Newton Faulkner
A guitar virtuoso with a sunshine-soaked voice who turned percussive folk-pop into a chart-topping, feel-good phenomenon.
Born 1985 (age 41)·Musical artist·Birthday: January 11·Millennials
Biography
Newton Faulkner burst onto the music scene like a sudden burst of summer, armed with nothing but an acoustic guitar and a head full of intricate rhythms. The Reigate-born musician distinguished himself with a unique 'hand-built' style, using his guitar as a drum kit, bassline, and melody instrument all at once. His 2007 debut album, 'Hand Built by Robots,' captured a public mood, shooting to number one in the UK on the back of its sunny, heartfelt lead single 'Dream Catch Me.' Faulkner's sound—a blend of folk, pop, and percussive technique—felt both technically impressive and warmly accessible. He built a reputation as a captivating live performer, often using loop pedals to construct songs from the ground up in front of audiences. While subsequent albums explored denser production and broader sonic landscapes, his core identity remained rooted in organic musicianship and lyrical optimism, sustaining a dedicated fanbase drawn to his skill and genuine stage presence.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Newton was born in 1985, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Newton Was Born
The biggest hits of 1985
#1 Movie
Back to the Future
Best Picture
Out of Africa
#1 TV Show
Dynasty
Newton's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1985Born
Live Aid concerts raise money for Ethiopian famine
Gas: $1.12/galHome: $62,900Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Careless Whisper" — Wham!Best Picture: Out of Africa
1990Started school
Hubble Space Telescope launched; Germany reunifies
Gas: $1.15/galHome: $79,100Min wage: $3.80/hrPresident: George H.W. Bush"Hold On" — Wilson PhillipsBest Picture: Dances with Wolves
1998Became a teenager
Google founded; Clinton impeachment
Gas: $1.06/galHome: $107,300Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Too Close" — NextBest Picture: Shakespeare in Love
2001Could drive
September 11 attacks transform the world
Gas: $1.46/galHome: $126,400Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Hanging by a Moment" — LifehouseBest Picture: A Beautiful Mind
2003Could vote
US invades Iraq; Human Genome Project completed
Gas: $1.59/galHome: $146,000Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"In Da Club" — 50 CentBest Picture: The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King
2006Turned 21
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2015Turned 30
Paris climate agreement; same-sex marriage legalized in the US
Gas: $2.43/galHome: $171,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Uptown Funk" — Mark Ronson ft. Bruno MarsBest Picture: Spotlight
2025Turned 40
AI agents go mainstream
Gas: $3.10/galHome: $385,000Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Donald Trump"APT." — Rose & Bruno Mars
2026Age 41 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- His debut album 'Hand Built by Robots' reached No. 1 on the UK Albums Chart in 2007.
- The single 'Dream Catch Me' peaked at No. 7 on the UK Singles Chart and became a platinum-selling hit.
- Achieved a double-platinum certification in the UK for 'Hand Built by Robots.'
- Performed a widely praised live cover of Massive Attack's 'Teardrop' as a single.
- Has maintained a consistent touring and recording career, releasing multiple studio albums over 15+ years.
Did You Know?
His distinctive dreadlocks, which he had for years, took over eight hours to style for events.
He is an avid skateboarder and has incorporated it into his music videos.
He comes from a musical family; his brother is also a professional musician.
He performed at the 2008 Live Earth concert at Wembley Stadium.
“I hit my guitar a lot. It's kind of like a drum kit that you can play chords on.”
