Today, Rhys Lewis announces the record that changed him. Entitled ‘Corner Of The Sky’, the brand new album became a 13-track quest for Rhys: to find what it means be alive in 2022. When searching for the answer, he penned the emotionally complex single ‘The Middle’, released today, which acknowledges the unfortunate imbalance of a break-up aftermath. When looking for his very own “Corner of the Sky”, Rhys found that he connected with a generation that needed to run, regardless of destination – a shared sense of uncertainty about what the future holds and the need to escape.
With over three quarters of a billion streams to date, Rhys Lewis has already captivated the public with songs of heartbreak, having accompanied pinnacle moments on some of the biggest shows on television. The BBC Introducing favourite has toured the world with his impressive vocal ability and charismatic smile, winning him legions of loyal fans.
Talking about ‘The Middle’ Rhys notes, “After a few years of being apart from my ex-girlfriend, I realised I was still keeping our relationship alive in my head. I still associated lots of the city I lived in with her and would catch myself considering her in future plans in the event that we get back together. I know I’m not the only one to have developed a complicated relationship with the past. We all talk to ghosts.”
Balanced with optimistic pop gems, the first single from the album, ‘Alone’ (released earlier this year), describes Rhys’ first daydream of escape. The gentle rebellion ended in an exhilarating transitional record. When initially playing with his of journey of change, he switched London’s concrete jungle for a greener terrain that harked back to his childhood in Oxfordshire. It was here that Rhys embraced loneliness and allowed the record to grow organically in the depths of the countryside’s Fens. Although Rhys missed touring and the unpredictable thrill of performing live, he needed to redefine himself as a creative before taking to the stage once more. Because of this, there’s a comforting nostalgia to both ‘Love In a Modern Age’ and ‘Simple’, that defies the intricate percussion found in adrenaline-filled anthem ‘To Be Alive’. Each track felt like an intentional step forward, and the whole album ties perfectly together with the love drunk ‘Corner Of The Sky’ single, where Rhys finally found what it meant to be at home.
Smashing through his biggest year yet, Rhys toured the world supporting American singer, songwriter and television host Eric Nam. 2023 sees Rhys embark upon his own European headline tour, stopping at London’s Lafayette as well as much-loved venues in Dublin, Berlin, Copenhagen, and more (see below for full details).
OUT 20TH JANUARY ON DECCA RECORDS PREORDER HERE
Tracklist:
- Intro (on physical only)
- Alone
- Love In The Modern Age
- Midnight
- Symmetrical
- Simple
- The Middle
- To Be Alive
- Yesterday’s Rain
- Happy Fucking Birthday
- Centre of the Universe
- 21st Century Life
- Corner Of The Sky
Rhys Lewis’ Headline 2023 tour dates below:
1st Feb: Whelan’s, Dublin – Ireland
3rd Feb: King Tut’s, Glasgow – UK
4th Feb: Gorilla, Manchester – UK
6th Feb: Thekla, Bristol – UK
7th Feb: 02 Academy, Oxford – UK
8th Feb: Lafayette, London – UK
10th Feb: Melkweg, Amsterdam – Netherlands
11th Feb: Artheater, Cologne – Germany
13th Feb: Maschinehaus, Berlin – Germany
15th Feb: Hotel Cecil, Copenhagen – Denmark
16th Feb: Parkteatret, Oslo – Norway