Will Martin releases 'A New World' album

Will Martin releases his stunning debut album 'A New World', an epic collection of classical crossover songs recorded with a full orchestra, on the UCJ label on 22nd September 2008.

Pre-order the album now.

At only twenty-three, Will Martin has already packed in a lifetime of paying dues. School musicals, playing piano in bars, waiting tables, corporate entertaining and singing in rock bands to singing the New Zealand National Anthem in front of a sold out All Blacks crowd – Will has done it all.

Will sent the demo to the heads of two British record companies. The two record companies grew very excited; Will gave two intimate showcases and laid out his future plans to the company executives. Before he knew it, a young man with no manager, no lawyer and no fixed plan had two record deals on the table.

Will flew to London where he was courted by the record companies. Shortly thereafter, Will signed a five album deal with UCJ and took on a manager.

“A New World” was recorded at London’s Air Studios during the spring and summer of 2007. The album was produced by Simon Franglen and features the Prague Philharmonia.

“I think that people today seem to be craving a more sophisticated sound,” says Will. “While not all the songs are from traditional repertoire, they are all orchestral and classical in spirit. Take “Going Home” from Dvorak’s “New World Symphony.” It’s a beautiful piece of classical music, but it has been produced as though it was written this year. It has contemporary textures and rhythms, and includes Maori chants with my voice floating on top.”

Well-known songs are also featured, including “Into the West” the theme song from “Lord of the Rings” (originally sung by Annie Lennox) and Ennio Morricone’s “Cinema Paradiso.” Both have been given an orchestral kick, and contrast with the subtle takes on Nat King Cole’s “Nature Boy” and Maori folk song “Hine e Hine.” Albinoni’s “Adagio,” sung with the All Angels, has never sounded so ‘of the moment.’