Liam Naughton & The Educators return with new single ‘I Wan’t To Go Out Tonight’
Photo Credit: Drew Kendell
Irish-born, Perth-based songwriter Liam Naughton returns with I Want To Go Out Tonight, the first release from Liam Naughton & The Educators in a packed 2026 schedule. Out 13 February, the single marks a renewed creative chapter built on independence, emotional honesty, and 90s guitar-driven energy.
I Want To Go Out Tonight captures the restless pull of freedom after heartbreak, that charged moment where staying in feels impossible, and the outside world offers escape, connection, or release. Though written by Naughton, the song is told from a woman’s perspective, delivered in the first person for emotional immediacy.
“It didn’t read right any other way,” says Naughton. “I wrote this song round about the time my daughter was listening to Prince nonstop. She loves his track 'If I Was Your Girlfriend'. I actually misinterpreted its meaning, and I do believe that's where the seed was born for 'I Want To Go Out Tonight'”
After a lull in output, Naughton rebuilt his creative process in 2024, assembling a home studio and teaching himself recording, MIDI, and production. The song began at home, where he recorded vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, and MIDI instruments, then sent the demo to Cameron Hayes (Melbourne) for lead guitar and to Pat Carre at Artisan Music Studios for full studio production.
“I like to get to about 70% at home myself first and then get the professional touches at a proper studio”, Naughton explains.
I Want To Go Out Tonight will appear in three versions: the high-energy single release, a club remix (due 2–3 weeks later), and a more emotional version set to feature on the forthcoming Of The Sky EP, due April/May 2026.
Liam Naughton’s catalogue includes Cornerstone EP (2013), Leaning In LP (2018), and Cut On a Cut EP (2020). While recording in London with The Animal Farm Indie Label, he achieved a UK Indie Chart #1 with Promise Cross Your Heart before returning to Australia during COVID.
Liam Naughton & The Educators' new single ‘I Want To Go Out Tonight’ is out 13 February 2026.
MORE ABOUT LIAM NAUGHTON & THE EDUCATORS
Liam Naughton is an Irish singer/songwriter based in Perth, WA since 2004.
Liam’s wake up moment came after a co-worker played thru Neil Youngs ‘Harvest Moon’ one day in 2003. Pulled in by the way Young got his lyrics across, that was it… no more excuses, Liam took up the guitar and began the painstaking path of practice, practice, practice.
In between life getting in the way and the usual ups and downs, Liam has since released Cornerstone EP (2013), Leaning In LP (2018) and Cut On a Cut EP (2020).
While recording Cut On a Cut EP with The Animal Farm Indi Label in London, Liam got his UK Indi Chart Number 1 with ‘Promise Cross Your Heart’. But alas, Covid sent him back to Perth prematurely.
After a lull in creative output, and tired of developing tracks with Producers, Liam got his home studio together in 2024, took the baby step path in learning basic music theory, how to record, how to use midi keyboards and got acquainted with Protools (thank God for YouTube tutorials).
This new pathway is now brought to fruit with a release packed 2026, beginning with the first single ‘I Want To Go Out Tonight’, ready to go 13th Feb 26.
“Exceptional songs with many a throwback to 90s influences” - The Music
“His voice is a versatile instrument. Those looking for an earnest, sparky and diverse singer songwriter fare need look no further” - X-Press Magazine