You claim that even though you are from British Blackpool, your music house is Germany. What does it mean?
Firstly, I probably wouldn’t say that about myself today, secondly, it was written about them, because my first success came in Germany. But all my music was recorded in the north of England, where I grew up. My producer is also from the same city, so I really make local products. However, I appreciate that people in Germany have helped start my career.
Early success came with the single Run To You, which was a radio hit among other things. Is this your first officially released record?
Yes, the first song I sent with my name to the world. I’m really happy about that, because many singers have been looking for a long time, they tried different things and at first often didn’t work out.
When I recorded Run To You, my parents and I joked that my main goal was to get me off the label immediately. Otherwise, I enjoyed the warm welcome. However, the other two singles didn’t do so well and it got me back on the ground. I got lucky with Run To You.
Was it your choice that Run To You would be your first single?
More like my record company. It was a logical decision, because thanks to the tape, he signed a contract with me. Then, when the other two singles weren’t so successful, I had to think about what to do next. When I got the contract, I didn’t have a stockpile of songs we could pull out of my hat. Then it took me a while to move. But I still think Tom Gregory’s voice will be decided especially in the future.
However, you have released two albums, both after the start of the pandemic. This means that instead of the touring cycle, which you will experience as a promising British player upon release, you are spending most of your time at home. How did you experience it?
I had to cancel the first concert before the release of my debut, so although I was hoping to do it with a record, I already have the experience that it doesn’t have to be that easy. However, even though I was on tour a bit before the pandemic and was looking forward to touring, I wasn’t used to life on the road yet, so I was able to enjoy my songs well and to millions of listeners, even though I couldn’t appreciate them in the concert hall. .
When I released a song with German producer Viz last year, I had a real feeling of success at home in Blackpool, even though I didn’t see the fans with my own eyes.
Even though the tour wasn’t successful, you played a few concerts. How are they?
Let me tell you about one that was my greatest experience so far. Last year, in early summer, I played at the Swiss festival in a big stadium. There are tens of thousands of people who, of course, don’t come especially to me. But they are standing at the bottom of the podium.
When I pull out the in-ear monitor you have to have at such a concert for a moment, I hear a lot of people in countries I’ve never been to before singing my song. It really took me away, I want to remember it forever.
It’s a strange memory for me that I still compare myself a little bit. It’s like two worlds, no one sings my song before lockout, and after lockup I go on stage and this happens.
So far you have released two albums in two years. How are their recordings different?
The latter stresses me more. Even though I’ve already said that I didn’t come to the label with a huge amount of prepared material, it’s still a cliché that the first album was made from birth. Of course, when I was four, I didn’t write anything, but you can handle time naively and generously. You start with the second album.
It didn’t take me long to write a song, but I finished it for a long time. And because I knew we wanted to release something at the end of 2021, so I didn’t have an indefinite amount of time, I was under a lot of pressure. Due to the fact that it is impossible to perform enough, I want to release another album soon to reach more listeners. There is nothing more that can be done at this time.
Now that the second record is out, I am proud of the result. I’m glad we did, but it was nervous.
Your song has a different co-author. How do you work with them?
It’s song after song. I am lucky that the three people I made are my best friends. They are very talented people and in a certain way they lead me. When I have a clear idea or idea of what the song should sound like, it’s easy to write it exactly as it goes in my head. When I get stuck, they help me with music or lyrics. And they are an inspiration to me.
Today’s best artists listen to more people around them. It’s no longer the 1980s Elton John wrote many songs just with Bernie Taupine. That time is over. It’s so easy to work with anyone these days, and when you find the right one, it’s a lot of fun. Now it seems I’m comparing myself to the best artists, which I really don’t mean to, even though I try to be one.
They compare you to Lewis Capaldi or James Arthur. What comparisons flatter you?
One flatters me and makes me very happy. Someone told me I sounded like Robbie Williams when he was twenty-four. I’m two years older, by the way. After all, the guy didn’t mean it at all at the time, and he wondered if I was excited. Of course.
Robbie has charisma and style. He sold the stadium. He sings spectacular songs that move people. What shouldn’t please me? Angels is one of the best ballads of all time and I love Let Me Entertain You. Robbie made you laugh and cry, and I enjoyed both. So far, I’ve been concentrating on dancing, I think I’ll try to impress some people next year.
This year, maybe you’ll finally see your own tour. How do you look forward?
This will be another big leap. Out of nowhere, I’m going to take a big tour bus to Europe. I was really happy and at the same time it was a strange feeling. I still have cheat syndrome. It may end as the tour progresses. I can’t wait. Even if only ten people show up somewhere, I’ll be happy. Plus, I expect more to come.
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