CANCER survivor Rob Richings is preparing to turn a new leaf with the release of his first album.

In 2009 the singer-songwriter from Old Town was diagnosed with a rare and severe form of colitis - ulcerative colitis - which metastasised into cancer.

Following three life-saving operations the former decorator decided to take a gamble and fulfil his musical ambitions.

The 36-year-old secured a deal with Crescent Records and is now poised to release Parkas and Boots, a collection of introspective folk songs charting his journey back to health on October 7.

“I don’t want my illness to define what I do,” said the father-of-two. “But at the same time, that illness and the way I look at life now has made me a better songwriter.

“A brush with death that close certainly puts things in perspective, but I’m alive with ideas and I’ve recovered well so I can expect to lead a relatively normal life. Every day I feel so incredibly fortunate to be here at all and it’s that sense that is coming out in the songs.”

Ulcerative colitis is a long-term condition, where the colon and rectum become inflamed. Rob’s inflammation was so serious it caused a tumour which was only detected when he went in for surgery.

After releasing his debut EP, Half Way Up, in 2015, Rob headed to more distant shores to record the album.

Parkas and Boots came to life in Sydney under the guidance of Chris Vallejo, the producer of acclaimed folk-rock singer Passenger.

Many of Rob’s tracks were written at the height of his illness and reflect on the gruelling months of treatment and daunting surgery.

Ten Seconds was sparked by the “ten seconds of the day when everything is okay, before reality kicks in.”

As for Half Way Up, it is his fight song – a call to stay positive in the face of hardship and the prosperity of others.

“Sometimes it is hard not to be a glass half empty kind of person, strive for a better life but be happy with what you have too,” added Rob.

Simplicity, honesty and raw emotion are at the heart of Rob’s music.

“For me, it’s all about communicating with an audience, presenting my songs and drawing them in, it’s very direct. There are no affectations in the way I sing, I just sing the songs the only way I know how.”

The album is out on October 7. For more information go to www.robrichings.com