Chet Faker announces debut album, Built On Glass

Australian soul star to follow up Thinking In Textures EP with long-awaited full length

Michael Baggs
10:51 11th February 2014

Australian soul star Chet Faker has announced details of his long-awaited debut album, Built On Glass, which will be released in April, 2014.

The singer, who rose to internet fame with his exceptional cover of Blackstreet's r&b classic 'No Diggity' and later released the critically acclaimed EP, Thinking In Textures in 2012 revealed plan for the release on his Facebook page, showing him in his recording studio. He also revealed the sleeve for Built On Glass. See the album artwork below.

Faker previously told Gigwise that work on his debut album had been delayed, as he had previously completed the record - and then scrapped it.

"I keep going through stages where I think its done - and then I scrap 60% of it," he told us in 2013. "Right now, I'm in the top 50, so it's more than half done. I always think, in the creative process, that the only time you know what you're doing is at the start and at the finish. I keep thinking it's almost done, scrapping things and adding more.

"It's annoying. I keep hearing something new that inspires me and I think 'sh*t, I got to work harder'."

Faker has worked with fellow Aussie star Flume on several occasions, and the duo released their collaborative EP Lockjaw at the end of 2013.

Below: Lockjaw and more of the greatest EPs releases of 2013

Banks - London: A beguiling introduction to LA singer Jillian Banks, London is a a winning formula of electronic and R&B, which when combined with Banks' stunning vocals make for explosive results. 'This Is What It Feels Like' and 'Waiting Game' are haunting, modern, yearning love songs that leave you wanting more.
Sampha - Dual: After his appearances on electronic artist SBTRKT's album and the heavy hip hop of Drake's Nothing Was The Same, we expected London musician and producer Sampha to go for a combination of the two for his debut EP, but he surprised us with the decidedly downtempo, simple Dual. Mainly showcasing his incredible voice, the production is subtle indeed, but still impressive - and the lyrics tug at the heartstrings wonderfully.
CHVRCHES - Recover EP: With a brilliantly varied pallette of light and dark, indie and pop, imagination and sheer infectious brilliance, this short but sweet release was enough to warrant the Scottish trio with the label 'the true sound of 2013'.
Only Real - Days In The City: You might think that hipster indie-hip hop isn't to your taste, but you'd be wrong. Streetwise rhymes, jangling guitars and a sense of psychedelia that would make Jagwar Ma question their tye-died t-shirts.
Lorde - Tennis Court EP: An early glimmering insight into 2013's most successful new star, these four tracks contain all of the swagger, integrity and bravado that would later carry Lorde to worldwide acclaim.
London Grammar - Metal & Dust: This is where it all started for the rising trio, with all of their ambition, potential and subtle intricacies encapsulated in four exquisite tracks. The sweet release in the crescendo of of 'Metal and Dust' is by far one of their finest moments, while bandmember Dot Major's remix is second to none. It's also criminal that 'Darling Are You Gonna Leave Me' was later left off the album, because it's really ace.
FKA twigs - EP2: Yeezus co-producer Arca worked his magic again on London singer FKA twig's debut, crafting a grinding, hypnotic compilation of electronic tinged R&B which provided the backdrop to twig's delicate, breathless vocals. The pleading 'Papi Pacify' is one standout.
RAC - Don't Talk To: Four tracks. Four guests. One incredible EP. RAC is set for very big things as both a producer and artist. The bass-playing star crafted a handful of faultless and funky pop tunes on his 2013 EP, with vocal contributions from the likes of Kele Okereke and Penguin Prison. Slick, grown-up pop music for listeners with a more refined taste.
Arthur Beatrice - Carter EP: After being confusingly compared to everyone from The Smiths, The xx and Prefrab Sprout to Ellie Goulding and Calvin Harris, this EP is the sound of a band who sound only like Arthur Beatrice - and it's absolutely wonderful for that.
The xx - HVNXX: The tender intimacy behind the beauty of 2012's stunning Coexist is expanded into a compelling and meandering dose of dub-infused remixes - showing the true reach and influence of The xx's sound.
Flume & Chet Faker - Lockjaw: Two of the most exciting musicians Australia has to offer joined forces for this short but satisfying EP. Even on first listen the track 'Drop the Game' is an instant classic, and by the time you've listened to the next two songs, you'll be wishing the pair would release a full length album together.
Mø - Bikini Daze: How Mø didn't earn a spot on the BBC's Sound Of 2014 poll is beyond us, but this Danish singer/songwriter is a future superstar, mark our words. The most innovative female pop singer in years, her arrival on the scene should have Robyn quaking in her boots.
Tusindfald - KYS EP: Heavily influenced by fellow Icelanders Sigur Ros, Tusindfald rival the 'Hoppipolla' stars for both ambition and the epic soundscapes created with their Kys EP. Four flawless tracks which signal not only one of the best EPs of 2013, but a band with a potentially very bright future indeed.
L.Pierre - Surface Noise: Now, this is a weird one. Former Arab Strap star Aidan Moffat's 2013 release as Lucky Pierre really only works on vinyl, having been inspired by the soothing sounds of record players' distortion and radio static as a child. Made up of looped instrumental samples, scratches and feedback, Surface Noise was a breathtaking tribute to all that's great about listening to music on vinyl.