track to offer the same joy to listeners as it did during its creation.
“Gravitational” follows the release of “Hunting Season” featuring Lissie and Los Bitchos and “Alright Alright Alright,” both of which set the collaborative and adventurous tone for “Octopus.” These tracks underscore Faulkner’s fascination with rhythmic movement, textural interplay, and daring creative choices.
Born Sam Newton Battenberg Faulkner in 1985 and raised in Reigate, Surrey, Faulkner discovered the guitar at thirteen and honed his rhythmic playing style. His education at the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford, under the tutelage of Eric Roche, helped him refine the technical skills that define his recorded and live performances. Prior to his solo career, Faulkner gained experience in bands like Half A Guy and a Green Day cover group, establishing a strong foundation in live music before embarking on his solo endeavors.
Faulkner burst onto the music scene with his debut album, “Hand Built By Robots,” in 2007, a commercial success that topped the UK Albums Chart, achieved double platinum status, and spawned hits like “Dream Catch Me,” “I Need Something,” and “Teardrop.” The album solidified Faulkner’s position as a prominent acoustic artist of his time, leading to performances at prestigious festivals and support slots for acclaimed artists.
Subsequent albums like “Rebuilt By Humans” (2009) and “Write It On Your Skin” (2012) continued Faulkner’s chart-topping streak, with the latter reaching number one in the UK. Faulkner’s foray into self-production with “The Interference (Of Light)” in 2021 further showcased his commitment to visual openness and transparent creative processes through live-streamed sessions.
Faulkner’s ties to Australia run deep, as the country has been a key stop on his global tours for over a decade. Known for his intimate performances and strong audience rapport, Faulkner has developed a devoted following Down Under, considering the country a second home. His upcoming Australian tour in April 2026 promises to bring the infectious energy of “Octopus” to stages nationwide.