Newton Faulkner at ULU Live

Newton Faulkner, a master of audience participation, took to the stage of ULU Live to deliver a one-of-a-kind experience. In his own words, the singer-songwriter aims to “never play the same gig twice”. His laid back personality, raw musical talent and the ability to conduct three separate sections of the crowd – harmonising with all of them – ensured this concert was something unique.

Opening the set with the first track of his debut album, To the Light, the artist took us on a musical tour through his long and successful career, spanning all the way up to his most recent release Hit the Ground Running.

Faulkner’s ability to interact with the crowd, bouncing back and forth with hecklers, and giving witty insights to the backstory of his songs really humanised the English musician. The audience were all too happy to participate, at one point being split into three groups to harmonise on a rendition of Hit the Ground Running.

While telling the tale of how his track Carry On came to be, Faulkner had the concertgoers in the palm of his hand, and then in fits of laughter as he regaled us with the admission that his young son called the touching song “creepy” – and a heckler agreed. Such a genuine and personal insight into the the artist’s life brought the audience and singer together – something he has wanted to do with this latest album.

Dream Catch Me, perhaps one of the biggest hits in Faulkner’s set, had the crowd singing every word and clapping along, as did Pick Up Your Broken Heart. But when the time came for duet So Long with Tessa Rose Jackson, a complete hush fell over the room as they soaked up the heartfelt lyrics of the two musicians sharing the single microphone.

Faulkner finished the concert with a fantastic medley of songs, made up of requests shouted out during the hour and a half show and some of his own, living up to his aim of never playing the same set twice.

Connor James Ibbetson
Photos: Yufan Wang

For further information and future events visit the Newton Faulkner website here.

Watch a live session and our interview with Newton Faulkner here.

Watch the video for Hit the Ground Running here: