John Butler has released a music video for “King of California”, the third single from upcoming album PRISM.
Recorded live in Perth with a full band, the video captures Butler pouring his heart into a groove-laced surf-rock track, reflecting on 25 years of love with his partner and fellow musician Mama Kin.
It follows the release of singles “So Sorry” and “Trippin’ On You” to feature on his tenth studio album, set for release on September 5.
The album is the third instalment of his ongoing “Four Season” rollout – including meditation album (Running River) and an instrumental release (Still Searching).
Created in collaboration with producer James Ireland (POND, San Cisco), PRISM blends intimate storytelling with rhythm-driven instrumentation. Butler and Ireland share both production and playing duties across the project.
Marking a new chapter in his career, PRISM is the first full-length release without the “Trio” moniker that helped catapult Butler into the mainstream with hits like “Zebra” and “Better Than.”
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“It’s a big life and, the world, in many ways, is in turmoil,” says Butler. “Personally, I did a lot of soul-searching and reflecting as this record took shape. For me, PRISM is a cathartic release, a celebration of going solo, moving away from the John Butler Trio moniker, and yet another sonic stretch as I continue to refine my musical journey.”
“The title reflects the sonic and emotional ‘bandwidth’ I wanted to explore: the whole spectrum of what it is to be human. Love, death, politics, inner and outer turmoil and redemption.”
The Aria Award winner most recently performed with his new band, featuring original JBT member Michael Barker (drums), Michael Boase (percussion), and Ian Peres (bass/keys), on the national SummerSalt tour alongside Missy Higgins, Fanning Dempsey National Park, and The Waifs, before taking the stage at Bluesfest.
The ARIA Award winner recently performed with his new live band — featuring original JBT member Michael Barker (drums), Michael Boase (percussion), and Ian Peres (bass/keys) — as part of the national SummerSalt tour alongside Missy Higgins, Fanning Dempsey National Park, and The Waifs, before returning to the stage at Bluesfest.
To support the album, Butler will embark on a national tour beginning in Bunbury on September 5 – the same day PRISM is released.
John Butler’s “King of California” is out now.
John Butler 2025 Australian Tour
Information on tickets is available at johnbutlertrio.com
*With The Waifs
**Emma Donovan not playing, special guests to be confirmed
Friday, September 5th
Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre, Bunbury
Saturday, September 6th
Metropolis Fremantle, Perth
Wednesday, September 10th
Presented in association with The Adelaide Guitar Festival
Her Majesty’s Theatre, Adelaide
Thursday, September 11th
Northcote Theatre, Melbourne
Friday, September 12th
Ulumbarra Theatre, Bendigo
Saturday, September 13th
Civic Hall, Ballarat
Tuesday, September 16th
Anita’s Theatre, Thirroul
Wednesday, September 17th
Metro Theatre, Sydney
Thursday, September 18th
The Station, Sunshine Coast
Friday, September 19th
Presented in association with The Brisbane Festival
Princess Theatre, Brisbane
Sunday, September 21st
The Empire Theatre, Toowoomba
Tuesday, September 30th
Moncrieff Theatre, Bundaberg**
Thursday, October 2nd
Darwin Ski Club, Darwin*
Saturday, October 4th
Munro Martin Parklands, Cairns*
Sunday, October 5th
Presented in association with Northern Australian Festival of Arts
Townsville Civic Theatre, Townsville**
