John Butler’s Candid and Powerful New Solo Album PRISMOut Today

“A Bold New Era” - Billboard

“Soul-Searches and Sublimates” - WNYC

“Emotional turmoil within relationships can produce great music: Fleetwood Mac’s Rumours is one example among many… add Butler’s Prism to that long list” - The Australian

Features Hit Single “Trippin On You” and Follows Massive U.S. Summer Tour with Dispatch

 

[photo credit: Kane Hibberd]

September 5, 2025 - - Singer, songwriter, and activist John Butler, one of Australia’s most successful independent artists, releases his new solo album PRISM today (Jarrah Records / MGM). The 12 powerful new songs were formed in the wake of personal tumult and loss, and a creative rejuvenation that led to some of the most candid and poignant work of Butler’s storied two-decade career. 

Co-produced with James Ireland (Pond, San Cisco), PRISM was forged in the wake of profound personal loss and creative upheaval. The record captures Butler at his most vulnerable and inspired, balancing stripped-back intimacy with expansive, urgent arrangements. Songs like the AAA radio hit “Trippin On You,” the poignant “So Sorry,” and the revelatory closer “King of California” reveal an artist transforming hardship into art that is both deeply personal and universally resonant.

Watch the music video for “Trippin On You” here

Watch the music video for “So Sorry” here

This summer, Butler spent over two months touring amphitheatres across the United States alongside Dispatch, Donavon Frankenreiter, G. Love & Special Sauce, and Illiterate Light. The run included milestone shows at Red Rocks, NYC’s Pier 17, Ravinia, and sold-out headlining dates in Nashville, reaffirming Butler’s enduring draw as a live performer.

Lead single “Trippin On You” made waves at radio, hitting Top 20 on the Triple A chart (Mediabase), spending 15 weeks on the chart through August 11th, and earning the title of #1 Most Added during its impact week of April 21st. 

Ahead of today’s release, Butler also performed and spoke candidly on WNYC’s Soundcheckwith host John Schaefer, offering a powerful window into the soul-searching that informed PRISM. Listen here: John Butler on WNYC Soundcheck.

PRISM marks a bold new chapter for Butler — a formal departure from the John Butler Trio and a return to the one-man-band spirit that launched his career. Butler teamed up with producer James Ireland during a period he describes as an “existential breakdown,” which included the passing of his father and father-in-law. The result is a dire work from an artist with a lot to say. “It’s a big life, and the world — in many ways — is in turmoil,” Butler explains. “Personally, I did a lot of soul-searching as this record took shape. PRISM is a cathartic release and a celebration of going solo. It reflects the full bandwidth of human emotion — love, death, politics, and redemption.”

In a recent podcast interview with PHILM, Butler delivers one of his most candid conversations yet—eschewing small talk for raw reflections on busking, fascism, weed, and more—learn more about his journey and listen to the full interview here.

With more than a million albums sold worldwide, multiple #1 ARIA records, and a legacy as a pioneer for independent artistry, Butler enters this new era as both an activist and troubadour at the height of his storytelling powers. At 50, PRISM reflects not an ending but a daring new beginning—an album of redemption, honesty, and undeniable vitality.

 

PRISM TRACKLISTING

1. Going Solo

2. King Of California

3. Gets No Better

4. So Sorry

5. The Way Back

6. Doing Just Fine

7. Hand In Mine

8. Trippin On You

9. Outta My Head

10. Let Yourself Go

11. Leave The Rest To Earth

12. Wings To Fly

 

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Hi-res artwork: https://shorefire.com/roster/john-butler

 

About John Butler:

John Butler is one of Australia’s premiere alternative songwriters and storytellers with accolades spanning from #1 charting albums, platinum records and ARIA Awards across his illustrious career as one of the country’s most successful independent musicians. His rich catalogue of iconic hits spanning over a quarter of a century include signature songs such as ‘Zebra’, ‘Better Than’, ‘Ocean’ and more. His music continues to traverse the globe having performed on the world’s most iconic stages, venues and festivals including Fuji Rock, Glastonbury, Coachella, Red Rocks Amphitheatre and more with his high energy live show and revered musicianship.

Butler’s 2018’s ‘HOME’, debuted at #1 on the ARIA Charts with the record exploring new sonic territory, expanded instrumentation and experimentation which challenged but accentuated his core roots sound. Butler is more than a humble singer-songwriter: he is a musical revolutionary who has paved the way for troubadours to rewrite their pathway to success in the music business, free from the shackles of major labels, corporate sponsors and moral compromise.