Artists
Biography
Scott Walker's history is long, fascinating and unique.
He is one of the most influential figures in on rock music, an icon who turned his back on superficial pop stardom to create some the most resonant and compelling records ever made.
He is an American by birth, but has lived in London for decades, making music since the late 1950s. He initially shot to fame as part of the hugely-successful Walker Brothers, who recorded a string of British hit singles in the mid-60s. The trio weren't brothers, and none of the were called Walker, but their soaring harmonies and sweeping arrangements captured the imagination of millions - their fan club was even larger than that of the Beatles.
Scott pulled away from the group and, inspired by French chanson and the music of Jaques Brel in particular, began his solo career. He released a series of legendary, self-titled records: "Scott" (1967), "Scott 2" (1968), "Scott 3" (1969) and "Scott 4" (1969), incorporating more and more of his own compositions - Scott 4 was entirely self-penned.
The 1970s saw Scott withdraw from the public eye, but the four striking songs that he contributed to the Walker Brothers reunion album "Nite Flights" (released in 1978) revealed an imagination that continued to fire, now feeding off of Krautrock, Berlin-era Bowie and Brian Eno. 1983's assured "Climate Of Hunter" revealed a similar concern with texture and atmosphere.
1995's extraordinary, visionary "Tilt" raised the bar further than ever before, confirming Scott's standing as an artist of unique courage and range.
Since "Tilt" was released, Scott has composed a film soundtrack ("Pola X", directed by Leos Carax), directed an arts festival (London's Meltdown, in 2000), written and arranged songs for Ute Lemper, and produced the Pulp album "We Love Life".
4AD is delighted to announce that Scott Walker has completed work on his first album for the label.
The long-awaited new album - titled "The Drift" - will be Scott's first since the ground-breaking "Tilt" was released in 1995.
4AD released the album worldwide in May 2006.
A documentary film about Scott's music - including the making of "The Drift" - has been made by the New York-based director Stephen Kijak. The film features a rare and unprecedented look into the creative world of one of rock's most uncompromising and influential enigmas. Titled "Scott Walker: 30 Century Man", it was also released in 2006.