Johnny Marr's upwards trajectory continues unabated with the release of Playland. Work on the album commenced in London in spring 2014 as soon as the year of touring in support of The Messenger came to a close. It finds Marr continuing the creative connection that was forged on The Messenger with collaborator and co-producer Doviak, as well as the other musicians who performed on the album and accompanying tour. Last year, Johnny enjoyed a monumental start to his solo career with an abundance of critical acclaim for The Messenger including being named as NME s Godlike Genius.