He released two solo albums on Creation, the acclaimed “People Move On” yielding the hit single “Stay”, and “Friends and Lovers” and a Brit nomination before moving into a celebrated period as producer and songwriter including seminal releases by The Libertines, Tricky, Black Kids, Kate Nash, Nerina Pallot, Teleman, The Cribs, James Morrison, Sophie Ellis-Bextor, Frankie & The Heartstrings, Texas, Mark Eitzel, Mull Historical Society, Sam Lee, Oscar Lang and Paloma Faith.
In 2005 he began a collaboration with Duffy spawning her five million-selling, Grammy and Brit Award winning debut Rockferry, whilst Butler won the Producer’s Award at the 2009 BRIT Awards.
He has played guitar live or on records by Pet Shop Boys, Bryan Ferry, Roy Orbison, Bert Jansch, The Libertines, Neneh Cherry, Robert Plant and Ben Watt with whom he toured extensively. Butler’s group Trans released a series of EPs featuring tracks grown out of improvisational recordings made at Butler’s own Studio 355.
Butler acts as proud Patron to the Bert Jansch Foundation, hosts a radio show “BB & The King” on Boogaloo Radio, and spent 5 years as Lead Lecturer in Songwriting at BIMM University and the Abbey Road Institute. He composed the original score to BBC Horizons documentary “Back From The Dead” and collaborates in songwriting camps and workshops. He conducts audience-led PreProduction events around the country for the Musicians Union and is a Patron of the Music Venue Trust and Generator NE.
In 2022 a celebrated collaboration with Oscar-nominated actor Jessie Buckley “For All Our Days That Tear The Heart” resulted in widespread critical acclaim and the shortlist to the 2022 Mercury Prize.
He has recently completed a new record with celebrated folk pioneer Sam Lee, the debut from The Clockworks and a new solo album a solo album for 2024 release.
Support comes from Annie Dressner
Reflecting on love, friendships and memories, singer-songwriter Annie Dressner bears her soul on her upcoming new album I Thought It Would Be Easier, out 5th April via Dharma Records.
Since the release of her first full-length solo record in 2011, Annie Dressner has relocated from her home city of New York to Cambridge in the UK and quickly became a staple of the festival and touring circuit, releasing an impressive back catalogue of music along the way and frequently collaborating with other musicians. Armed with a guitar and a wealth of experience to draw from, her fourth album I Thought It Would Be Easier sees the singer-songwriter convey a multitude of emotions with songs that feel open, welcoming and understanding of how complex being human can be. The album ranges from soothing gentle ballads to fast-paced Americana, showcasing Dressner’s skill in crafting relatable songs.
“Shatteringly good.”
– Folk Radio UK