Willie J Healey has released his highly-anticipated new album ‘Bunny’ late August on YALA! Records. Featuring no less than four BBC 6 Music playlisted singles – ‘Dreams’, ‘Thank You (featuring Jamie T)’, ‘Little Sister’ and ‘Woke Up Smiling’ – Bunny is a uniquely brilliant fusion of Philly soul, rock and R&B.
Watch an in the studio video for standout album track ‘Bluebird’ below.
Produced by Loren Humphrey (Florence + The Machine, Arctic Monkeys, Lana Del Rey), Bunny takes its sonic cues from boundary breaking Fresh-era Sly and The Family Stone whilst fusing Willie’s love of Beck, Outkast and the more unusual influence of David Bowie’s relatively undiscovered The Gouster – an album of the Thin White Duke at his funkiest. On the release of his new album, Willie says:
“I’m very proud to finally be sharing Bunny with you all. I met the most amazing people while making the album in New York and I’d like to thank them all for the magic they contributed. I hope everyone is able to find something in this album that makes them feel happy and seen. Lots of love, Willie.”
Reviews
“I’ve completely fallen in love with his music, it’s very bright, clever, excellent soul-y funk music with a keen sense of humour… my new favourite artist” – Guy Garvey, BBC 6 Music
“I just love the sounds that Willie is coming out with, I think this is gonna blow a lot of people away” – Matt Wilkinson, Apple Music
“WJH is a completely brilliant singer songwriter” – Greg James, BBC Radio 1
“The word is starting to spread about our boy WJH, not gonna lie, we really love to see that.” – Jack Saunders, BBC Radio 1
“I’ve always liked the way Willie has followed his own path away from the music scenes, he seems to have wandered through the past few years, oblivious to where the zeitgeist might be, and he’s done it again here.”– Steve Lamacq, BBC 6 Music
“[Bunny] perfectly captures the essence of those mellow summer afternoons.”- Clash ★★★★
“Your favourite songwriter’s favourite young songwriter” – DIY ★★★★
“A record to stick on, and bliss out to. Willie’s never had more style.” – Dork ★★★★
“It’s a thing of wonder” – Hot Press ★★★★
“a woozy and playful marriage of guitar and funk music.” – The Independent
“He’s hurtling toward Next Big Thing status” – Mojo ★★★★
“New album, Bunny, represents a great leap forward, with elements of 70s funk newly added to his earlier George Harrison stylings.” – The Observer One To Watch
“The hype is justified on new album Bunny, a record that keeps the essence of his laid-back, slacker songwriting while inviting in new elements of R&B and pop and expanding his world.” – Rolling Stone UK
“this collection suggests he could well be a contender” – Scottish Daily Express★★★★
Buy / stream Bunny here.
Alex Turner, Joe Talbot of IDLES, Jamie T, Florence Welch and Orlando Weeks are among those who have hailed Willie J Healey as a unique talent. Having completed a run of support dates with Florence + The Machine this past January, opened as special guest this spring to Jamie T at his Finsbury Park show, and toured throughout Europe with Arctic Monkeys this summer, Willie has a big 2023 headline UK tour beginning this November which includes his biggest London show to date at Brixton’s iconic Electric venue.
Before the full band headline UK tour dates commence, Willie will be performing in a unique stripped back setting during week of release as part of his instore dates.
Willie J Healey Acoustic Instore Tour 2023
Fri 25 Aug – Rough Trade East, London, UK – SOLD OUT
Sat 26 Aug – Sound Knowledge, Marlborough, UK (Matinee show)
Sat 26 Aug – Rough Trade, Bristol, UK
Sun 27 Aug – Resident, Brighton, UK
Mon 28 Aug – Banquet, Kingston, UK – SOLD OUT
Mon 28 Aug – Banquet, Kingston, UK (Late show)
Tue 29 Aug – Rough Trade, Nottingham, UK
Wed 30 Aug – Jacaranda, Liverpool, UK
Thu 31 Aug – Truck, Oxford, UK
November 2023 UK / IE Headline Tour Dates
Thu 9th Nov Chalk, Brighton
Fri 10th Nov O2 Academy, Oxford
Sat 11th Nov Hangar 34, Liverpool
Sun 12th Nov Whelan’s, Dublin
Tue 14th Nov Brudenell Social Club, Leeds
Wed 15th Nov The Cluny, Newcastle
Thu 16th Nov St Lukes, Glasgow
Fri 17th Nov The Mash House, Edinburgh
Sat 18th Nov Band On The Wall, Manchester
Mon 20th Nov Rescue Rooms, Nottingham
Tue 21st Nov Castle & Falcon, Birmingham
Wed 22nd Nov SWX, Bristol
Thu 23rd Nov Electric Brixton, London
