Singer-Songwriter Nerina Pallot Chats to Stereoboard About Her New Album and Forthcoming Tour
Wednesday, 13 July 2011
Written by Rob Sleigh
It’s been quite a year for Nerina Pallot, as I’m sure you’ll agree. After co-writing a couple of songs for Kylie Minogue’s album ‘Aphrodite’, the London-based singer-songwriter concluded 2010 by giving birth to her first child in September. Her young son Wolfie then went on to become the inspiration behind the title of Nerina’s fourth album ‘Year of the Wolf’, which was released last month. The album also marked Nerina’s return to a major label after the 10 years since her debut ‘Dear Frustrated Superstar’. In August, she will be releasing ‘Turn Me On Again’, the latest single from the album following May’s ‘Put Your Hand Up’, before heading out on tour around the country in October. Stereoboard recently caught up with Nerina to find out more about ‘Year of the Wolf’, her opinion on TV talent shows and what it was like to work with Kylie.
Congratulations on your new album ‘Year of the Wolf’. How are you feeling about the response to the album so far?
Great. Wouldn’t mind if a few million people woke up tomorrow and thought they’d like to buy it. That would be very nice too.
What was this album like to make compared with your earlier releases?
It was the fastest album I’ve ever made – partly because we did so much of it live and partly because I had quite literally the mother of all deadlines with the due date for my first child looming ever closer.
The album is your first release on Geffen Records. What is it like to be back with a major label and what were the reasons behind the decision?
It’s just so much easier getting things done on a major. They have an infrastructure and a leverage that I simply didn’t have when I put my previous album out on my own label. The head of Universal UK approached me about making an album for them and I did not hesitate.
You worked with Bernard Butler on this album. How did that collaboration come about and what was he like to work with?
Bernard has a studio in the same building as my husband and myself so it was a very organic way of meeting. He was wonderful – a man with vision and patience, but utter commitment to what he does. I learnt a lot from working with him.
Since your last album ‘The Graduate’, you spent some time writing songs for Kylie Minogue and Diana Vickers. How did those experiences differ from making your own music?
It’s a bit like a dressing-up box – I get to try on some different musical clothes and play around for a bit. So much fun, I love doing it and it brings me back to my own projects fresh and revitalised.
Is that something that you will be doing more of in the near future?
I hope so – I really enjoy it.
What was Kylie like to work with?
Brilliant – gracious, professional, funny and lovely.
I understand that your recent single ‘Put Your Hands Up’ was originally intended for Kylie’s album. How did it end up on ‘Year of the Wolf’ instead?
I really enjoy playing the song live and wanted to put it on the album.
The video to that single was filmed in one take. How did that idea come about and what was the video like to make?
The idea was from my project manager at Geffen and it was a lot of fun to make. We rehearsed it a few times and then just did take after take after take.
I read that the video caused a bit of a stir after it became something of a YouTube hit. What happened?
Chris Moyles tweeted it and we suddenly went from a few hundred plays to thousands in a matter of minutes and YouTube thought something weird had happened.
One of your earlier singles ‘Real Late Starter’ was recently covered by X Factor winner Joe McElderry on his debut album. What did you make of his version of your song?
It was interesting. I was very flattered that he chose to cover one of my songs.
Are you an X Factor fan? What’s your opinion on how reality talent shows like that are producing our pop stars these days?
I am a fan of the idea of X Factor, but I think the execution is somewhat lacking these days and it’s become less of an exciting thing. Maybe they should do it every other year and not sign so many acts so the winners actually enjoy some prestige. I think it’s important that we have ways of sourcing talent outside of the London media bubble and by taking the A&R around the country, allowing people who know nothing about how to get into the industry a chance.
You recently played a show at Bloomsbury Theatre in London. How did it go?
I only had one glass of wine so I think it was a good one. For the audience at least.
You have a few more UK tour dates coming up later in the year. Are you looking forward to getting back out on the road now that the album is out?
Yes, I love touring. It’s my favourite thing to be up on stage each night.
What do you enjoy most about touring?
Just the sense of complete and utter abdication of responsibility of every day life. It’s like being on a school trip with all your mates, but with no teachers.
What do you enjoy least about touring?
I hate tour buses - loathe them with a passion and, as a result, insist on sleeping in a hotel bed every night. I don’t mind splitters and long journeys that way, but please no, I am an insomniac at the best of times and tour buses are just the work of the devil for me.
What else do you have planned for the rest of the year?
Drinking lots of tea and buying lots of shoes on eBay.
Nerina Pallot’s new single ‘Turn Me On Again’ is due for release on 22nd August.
The album ‘Year of the Wolf’ is out now.
Nerina Pallot UK & Ireland Tour Dates are as follows:
Sun October 2nd 2011 - Oran Mor, Glasgow
Tue October 4th 2011 - Manchester Academy 2, Manchester
Wed October 5th 2011 - O2 Academy Birmingham, Birmingham
Thu October 6th 2011 - O2 Shepherds Bush Empire, London
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Congratulations on your new album ‘Year of the Wolf’. How are you feeling about the response to the album so far?
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