A Brighton-based recording artist has released a third full-length studio album.
Rich Austin’s project, Live To Fight Another Day, became available on October 9, coinciding with the period surrounding World Mental Health Day.
The collection blends folk, pop, and rock elements, created through collaboration with his longstanding creative partner Chris Watney.
The two began developing the project during the 2020 national lockdown, following the cancellation of plans to travel to South America for the premiere of their award-winning documentary film Brothers In Football.
The title track incorporates pop, rock, and gospel characteristics.
The eleven-track album explores personal wellbeing, interpersonal connections, and memories of youth.
The partnership between Austin and Watney originated through their documentary work and developed through their shared appreciation for The Beatles and lyricism characterised by wit and originality.
Their collaborative writing process provided continuity during a period of widespread disruption.
Austin has spoken publicly about his experiences with mental health challenges, including stage fright, psychological effects following a serious incident involving substances, and physical injuries sustained while playing guitar.
Following his relocation from London to the south coast, he joined the Salty Seabirds collective in Hove, a group of swimmers who continue their activities throughout the year regardless of weather conditions.
The album emphasises themes of endurance and new beginnings.
Austin was born in Dorset and began playing guitar at nineteen while studying sports science at universities in Cardiff and Leeds.
His debut album was released in 2014, after which he established himself performing across London.
Working alongside Enrico Wolf, he composed and produced the musical score for Brothers In Football, which broadcast on ITV and BT/TNT Sports channels and reached international audiences, finding particular resonance in Brazil.
The pair also wrote National Heroes Shine, which featured during celebrations for the NHS seventy-fifth anniversary.
accompanied an award-winning short film created by Sawyer Spielberg.
Austin has performed on BBC regional radio, presenting condensed versions of complete albums including The Beatles’ Abbey Road.