Four years since their debut album Lawson are back with their second LP Perspective. Mansfield’s own lead guitarist Joel Peat spoke to Notts TV about its influences, inspiration and his new favourite Lawson song.
Four piece pop/rock band Lawson have continued to grow and grow ever since their breakthrough single When She Was Mine hit number four in the charts in 2012.
It was shortly followed by their debut album Chapman Square which also charted at number four the same year, followed by 18 sold out shows around the UK and Ireland in 2013.
After a hiatus, they are storming the charts again with a number six album entry courtesy of new 12 track album Perspective.
We really wanted to try a different direction
Lead guitarist Joel Peat, from Ravenshead in Mansfield, spoke to Notts TV about the creation of the album.
He said: “It was actually much more enjoyable than making the first as we knew what to expect and had built up in our heads all the things we wanted to try.
“I think that’s why this album is so much more varied; we really wanted to try different directions and channel our inspirations.
“Working in Nashville (USA) had its effect on the music too; not so much in terms of genre but as a place, it was so immersive as we were constantly surrounded by music.”
Joel thinks that these surroundings were influential in the way that the second album was put together.
He said: “Everywhere you turn, there was music history and music history being made.
“Blackbird Studios where we recorded, played a big part of the process; it had loads of gear and different instruments to experiment with and the ambiance in there was like no other place.
“It really felt like hallowed ground!”
We’re much more confident
A result of their experiences together, Joel believes that Lawson’s sound has transformed in the four years since their debut album was released.
He said: “I think the main difference is the way we gel as a band now as we’re much more confident and we’re not afraid to try things.
“We learnt a lot creating and touring Chapman Square and I think in a way all that inspired the sound of Perspective.
“We were also listening to a lot of different stuff when we made Chapman Square.
“I’ve said since we started recording the first song, it’s the most we’ve ever sounded like us.”
The band is named after the surgeon that performed life saving surgery on lead singer Andy Brown to remove a brain tumour.
Since then Andy has also recovered from liver failure after a drink was spiked with the new album name coming from these experiences.
Joel said: “The serious health issues he’s faced in his life have really changed the way he views the world.
“People’s stories became really interesting to us and we always want to hear them, especially as we meet a lot of people with what we do and they always have stories to tell.
“Even the sentiments in the songs can be perceived differently by different people and that’s what it’s all about!”
Love & War is my favourite Lawson song
Joel then excitedly reveals his favourite track off the new album, Love & War.
He said: “It closes the album and it’s a perfect example of Andy having a concept in his head and then bringing it to life with an amazing melody and lyrics.
“Not only is it my favourite song on the album, but it’s probably my favourite of any of the songs we’ve released.”
Rock City was one of the most memorable gigs ever
Over the past year the band have supported Robbie Williams on his New Zealand/Australian tour but playing in Nottingham has a special place in Joel’s heart.
“I would love to come back and do a show in Nottingham,” he said.
“We haven’t been in a while and Rock City was one of the most memorable gigs we’ve ever done, not just for me but all of us.
“We’re planning on doing an acoustic tour after the album tour so it would be great to do a date in Nottingham, especially with the city having so many great venues!”
