Stan Walker’s New Album Marks Becoming of Age

New Zealand soul singer Stan Walker, 24, is about to release his new album Truth & Soul, a collection of songs from icons like Stevie Wonder and Otis Redding. The Australian Idol winner says, “It’s the becoming of a new age and a new era. And it’s also going back to the beginning of what I love the most.”

Walker, who won the final series of Australian Idol in 2009, has an impressive résumé. He achieved 2x platinum status for his debut single, “Black Box,” has released five albums, acted in the film Mt Zion, and is now a judge on New Zealand’s X Factor.

Admittedly a “self-indulgent” album, Truth & Soul allowed Walker to go back to his roots and give his own take on the songs that he’s “fallen in love with all over again.” It also features duets with Australian songstress Samantha Jade and X Factor winner Dami Im.

The transition from contestant to judge has been a long time in the making as Walker was only 18 when he won Australian Idol. “At first it felt weird,” he says about his role as a judge alongside Natalie Bassingthwaite, Melanie Blatt and Shelton Woolright, “but now I feel like…this is perfect.”

Original article by Jessica Morris, FDRMX, April 10, 2015.