Four years since their last album release, Lawson are back with their latest album Perspective. Lead guitarist, Mansfield’s Joel Peat, talks about their achievements and the inspiration behind the tracks.

Four piece pop/rock band Lawson have been making an impact on the music scene since their first single When She Was Mine was released in 2012. It was shortly followed by their debut album Chapman Square which charted in the UK at number four.

Now, four years later they’re back, entering the chart at number six with their feel good, toe tapping album Perspective.

Joel, 26 from Ravenshead in Mansfield, plays lead guitar in the band and spoke about what it was like making the second album.

He said: “It was actually much more enjoyable making the second album. We knew what to expect and had built up in our heads all the things we wanted to try. I think that’s why this album is so much more varied.”

“We really wanted to try different directions and channel our inspirations. Working in Nashville (USA) had its effect on the music too, not so much in terms of genre but as a place it was so immersive. We were constantly surrounded by music.”

He added: “Just being surrounded by so many different musicians in a relatively small space made a difference. Everywhere you turn there’s music history and music history being made. Blackbird Studios where we recorded, played a big part of the process. It had loads of gear and different instruments to experiment with and the ambiance in there was like no other place. Really felt like hallowed ground!”

The band also includes 29 year-old lead vocalist Andy Brown, 26 year-old bassist Ryan Fletcher and 25 year-old drummer Adam Pitts.

In May, their latest music video Where My Love Goes made the headlines after Andy proposed to girlfriend Joey on set. The video currently has over 2 million views on Youtube.

Joel described how their sound has progressed in the four years since the first album: “I think the main difference is the way we gel as a band now. We’re much more confident and we’re not afraid to try things. We learnt a lot creating and touring Chapman Square and I think in a way all that inspired the sound of Perspective.”

“We were also listening to a lot of different stuff when we made Chapman Square. I’ve said since we started recording the first song, it’s the most we’ve ever sounded like us.”

The band is named after the surgeon that performed life saving surgery on lead singer Andy to remove a brain tumour. Since then Andy has also recovered from liver failure after his drink was spiked.

Joel explains the inspiration behind the name of the new album: “Perspective came about through conversations about what Andy had been through over the past few years. The serious health issues he’s faced in his life have really changed the way he views the world.”

“People’s stories became really interesting to us and we always want to hear them. We meet a lot of people with what we do and they always have stories to tell. Even the sentiments in the songs can be perceived differently by different people, and that’s what it’s about!”

“My favourite track is a song called Love & War. It brings the album to a close and it’s a perfect example of Andy having a concept in his head and then bringing it to life with an amazing melody and lyric. Not only is it my favourite song on the album, but it’s probably my favourite of any of the songs we’ve released.”

“ROCK CITY WAS ONE OF THE MOST MEMORABLE GIGS WE’VE EVER DONE”

Over the past year the band have supported Robbie Williams on his New Zealand/Australian tour and played the main stage at last year’s Splendour festival at Wollaton Park, Nottingham.

The Mansfield guitarist talked about performing at hometown gigs in Nottingham. He said: “I would love to come back and do a show in Nottingham. We haven’t been in a while and Rock City was one of the most memorable gigs we’ve ever done, not just for me but all of us. We’re planning on doing an acoustic tour after the album tour and it would be great to do a date in Nottingham, so many great venues!”

Perspective is available to download now.