Twenty years of creative evolution collide in Newton Faulkner's triumphant new single 'What Took You So Long', a track that represents both a return to form and a bold leap forward for the reinvented artist. Released 15th August via Cooking Vinyl, the song captures the essence of Faulkner's artistic renaissance with the kind of raw honesty that only comes from decades of musical soul-searching.

Newton Faulkner has announced an exciting partnership with Teenage Cancer Trust to accompany his new single 'What Took You So Long' (out 15th August via Cooking Vinyl). The collaboration will feature limited edition stamped "bootleg" CDs of his upcoming album 'OCTOPUS' (19th September 2025) plus exclusive stripped back tracks, with all proceeds supporting the charity's vital work.

'What Took You So Long' carries the weight of a twenty-year journey—from its initial conception to its current incarnation as the cornerstone of Faulkner's upcoming album 'OCTOPUS'. Co-written and produced with longtime collaborator Adj, whom Faulkner first met two decades ago, the track embodies the kind of fearless creativity that emerges when an artist stops seeking external validation.

"This track set the tone for me for the whole record," Faulkner explains. "It came in early, and when I listened to it for the first time with fresh ears the next day, I remember thinking, 'This! This is the kind of record I want to make!' It was decades in the making in many ways. I first met Adj (co-writer and producer) about 20 years ago. The verse idea - I remember playing it to an A&R team at least a decade ago - and they looked at me like I was totally nuts, asked what was wrong with me, and the idea got shelved. Now I don't listen to anyone when it comes to making music that I love. Very glad I dusted it off. In many ways... what took me so long?"

The single's journey from rejected concept to career-defining moment perfectly encapsulates Faulkner's current creative phase—one marked by his symbolic break from the past when he cut off his iconic dreadlocks on stage at London's Islington Assembly Hall in November 2024. That moment of liberation continues to fuel his most authentic work yet.

Following the bold statements of 'Alright Alright Alright' and the collaborative triumph of 'Hunting Season (feat. Lissie & Los Bitchos)', 'What Took You So Long' proves that this double platinum artist's creative renaissance is no flash in the pan. Crafted in his East London studio sanctuary, the track showcases the full spectrum of Faulkner's sonic evolution—from the acoustic foundations that built his reputation to the electronic experimentation that now defines his forward momentum.

'What Took You So Long' will be available across all streaming platforms from 15th August, serving as another tantalizing preview of the full album 'OCTOPUS', set for release 19th September 2025 via Cooking Vinyl Records.

Sometimes the best things are worth the wait. Sometimes they're worth two decades.

As part of the new album campaign a series of collector's edition CDs and vinyl have been made available to pre-order across Amazon, HMV, indie retail and Newton's store. Each edition features exclusive, one-of-a-kind artwork created especially for this project - making them a must-have for fans and collectors alike. 

IN STORE DATES:

19th Sept - HMV, Birmingham (5pm)

20th Sept - Vinilo, Southampton (1pm)

20th Sept - Resident, Brighton (6:30pm)

21st Sept - Rough Trade, Nottingham (6pm) *SOLD OUT*

22nd Sept - Vinyl Whistle, Leeds (1pm)

22nd Sept - Wax & Beans, Bury (7:30pm) *SOLD OUT*

23rd Sept - Jacaranda, Liverpool (6pm)

24th Sept - Rough Trade, Bristol (6:30pm) *SOLD OUT*

25th Sept - Rough Trade East, London (7pm)

26th Sept - St Peters Church, Marlborough (7:30pm)

LIVE

Mon 13th Oct – Norwich, The Waterfront

Tues 14th Oct – Manchester – Academy 3

Wed 15th Oct – Cardiff – Tramshed

Thurs 16th – Birmingham – Academy 2

Sat 18th Oct – Exeter – Lemon Grove

Sun 19th Oct – Bath – Komedia

Mon 20th Oct – Cambridge – Junction

Wed 22nd Oct – Leeds – Project House

Thurs 23th Oct – Newcastle – Northumbria Student Union

Sat 25th Oct – Aberdeen – OGV Podium

Sun 26th Oct - Glasgow – SWG3

Tues 28th Oct – Liverpool – Arts Club Theatre

Wed 29th Oct – Leicester – 02 Academy 2

Thurs 30th Oct – London – Earth Concert Hall

Thurs 13th Nov – Belfast – Limelight 1

Sat 15th Nov – Dublin – The Ambassador

Sun 16th Nov – Cork – Cyprus Avenue