Will Newman Shares His Groundbreaking Album, “Requiem to Who I Used to Be”
By: Chris Buxton IG: @chrisbuxtonllg
For centuries, music has been used as a medium for basic human emotion & communication. It is one of the only things that I can truly say brings me peace & clarity. As a music writer, I have had the pleasure of covering some very talented artists over the past few years. However, due to oversaturation, it has become harder & harder to find groundbreaking artists that make me experience the feelings I felt when I first fell in love with music. Although the selection process has become more tedious, there are special times when I come across an artist that truly impresses me. For starters, I’m continuously searching for artists that are unorthodox and have an innovative sound. I don’t want to cover artists that follow trends. I want the artists that break the rules and allow their music to embody their persona & thoughts. This week, I felt that high of finding a very special artist again, and his name is Will Newman.
Hailing from Canterbury, Will Newman is a rising singer-songwriter who got his start in 2018. Since then, Will has released two EPs, various singles and has picked up a niche worldwide following with his genre-defying take on adolescence and relationships. Drawing inspiration from the likes of John Mayer, Lauv, LANY, & The 1975, Will has taken their influence and crafted a sound that is both refreshing and captivating. With his honest songwriting and ability to connect, he has continued to impress. Now, he debuts on our pages with his sophomore album “Requiem to Who I Used to Be”.
“Requiem to Who I Used to Be” is a sonically pleasing album that can be looked at as a “rebirth” of one of the industry’s most polarizing newcomers. Over the 16-track album, Newman’s versatility and raw talent shines in ways that feel otherworldly. The album has tinges of hip hop, soul, pop and indie rock and documents Will parting from grief and trauma to become a new, resilient version of himself. The BBC backed artist has laid bare a suicidal crisis and mental health issues in this explicitly honest account of becoming a better person. As someone that has dealt with depression & PTSD, this album was therapy for me. It felt like I was truly heard for once. His level of understanding is empowering, and his ability to express his emotions makes him a star! My favorites from the album were “Wasted Time”, “Pills”, & “If I Don’t”. Overall, this is one of my favorite albums of the year. So, make sure to stream below and vibe out.
