Richard Ashcroft
Jan 31, 2011

Richard Ashcroft, British rock legend best known as the leader of monumental band The Verve has signed with Razor & Tie. His latest and most ambitious solo work to date, The United Nations Of Sound, will be released in the United States on March 8th. The 12-song album was produced by noted hip-hop producer No I.D. (Kanye West, Jay-Z, Common) who assisted Richard in creating a huge sound that makes use of live orchestration, big beats and his widest range of influences yet.
"It's an honor to work with someone as esteemed as Richard," said Beka Tischker, Vice President of A&R at Razor & Tie. "Besides being one of the seminal figures of modern British rock music, his music has touched my life. It's the icing on the cake in this business when you get to work with someone who soundtracked important parts of your life."
Songs from The United Nations of Sound are already in great demand and enjoying massive worldwide exposure through television and film placements. The anthemic first single "Are You Ready?" was featured in Volkswagen's new Jetta ad campaign, had been in promos for the 2010 FIFA World Cup Finals, and used in FOX's Major League Baseball's postseason games including the opening of the World Series. Another track, "She Brings Me the Music" was recently featured in NBC's hit series Chuck.
The forthcoming Matt Damon sci-fi flick The Adjustment Bureau will include a new song written and performed specifically for the film's opening by Richard and ten-time Oscar-nominated composer Tom Newman. The film will also feature "Are You Ready?" over the closing credits.
Richard Ashcroft first came to prominence as the enigmatic, often controversial singer for The Verve in 1992. After two acclaimed albums the band finally exploded in America on the strength of their third, 1997's Urban Hymns which contained the all-time classic "Bitter Sweet Symphony" propelling it to Platinum. After their break-up in 1999, Richard launched his solo career the next year with the album Alone With Everybody, reaching #1 on the UK album chart. He followed with 2002's Human Conditions and Keys to the World in 2006 before reuniting with The Verve for 2008's Forth which they supported with a major world tour. The Verve split for good in 2009.
Richard is expected to embark on his first solo tour of the U.S. in six years in 2011 to support the new album The United Nations of Sound.
The United Nations of Sound Tracklist:
- Are You Ready?
- Born Again
- America
- This Thing Called Life
- Beatitudes
- Good Loving
- How Deep Is Your Man
- She Brings Me the Music
- Royal Highness
- Glory
- Life Can Be So Beautiful
- Let My Soul Rest