Will Butler releases first music since leaving Arcade Fire

Virgin Radio

1 Jun 2022, 08:53

Arcade Fire fans have experienced mixed emotions over the past few months. Excitement levels have been high due to the release of new album WE in May, but that was preceded by sadness at news that Will Butler had left the band. 

Following Arcade Fire’s announcement in March that they would be back with a new record, multi-instrumentalist Will revealed some news of his own, tweeting: “Hi friends - I’ve left Arcade Fire.”

In a Twitter thread, the musician continued: “I left at the end of last year, after the new record was complete. There was no acute reason beyond that I’ve changed -and the band has changed - over the last almost 20 years. Time for new things.”

He added: “Thank you to anyone who’s come out to AF shows, or bought a record, or loves our music. It’s meaningful to be part of your lives. Thank you to the crew, staff, management, label people, bands, artists, and friends who have helped bring our vision to life for so many years.

Will, who is the younger brother of Arcade Fire frontman Win Butler, said: “The band are still my friends and family.”

He also told fans, “I’m working on a new record; booking some shows this summer.”

And so it has proved, as the artist has released two new songs as a solo artist, and has announced some North American tour dates. 

The new songs are A Stranger's House, and Nearer To Thee. Have a listen to them below:

These new songs don’t represent Will Butler’s first solo music. Indeed, the artist has been releasing his own music for a while now, with three albums under his belt.

His first record was Policy in 2015, followed by Friday Night the following year. His most recent album was 2020’s Generations.

He will be playing some North American gigs in August.

Meanwhile, Arcade Fire's WE tour will hit the United Kingdom and Europe throughout September.