John Butler is gearing up for the release of his new album, April Uprising, hitting stores April 6, 2010 via ATO Records and tour which kicks off in May. Throughout the album, there is a wonderful mix of personal experience, passion and political sentiment. It's Butler's personal touch that really stands out, and fans can also experience his personable and accessible nature in the way of videos he's been rolling out on the official John Butler Trio website and YouTube Channel.
John Butler Trio's "The Making of April Uprising" is far from your typical video about the making a record. The short film was shot in and around John Butler's studio in Australia, and really highlights the Trio's animated personalities; and more than anything, it makes you want to go Down Under to hang out with them.
Butler has also been taking time out of his busy schedule, which steadily has him touring all corners of the world, to provide video tutorials on his guitar technique. In the "'One Way Road' Tutorial," currently posted on his blog, Butler talks about the spirit of the song and all of the styles that go into it. Captured backstage at the Fox Theatre in Boulder, CO, the video simply features Butler and his Squareneck National six-string guitar. Despite clocking in just under ten minutes, it's easy to follow him through all of the chord progressions, as his charming nature and serious talent really grab your attention.
Also newly released on the John Butler Trio YouTube Channel is the "Close To You" Official Film Clip, which likewise delivers the artist and his bandmates up close and personal, and lives up to the truly fantastic music video for the first single "One Way Road."
The John Butler Trio North American tour kicks off on May 20, 2010 at the House of Blues in San Diego, culminating on the East Coast in late June. Butler will be joined by his new bandmates: Melbourne musician Nicky Bomba (drums and percussion) and Byron Luiters (bass) from Sydney outfit Ray Mann Three.
JOHN BUTLER TRIO NORTH AMERICAN DATES:
5/20 San Diego, CA @ House of Blues
5/21 Los Angeles, CA @ House of Blues
5/26 Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
5/27 Portland, OR @ Crystal Ballroom
5/28 Seattle, WA @ Moore Theater
5/ 29 Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
5/30 Vancouver, BC @ Commodore Ballroom
6/4 Morrison, CO @ Red Rocks Amphitheater *
6/5 Kansas City, MO @ Crossroads
6/6 Ozark, AR @ Wakarusa Festival
6/9 Des Moines, IA @ Simon Estes Amphitheater
6/10 Minneapolis, MN @ First Avenue
6/11 Chicago, IL @ Riviera Theater
6/13 Manchester, TN @ Bonnaroo
6/15 New York, NY @ Central Park Summerstage **
6/16 Vienna, VA @ Wolf Trap Farm Park
6/17 Philadelphia, PA @ Penn's Landing **
6/18 Boston, MA @ Bank of America Pavilion ***
*6/4 with Medeski Martin & Wood and State Radio
**6/15, 6/17-18 co-bill with State Radio
***6/18 State Radio closes the concert