Piper Butcher Finds Her Own Direction with New EP

There's something to be said for an artist who takes the time to find their own sound rather than chasing whatever happens to be popular.

For Newcastle singer-songwriter Piper Butcher, the past few years have been spent doing exactly that, writing songs, travelling, playing live and learning what works when the music leaves the studio and finds its way in front of an audience. It's a journey that has taken her well beyond her hometown, and one that's helped shape Directions, a five-track EP that feels like her clearest musical statement yet.

Since becoming the inaugural recipient of the CMAA Young Achiever Award, Piper has continued to build her career the old-fashioned way, taking her songs on the road and developing her craft through live performance. Those experiences have given her a growing confidence, not only as a performer but as a songwriter willing to be more direct about the things she wants to say.

Released through Community Music, Directions reflects that change in approach. Rather than hiding emotions behind clever metaphors or trying to fit every song into a particular musical style, Piper has allowed herself to write more openly, drawing inspiration from personal experiences, unexpected ideas and the music of other artists.

‘I'm so proud of this collection of music’, she says. ‘This year I've taken a new direction with songwriting, being upfront and writing exactly what I'm thinking and feeling, rather than being metaphorical with every song. It has encouraged me to find inspiration in more places and delve deeper into other people's music to learn from as well. All of these songs are me down to a tee’.

Produced by Andy Mak, whose credits include The McClymonts and Brooke & Adam, the EP brings together five original songs, including collaborations with fellow songwriter Austin Mackay and Kingswood's Alex Laska. Those writing sessions proved valuable beyond the songs themselves, strengthening friendships while giving Piper the confidence to explore emotions and experiences that weren't always easy to put into words.

Some of the material arrived unexpectedly, with ideas demanding attention in the middle of the night, while other songs developed from more confronting feelings that became clearer once she began writing. It's a process that reflects the sometimes unpredictable nature of songwriting, where a passing thought can become the starting point for something meaningful.

The title Directions also says plenty about Piper's relationship with music. Having grown up appreciating different genres, she's never been particularly interested in restricting herself to one sound. Her approach has always been to let the song determine where the music should go, rather than forcing it into a predetermined style.

‘I’ve always created music with the idea of serving the song, and I wasn't trying to stick to a certain sound or brand’, she explains. ‘But it's evident to me now — I'm a country artist, through and through. And this feels like the first EP I've released that is cohesive and packed to the brim with my musical identity’.

It's an important realisation for a young artist. Country music has always been broad enough to accommodate different influences, from traditional storytelling and acoustic arrangements to rock guitars and contemporary production. Finding your place within that landscape isn't necessarily about choosing one particular sound, but understanding what connects the songs and makes them your own. 

For Piper, that connection appears to be honesty. The five tracks on Directions explore different feelings and experiences, but they're brought together by a songwriter increasingly comfortable expressing herself without overcomplicating the message.

There's also a confidence that comes from spending time on stage. Playing songs in front of audiences, watching how people respond and learning which moments connect can teach an artist things that are difficult to discover in a writing room. Piper has spent the past few years doing plenty of that, and the experience is becoming an important part of her musical development.

‘I hope you love this EP’, she says. ‘I feel like there's a story for everyone; songs for people travelling in any direction of their life!’
It's a fitting sentiment for a record that captures an artist still growing, experimenting and discovering where her music might take her.

With Directions, Piper Butcher hasn't abandoned the influences that helped shape her early work. She's simply brought them together with a clearer understanding of the songwriter she wants to be.

And while the road ahead will undoubtedly bring a few more turns, there's a sense that Piper is becoming increasingly comfortable behind the wheel.

Directions is out now through Community Music.