Songs for Walter is the moniker under which Manchester based Laurie Hulme sails along with a great mop of hair that Woody Guthrie would have been proud of. The name is taken from Laurie’s grandfather Walter whose memories and tales he brings back to life through song and lo-fi creativity.
Walter was a living, breathing story himself. From his much-loved caravan holidays in Scotland and Wales brilliantly depicted by Ukulele song ‘Tin Can’, to the bittersweet romance of lead-track ‘Meet Me At The Empire’ – a tale of Laurie’s grandparents’ first date to the Empire theatre – each song is like a yellowing polaroid taking you further into another chapter of Walter’s life.
Don’t be fooled into thinking Laurie’s lyrics are saccharine coated…edge closer to the speaker and you’ll hear lyrics that sit comfortably alongisde the repertoire of Neutral Milk Hotel. Laurie cites inspiration from the likes of Lou Barlow, Bonnie ‘Prince’ Billy, Nick Drake and Bill Callahan.
Meet Me at the Empire
Purple Blue
Red Deer will be releasing a very limited box set entitled ‘Meet Me At The Empire’ EP – this will include 6 tracks, a collection of lovely photographs, all rapped up in a hand made box. Pre sales will be up soon.
Free gig:
New Manchester Review (FREE) ft. Cheap Cuts+Stefan Melbourne+Songs for Walter
20 February at 19:00 Details here