|
What
will you be up to in 2006?
I am currently writing
various projects at the moment. I have just begun writing a third solo album for Z Records. I have commenced an intense writing
period which will continue for several months. I am co-writing with
Charlie G and Hardway from Brazil, Marcio Tex from Argentina, Andy Flash
and Linkan Andersson from Sweden, Simon
Lees, Adrian Marx, Mike Cheshire, Joe Basketts and Ian Richardson (all
from the UK) and Tor Talle from Norway. These co-writes are all for the
solo album. Other projects are tracks in mid-write for the new Tor Talle
and Northern Light album in Norway and an album with Eric Ragno from Vox
Tempus in L.A. And Michael Riesenbeck in Holland. Session work for UK
AOR band Dante Fox and further involvement with vocals and
representation for Arctic Circle rockers Winterstrain. Apart from this
I will be playing intensively with SHY in various countries.
Are
there any plans for solo or Shy shows in Sweden 2006?
I doubt that the solo
project will be utilised live, because I hold SHY as a priority. Playing
in Sweden with SHY is once again a distinct possibility due to current
negotiations with Change Management in Berlin, who intend to bring SHY
back to Europe and the Eastern Block.
Who is
the biggest influence on you as a singer?
Over the years, I would
have said that David Bowie has had a remarkable influence on me, but I
never thought he was a great singer. He was an awesome writer. I enjoy
many vocalists in the rock genre though, from Steve Perry to Rob Halford,
Geoff Tate, Micky Thomas even down to people like Cat Stevens and Midge
Ure. Iggy Pop was always a favourite performer.
And
whom would you like to sing a duet with?
Well I sang a duet with
Ian Hunter from Mott The Hoople some years back, which was memorable,
but I think it would have to be Bowie.
Put
together your dream backing band for a solo album/tour?
Good question !
Drums – Neil Peart
Guitar – Neil Schon
Bass – Tony Visconti or Keith Entwistle
Keys – Rick Wakeman
When
you’re not working with Shy your solo albums or are on tour, What do you
like to do?
Well I spend a lot of time
singing and writing for other artists, which is very satisfying, apart
from that I spend a considerable amount of time with my family.
What is
your favourite Shy album? And why?
Probably Unfinished
Business. It was a return to the band after ten years and a fresh
inspiration. Favourite tracks from that album are 'No Other Way',
Skydiving' and 'Communicate'. I like the fact that Steve Harris gave
himself a free reign to express his solos on this record and they work
great live.
What is
your favourite Shy song? And why?
'Dont Wanna Lose Your
Love' – I felt at home with this song in Trident Studios in London and
as soon as I sang it, I coldn't put a foot wrong. It was perfect
key-wise and had a great feel about it.
What
Shy song is the toughest one to sing live?
Most of
them !
Probably 'Communicate', very
demanding pitch wise. But there are a lot of difficult SHY songs to sing
live, because of the busy arrangements and relatively high ranges
involved.
What
band would you like to open for on a world tour?
Probably Queensryche or
Journey
What
“forgotten” Shy song would you like to bring back to the stage for the
solo tour or the next Shy tour?
Probably 'Chained By
Desire' from the first album in 1983. In fact this has been discussed
recently along with 'Deep Water'.
Where
do you stand on the issue of downloading songs of the Internet?
This isn't an issue to me
really. The quality will always be compressed and never the same as the
original CD. Real fans of the material will always the product as and
when they can.
How
about the Japan bonus track or tracks?
This track was written by
myself and Ian Richardson. It is a heavier track than the rest of the
album, but not entirely different to the rest of the material.
What is
the proudest moment so far in your music life?
Singing with Meatloaf at
Wembley Arena, and the late Mick Ronson from Bowie's band.
What do
you wish the year 2006 will bring?
Intensive
touring in Germany, Scandinavia, Russia and Japan
|
