Murray Attaway Announces First Album in 30 Years

News Summary

Musician Murray Attaway, known as the former lead singer of Guadalcanal Diary, is releasing his first album titled Tense Music Plays, along with the first single ‘Breath’. He will celebrate the album’s release with performances at Eddie’s Attic and The Foundry in Georgia. After a 30-year hiatus during which he pursued various careers, Attaway returns to music, influenced by contemporary artists and personal experiences. His previous band was known for 1980s hits, and he pays tribute to his late former bandmate Jeff Walls.

Decatur, Georgia – Musician Murray Attaway, best known as the former lead singer of the influential band Guadalcanal Diary, has announced the release of his first album in 30 years titled Tense Music Plays. The album features its first single, “Breath,” which is accompanied by a new music video. Attaway is also set to celebrate the album’s release with two live shows in Georgia.

On May 8, Attaway will perform at Eddie’s Attic in Decatur at 7 PM, with doors opening at 6 PM. Then, on May 17, he will take the stage at The Foundry in Athens, Georgia, at 8 PM, with doors opening at 6 PM. Both concerts will feature Clay Harper as the opening act.

Attaway’s return to music comes after a lengthy career shift, during which he diversely pursued film scoring, graphic design, website development, and even podcasting. His previous band, Guadalcanal Diary, achieved recognition in the 1980s with hits that resulted in a contract with Elektra Records. The band, which originally included Attaway on guitar and vocals, Jeff Walls on guitar, Rhett Crowe on bass, and John Poe on drums, released their first album, which was re-issued by Elektra, leading to three more albums before their eventual breakup.

Following Guadalcanal Diary’s disbandment, Attaway signed with Geffen Records’ DGC label for a planned solo album. However, due to changes within the label, his second solo effort was never released. He cites personal distractions such as parenting, running a business, and moving back to Atlanta as contributing factors to his three-decade-long hiatus from music.

The current music landscape has changed significantly since Attaway’s early career. Modern technology now enables artists to connect with more focused audiences without the pressure to generate mainstream hits for major labels. Attaway expresses appreciation for contemporary music from various artists, including Silk Sonic, The Linda Lindas, Ginger Root, Washed Out, and Labi Siffre.

His recent creative endeavors have included a podcast titled Dazzle Dudes, which features a fictional glam-rock band in a Georgian town and has contributed to his inspiration in producing the new album. Alongside his solo work, Attaway collaborated with former bandmate Jeff Walls, forming a new group called Blasting Cap. This project debuted last month and is scheduled to perform again on August 9 at the Melting Point in Athens, Georgia.

Tragically, Walls’ recent passing due to a rare pulmonary disease after a lengthy hospitalization has deeply affected the music community. Attaway, along with many others, has paid tribute to Walls, and condolences have poured in from family, friends, and fellow musicians. In response to Walls’ untimely death, fundraising concerts will be held in June to support his family and cover medical expenses.

Murray Attaway’s new album, Tense Music Plays, marks a significant milestone in his career, re-establishing his presence in the music scene after decades of exploration in various fields. Fans eagerly anticipate the upcoming shows and the opportunity to reconnect with the sounds that first captured their attention years ago.

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• Creative Loafing: Murray Attaway is at it
• Google Search: Murray Attaway
• Slicing Up Eyeballs: Blasting Cap Launch
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Murray Attaway
• Online Athens: Jeff Walls Dies
• Google News: Jeff Walls