Faulkner began playing guitar at the age of 11-12 with session guitarist Bob "crazy guy" Cranham and also attended the Academy of Contemporary Music in Guildford, where he spent 2 years gaining both diploma and the higher diploma award under the tutelage of Eric Roche.
His first band was a Green Day cover band, in which he played bass guitar. His experience on the stage grew as he formed Half a Guy, a funk rock group with a quirky edge, with fellow band mates Matt Buchanan, Dave Elvy and Nicola Crawshaw. Half a Guy recorded two demo CDs and managed 2 years before splitting. He then spent time recording and gigging under the name Newton Battenberg Faulkner, where he played the Lapagestock festival on the 11th June 2005.
Recent appearances on BBC Radio 2 as well as a publishing deal with Peermusic UK compelled the Independent on Sunday to tell its readers to "Watch this face". Faulkner performed at the 2006 South by Southwest music festival and at Guilfest 2007.
In 2006 he had a support slot for Steve Forbert at The Spitz in London, England.
Newton has recently been signed by [labelSony BMG records and on the 30th of July 2007 he released his debut album Hand Built By Robots. He supported James Morrison on his February UK tour as well as Paolo Nutini on his UK tour in April, and also John Mayer on his September dates in the United Kingdom. He also supported The John Butler Trio on a number of European dates.
In June 2007 Newton's second single Dream Catch Me was selected Jo Whiley's 'Pet Sound' on her daily Radio 1 show. This gave the track much exposure and was highly commented on by listeners to Jo's show.
Newton appeared twice at the Glastonbury Festival in June 2007 - once on the Friday on the Acoustic Stage and once on the Sunday on the Leftfield Stage. He appeared at V Festival 2007 in August where he played in the Virgin Mobile Sessions Tent - a venue much too small as people overflowed outside. He also appeared at the Connect Music Festival at the end of August 2007 on the Guitars and Other Machines stage
On July 29, Dream Catch Me entered the UK Singles Chart at number 16. The following week it had risen to number 7 with Hand Built By Robots entering the album charts at number 3. The song rose to #8 on 12 August, the album to number 1 on 26 August.
Eric Roche is undoubtedly one of Newton's biggest influences, both from a stylistic point of view (vis a vis the percussive use of the guitar's body) and through the use of tapping, uncommon tunings and inventive chord changes, such as in I Need Something and Ageing Superhero, from his debut album. This method of playing also shows heavily in the work of Jon Gomm and Pete Wailes, although with a slightly different feel in both.
To The Light
Newton Faulkner Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Because I'm losing it again
And I wan't to relate
That you're thinking I'm insane
Oh it's the same
Another train
Just sitting around
With a racket in my brain
And, could have everything you wanted
But you would be still be wanting more
'Cause there's one of those in your eyes
Sit for stillness on a rock
That's spinning round and round in your surprise
Take a break from all I know
Just sit back and let it flow
Then I find I'd broken through
To the light again
And every time I find I'm thinking about the things I wanted
That is the time I have nothing to sing
And every time I find I'm thinking about the things that don't matter
That is the time to see everything
I want to know Lord
Why it's got it to so hard
Want to know Lord
Why it's got it to so hard
Feel like a muppet with a drunked puppeteer
But I'll survive
I will survive
Take a break from all I know
Just sit back and let it flow
Then I find I'd broken through
To the light again
Then I find I'd broken through
To the light again
To the light again
To the light again
Ooh, ooh
Take a break from all I know
Just sit back and let it flow
Then I find I'd broken through
To the light again
Take a break from all I know
Tell myself to let it go
Then I find I'd broken through
To the light again
Then I find I'd broken through
To the light again
The song "To The Light" is about taking a break from one's usual routine and allowing oneself to flow with what comes naturally. The singer is feeling overwhelmed by life and the constant barrage of thoughts in his mind. He is experiencing a kind of mental anguish and feels like he is going insane. He recognizes that he could have everything he has ever wanted, but he would still be lacking something deeper within himself. He regards himself as a "muppet with a drunken puppeteer" but is committed to surviving.
The singer uses stillness and time to gain perspective, take a break from all he knows and to allow himself to connect with his inner self. He finds that during these times of reflection, he can break through to the light again. The light symbolizes a realization, a realization about his purpose and life. Whenever he thinks about the things he wanted or the things that don't matter, it's a sign that he should take a step back and appreciate everything. The singer is also questioning why life has to be so hard, which shows his confusion and uncertainty.
Overall, the message of the song is that we should take breaks and allow ourselves to flow with life. We should appreciate what we have and seek the light in the midst of the darkness.
Line by Line Meaning
I'm taking a break
I need to pause and step away from what's overwhelming me.
Because I'm losing it again
My emotions are taking over and I'm struggling to keep it together.
And I want to relate
I want to communicate and connect with you.
That you're thinking I'm insane
I feel like you see me as irrational or unstable.
Oh it's the same
This sense of chaos and confusion is familiar to me.
Another train
This overwhelming feeling is like a constant journey that never stops.
Just sitting around
I am stationary, not moving forward or progressing.
With a racket in my brain
My thoughts are loud and chaotic, causing me distress.
And could have everything you wanted
Even if all your desires were fulfilled...
But you would be still be wanting more
...you would still feel unfulfilled and desire more.
Cause there's one of those in your eyes
There is a constant longing and searching in you.
Sit for stillness on a rock
Find peace and quiet in order to gather your thoughts and emotions.
That's spinning round and round in your surprise
You feel trapped and dizzy in your own thoughts.
Take a break from all I know
I need to step away from my current situation.
Just sit back and let it flow
Relax and allow whatever happens to happen.
Then I find I'd broken through
I am able to move past my negative thoughts and emotions.
To the light again
I feel hopeful and positive again.
And every time I find I'm thinking about the things I wanted
When I dwell on what I lack...
That is the time I have nothing to sing
...I lose the joy and creativity in my life.
And every time I find I'm thinking about the things that don't matter
When I focus on things that are trivial or insignificant...
That is the time to see everything
...I gain perspective and can see the big picture.
I want to know Lord
I want to understand and seek help from a higher power.
Why it's got it to so hard
Why is life so difficult?
Feel like a muppet with a drunken puppeteer
I feel like I am being controlled by outside forces or circumstances.
But I'll survive
Despite my struggles, I know I will make it through.
Then I find I'd broken through
I am able to move past my negative thoughts and emotions.
To the light again
I feel hopeful and positive again.
To the light again
I feel hopeful and positive again.
Take a break from all I know
I need to step away from my current situation.
Tell myself to let it go
I need to release my negative thoughts and emotions.
Then I find I'd broken through
I am able to move past my negative thoughts and emotions.
To the light again
I feel hopeful and positive again.
Then I find I'd broken through
I am able to move past my negative thoughts and emotions.
To the light again
I feel hopeful and positive again.
Contributed by Zoe B. Suggest a correction in the comments below.