Cool Delta Music Promotions Brighton UK

Patrick Wolf

Hard Times

Release date: 15th June 2009

Label: Bloody Chamber Music

‘Hard Times’ is the second single to be taken from Patrick’s new, fourth album ‘The Bachelor’. Following the first single ‘Vulture’, ‘Hard Times’ is a track full of impatience, celebrating the idea of change and revolution.

“Hard Times is a song that developed over two years on the road. I think the last time I wrote a song where I was analysing or challenging the world around me was "The Libertine" on my second album, at first I wanted to record this song in Iraq with an all female Muslim orchestra.. but my manager decided it was probably too dangerous and of course all female Muslim orchestras are pretty thin on the ground at the moment. I guess if I could summarize what song is challenging it would be apathy and conservatism, everything from the X Factor to the ignorance of much of right wing England. I feel like equal rights have been mostly established legally but my own and up and coming generations are not protecting the liberty that was fought for by their parents and those above them. I feel my generation has become lazy and would rather turn a blind eye on the world crumbling away around them then engage and fight. I feel that my generation and those younger than me have been made to feel so powerless to be able to actually change anything in the world, or have a political voice they end up just biding time by logging on and off face book etc all night and day. When I sing this song live I am asking my audience to be inspired to cause any kind of revolution they can in the world, personal or global, to not be afraid of ridicule or hate from the conservative and mediocre society we live in these days. To do something, change something, think something, make others think too. Racism, misogyny, homophobia and violence against those with an "alternative" appearance is breeding fast again in the playgrounds and on the streets of 2009. It’s time to start revolting against the status quo again.” Patrick Wolf, 2009.

Perhaps the strongest and most powerful track on the album; full of heavy guitar, angry sentiment, yet complimented by a stunning, Turkish style violin and cello riff which dances throughout the track and vocals, ‘Hard Times’ is a work of art in its own right and continues to show Patrick’s diversity as an artist and songwriter. Patrick programmed the beats "to be like a panicked soldier on the front line of a war desperately trying to send a message through a walkie talkie, battling against radio interference". The lead guitar solo is played by Tom White from the brakes and the ondes martenot played by classical composer Thomas Bloch.

Patrick will be on tour in the UK this May, calling at:

Fri, 15 May Northampton, Roadmender

Mon, 18 May Portsmouth, Wedgewood Rooms

Tues, 19 May Oxford, O2 Academy

Wed, 20 May Leeds, Cockpit

Fri, 22 May Liverpool, Stanley Theatre

Mon, 25 May Birmingham, O2 Academy

Wed, 27 May Norwich, Waterfront

Thurs, 28 May Sheffield, Leadmill

Fri, 29 May Glasgow, Classic Grand

Sun, 31 May Manchester, Ritz

Mon, 01 Jun London, Electric Ballroom