Richard Hawley, songwriter and former member of Britpop group the Longpigs, is set to release his eight solo studio album, titled Further, on June 7th with new label BMG. This will be the Sheffield native's first record that is not named after a Sheffield local landmark, bringing a new step forward on the twentieth anniversary of his work as a solo artists. The new album is filled with short and potent tunes, in which Hawley challenged himself to "get your message across like a bullet". Still in keeping with his roots, the album was recorded primarily in Sheffield with co-producers Colin Elliot and Shez Sheriden. Hawley crafted the album's positive and optimistic tone as an antidote to the negativity and hatred so prevalent in our current moment: "we are bombarded by so much hateful stuff at the moment that I was determined to make something really loving".

In further exciting news, a musical based off Richard Hawley's music, Standing At The Sky's Edge, will be premiering at the Sheffield Crucible Theatre on March 14, running until April 9. Written by Chris Bush and directed by Robert Hastie, the musical tells the story of Sheffield's Park Hill estate from its utopian foundations, through its struggles with poverty and gentrification.

Hawley has released the first single from the album 'Off my Mind' with an accompanying visual. Watch the video below.

Further will be released June 7th. It will be available via streaming services, digital download, CD, LP, Limited Edition Orange LP, and Limited Edition Picture Disc. It is currently available for pre-order here.