An interview with Phillippa Lusty By Chantelle Constable

At the age of 15, classically trained Phillippa Lusty had already caught the attention of Dame Kiri te Kanawa. She continued to develop her talents in both singing and songwriting and recently began her own music agency. Chantelle helped us learn a little more about this exciting up-and-comer.

Between Kessenya, Bella Sorella, dialogues…and so much more! Being Dolcy Vaughn, and things we independent is great, but everything probably don’t even know about yet takes a lot more time when you don’t — what is Phillippa Lusty up to these have a large team working for you! It days? hasn’t left me a great deal of time for a lot else! In April this year, As the director of Seraphina Music, Seraphina Music hosted ‘A Night To my acts – Kessenya and Bella Sorella Remember’ on the Battersea Barge, – have been taking up the majority of which was a lot of hard work, but a my time over the last year. I have really successful event. The turn-out been writing and arranging their was brilliant and the audience really repertoire, scoring the music; enjoyed the show. I acted as compere producing backing tracks; for the evening as well as singing a choreographing movement; sourcing few solos, and two wonderful duets and sewing costumes; scripting with the beautiful singer Mary-Jess have got to where I am with Leaverland. We are now in the developing Kessenya, Bella Sorella process of editing the footage from and my own solo work if I hadn’t. the performance to create live Sometimes it really pays to step out of showreels for both Kessenya and your comfort zone. I’m currently Bella Sorella. storyboarding music videos for Dolcy’s new songs to create a fun ‘Phillippa Lusty’ as a solo Crossover visual aspect to accompany the music. artist is taking a step back from the You will have already seen a snippet stage – partially because of the huge from my ‘Waiting’ song involving a time demands on my time for prince, a hobby horse, and a plastic Seraphina Music, and partially frog, and soon I hope to have a lot because of wanting to move in a more in the way of eccentric videos to completely different direction. I feel share with you! that my music has naturally grown and evolved away from the crossover When writing, do you believe in genre, and sometimes you have to just nurturing the muse and waiting for ‘go with it’…And this is where Dolcy inspiration to strike, or do you agree Vaughn appears! Over the last few with Louis L’Amour’s philosophy, years, I have been working on Dolcy “The water does not flow until the as a sort-of secret side project. With faucet is turned on”? so much going on it has been on the back-burner for a while but steadily Sometimes inspiration will just hit moving from the periphery into the you. You could be driving to the focus of my mind’s eye. supermarket or listening to the news, and you have to just stop everything By creating a new persona I can start and grab a notepad, or run to the afresh; creating new music, new nearest piano possible. However, I sounds, and a new style. I have been don’t believe this is a way many experimenting too as a music songwriters or composers go about producer in the studio with modern making a living – a job is a job and sounds and techniques and combining when you have to write; you write. It them with my heavily ingrained often helps if you give yourself classical training. It’s been a pretty boundaries and constraints under bumpy ride as I am an outright which to be creative. It sounds technophobe! I ashamedly owned my contradictory, but give an artist a production software for more than a blank canvas and say “paint me year before I was brave enough to anything”, the canvas may stay blank. even try to use it! I’m so glad now Give an artist limitations such as; that I took the plunge – I couldn’t “paint a portrait of yourself looking happy, using only shades of green and books and post-it notes, and I keep two large brushes.” and you are more thinking that one day I will assimilate likely to get a painting. In my eyes, them into one neat and tidy place. The inspiration and stimulus come from a same can be said for experimental strict brief you have set yourself. The harmonies and chord patterns which creative possibilities within those are stored in a very similar way as my constraints are endless. lyrics; in organized chaos.

Without asking you to reveal too Which came first: composing or many of your trade secrets – would arranging? Did you find one was a you take us through your average natural outflow of the other, or that songwriting process? For example, they were separate disciplines you do you begin with lyrics or melody, had to learn? and how long does it usually take you to complete a song? Ooo difficult question…The first piece I arranged was my song It always varies for me. Sometimes I Guiding Light. I was really in love look at different song structures to with Beethoven’s Moonlight Sonata figure out how and why they work, 1st Movement at the time and wanted sometimes I play with lyrics and try to to somehow pay homage to it. That fit them to music, and sometimes I was my first venture into the world or create a motif that I can expand on. writing and it was a long and Often my songs begin at the piano – insightful process. I took a piece of I’m not a great keyboard player, but music and transformed it into for me, it’s the best way to something completely new. I’m sure experiment with sounds and some hardcore Beethoven fans would sequences. For me, the sounds and call my dissecting of such a sequences. For me, the best process is masterwork as almost blasphemous, when the lyrics and melody happen in but to me, it’s a way of showing how synergy and just grow together. inspired I am by the great composers Sometimes all you need is a small who pushed music to its limits and motif with a couple of words to send were not afraid to go against the grain you on your way. and explore new ideas.

However, I have pages upon pages of Studying composition at university lyrics, poems, phrases, statements, was a real contrast. We mainly and questions that I am yet to focused on contemporary techniques manipulate around beautiful melodies. and ways of exploring instruments to They’re currently stored on various create new sounds – we were notepads, scraps of paper, manuscript encouraged to step outside the box of conventional concepts of music and and scoring out instrumental and be as experimental and eccentric as vocal parts. In complete contrast you you dare. And yet everything had to don’t even need to be able to read be executed perfectly – presentation music if you compose on the was everything when preparing your computer – you can just use your ear orchestral scores to be played, there and build from sounds that you think had to be musical work together. structure/form/progression, and if you had created your own harmonic Do you find in today’s media- system, this had to be reflected saturated society that it is easy to consistently in the music. become over-stimulated and lose one’s inspiration to be an original One thing this did was open up my artist, or does the sheer volume of mind to new concepts and ways of competition drive you to produce viewing music. Having studied more, and better music? classical music all my life it was invigorating to have those blinkers It’s an interesting question – It’s removed so I could suddenly see a impossible to say that anyone’s music new way of looking at the harmonic is completely original, as we are all spectrum. influenced by our surroundings, our passions, and our thoughts. In the When it comes to arranging, it is world of Crossover, there is very little usually for other people, acts or original music and artists, on the groups, rather than myself, and again whole, seem to be performing the this is a skill that has developed over same music over and over. Very time alongside my composition and beautifully, might I add. orchestration skills. Last year I had about 3 weeks to arrange a whole In regards to today’s media-saturated Christmas show into easily learnable society, in my eyes, the modern vocal harmonies for an eight-piece western world has created a monster – group who were traveling we’re in an age now of heightened internationally for a cruise line. narcissism and self-obsession where practically everyone just wants to be I’ve since taken a short course in famous. Just because. This is music production which has given me exasperated by commercial pop music yet another way of looking at the that seems to be churned out on a writing process – both the way I am conveyer belt with seemingly used to arranging and the method I hundreds of new artists appearing and compose are very formal, and involve disappearing from the spotlight each sitting down with manuscript paper week, all looking and sounding the same. Don’t even get me STARTED in so many ways and it’s something on the socially acceptable really special to be able to share. misogynistic music videos that accompany these songs. Was receiving a music degree always a goal you aspired to or was it This saddens me when there are so something you began to desire after many fantastic singers and musicians pursuing a performance career? out there who could actually do a What is the most useful thing you much better job than the learned at the Royal Holloway manufactured pop stars who mime University of London that you and use autotune. I can understand believe you could not have learned why they then lose inspiration to be anywhere else? artists themselves when most of the time it seems you can’t get anywhere Going to university was never without being owned by the record something I was particularly bothered label giants – and for good reason – about growing up. My parents never the cost of a professional album can pushed me in that direction and I go into $100,000s to get the right thought it was more important to wait producers, marketing, sound and take the time to think about what technicians…the list goes on. It’s a was best for me. You need to be ready tough world out there, but then again to go to university rather than just the same can be said for any industry. applying because you think you ought to. I took two years out in between I’m not a particularly competitive finishing my A-levels and going to person. I am passionate about what I university. During those two years, I do, but I’m of the belief that if you continued my studies in music from love the music you are making, home while working, performing and there’s a strong chance that a lot of traveling when I could. other people with love it too. There is a lot of competition out there, but I Going to university gave me a prefer to view it as a lot of fantastic grounding in music. I studied possibilities to meet people, music in many different contexts experience new sounds and see how making me appreciate it so much music is evolving. I’m not in this more as an intrinsic part of human search of the ‘fame monster’, nor for nature. Not only did I study recognition or being remembered performance, and composition, my eternally after I die, or even to make studies allowed me to gain great my fortunes. I make music because insight into the complex relationship it’s what is in me. Music connects us between music and anthropology, sociology, politics, and power.

Besides music, when you are at been completely self-sufficient since. university you learn a lot about I still have a lot to learn. yourself and more than anything, do a great deal of growing up. Who are some of your influences and dream collaborators? Have any Are many of your behind-the-scenes of those dreams come true for you so skills such as “recording, mixing, far in your career? and mastering” (per the Bella Sorella Facebook page) self-taught Influences…so many! In regards to through necessity, or do you think singing, writing, style, and persona… you would be interested in those Kiri Te Kanawa, Anna Netrebko, fields even if you weren’t a Natalie Dessay, Kate Bush, Barbara performer yourself? Streisand, Amy Winehouse, Beyonce, Karl Jenkins, John Rutter, Andrew Definitely self-taught through Lloyd-Webber, System of a Down necessity! For years I avoided that (seriously!), just to name a few. part of music like the plague – it was Dream collaborators… just a really completely unknown and terrifying. good producer who shares my However, you know the phrase “If enthusiasm and wants to make music you want something done well, do it happen. yourself.” That’s something I slowly learned the hard way. As an artist, you How did your interest in music are completely at the mercy of The develop, and when did you mentally Producer who can make or break a decide to make it a career focal- song. They determine the style and point? What are some other activities sound of your music and it is then — whether as hobbies or down to their discretion to ‘get it professionally –that you enjoy? right’. It’s just something I have always It started for me having to make done. When I was very little I loved practice tracks for Kessenya – the singing and would always get the girls needed backing tracks of the school solos in assembly and the arrangements I had written with guide nativity play, and then when I started vocal parts on top. At first, I asked a learning the violin, that just became producer to make them for me, but I my identity. I loved performing and realized after spending far too much used to do it all the time – at money on them that the end result just Brownies, in school, to family and wasn’t good enough. So I took a crash friends. I probably sounded like a course in music production and have wailing cat by I didn’t care. My parents aren’t musicians so it’s always been a self-driven path. There was It was a terrible loss for his friends never a conscious decision to make it and family, but also highlighted the a career, for me there just wasn’t lack of care available for vulnerable another option in my mind. When people in need of help. The charity times are hard, I look back sometimes can’t bring Ben back, but it can stop and wonder why I didn’t study tragedies like this from happening economics, maths, or science, but in again. truth, if you can make a living doing what you love then that is more Which do you enjoy more: important than anything. Performing live concerts, or writing and working in the studio? Your recent charity single “Dream a Dream” supports The Invictus Hard one to call. They are so Trust. Can you tell us about your different. I suppose writing and decision to support this group in working in the studio makes you feel particular and any other causes like you are ‘going to work’. I sit in that are important to you? my office and work at the computer My passions other than music are by day and then often perform in the conservation and human compassion. evening. Performing is exciting It deeply saddens me to see what we because despite how much you plan are doing to our planet and the other and practice; you can never predict animals that we share it with. I want what is going to happen on the night. to raise awareness of the extinction of It’s wonderful to have an audience so many species that we are causing, and be able to connect with them. the loss of our precious rainforests When you are performing, you are and the destruction of our oceans and giving people a special unique all marine life. moment that can never be repeated. It can take you all over the world too, so Supporting local charities is you get to see and experience places something I believe to be really you would have never thought of. In a important and often the most in need way, the writing and working in the of support and help. When they are studio all leads to performing in one smaller you can often see the way or another so the two are difference you make for them. This intrinsically linked. charity was particularly close to my heart because it was set up in memory Do you hope to communicate any of a friend of mine who, already particular message to audiences suffering from depression like so through your original songs? What many young adults, took his own life is the most rewarding thing for you after suffering a traumatic experience. about sharing music with others? Music is something that connects with my music, but who knows what everyone. Music can be very powerful I’ll write next! and can convey very strong messages. My music is much more anecdotal, Music for me is a gift I can give to reflective of my thought’s feelings people; it’s something I love to do, and experiences, not always personal and people love to hear. The most to me, but things that have drawn my rewarding thing about being a interest. Perhaps a situation a friend musician is feeling that you have experienced, or just a particular point brightened up someone’s day, made of view. I don’t want to be an event more special, or done aggressively political or controversial something memorable.

Learn more about Phillippa’s music: Facebook.com/phillippamusic

One night only G4 By Natasha Barbieri

Nearly ten years ago, the members of G4 exploded onto British television screens with their unique harmonies on the X-Factor. It was a sad day for fans when the members split to pursue their solo careers but fortunately, the man are reuniting once again for one very special concert this November. We catch up with Jonathan, Ben, Mike, and Nick.

It’s been 10 years since you were and just wanted to test the water to contestants on the X-Factor. Since see if they’d be interested. I just then you have all gone on to achieve thought it would be really fun to hang success as solo artists. What made out together and sing in harmony you decide to come together for a again, and a great opportunity to reunion concert? celebrate what we achieved together as a group. Mike: A year ago I decided to approach the guys as I knew our 10th Jonathan: Mike has been discussing anniversary was coming up this year, the idea of a reunion show for a while now and realizing the decade Jonathan, you were signed to a milestone, we decided that it is a recording contract with Universal wonderful excuse to recreate our music and have now released a new trademark sound and bring our album, “Two Hearts” with the help fabulous audience a night to of your fans and Pledge Music. Do remember. you have any advice for indie artists who are looking to finance their You have an incredibly supportive records in the same way? group of fans. Can you tell us about your favorite moments with them? Jonathan: Pledge Music is a revolutionary way of artists taking Jonathan: My most memorable control and cutting out the moment with a fan was the reveal of middleman, the record labels. I have my face tattooed on a ladies side! She been blown away by the support and also now has our logo, my initials, success of my project and would song lyrics and our actual autographs highly recommend it to other artists on her upper back that were copied by out there. The key is to create and the artist directly from our sharpie engage your fan base via whatever signings on her skin. means possible, mainly social media these days and try and provide them The fans have always been amazing with a fun and involved process of and what’s also wonderful is there music creation that makes the once continual support of us all as concluded album even more special to individuals too. They make our all involved. careers possible and for that, we are deeply grateful. Mike, you wrote the opera, “The Miller’s Wife” which premiered last Mike: I remember on our live tours, August. The opera was inspired by some of the fans would also tour and your own ancestors. Tell us a bit come to all the shows. more about this exciting project and your hopes for future performances. It’s great to have that support and ultimately, it’s essential if you’re to Mike: It was an amazing experience have a successful career in such a to premiere my opera in London – difficult business. There are many such a dream come true – and it has fans we know by names and it makes since inspired me to start new for a better experience, and it’s composition projects. For The always nice to catch up with them Miller’s Wife, I hope to do some site- after a show and ask for feedback. specific performances next summer at windmills to give the opera it's Nick: I’ve always enjoyed G4’s original setting, which would make sound and style. I’ve performed with for a very special event, as it would Ben many times over the last few take place outdoors with people eating years and enjoyed hearing about his picnics and bringing the local exciting G4 days. In fact, it was he community together. who approached me about the reunion concert after they heard Matt couldn’t Ben, you have a lot of experience be involved. Naturally, I jumped at performing for both popular the chance – who wouldn’t! audiences and operatic fans – two very different crowds. What would Tell us some more about your special you say are your favorite parts about guests at the concert, Funky Voices. singing for each of them? Jonathan: I am delighted that Funky Ben: Singing is something that you Voices are joining us for this show. have to enjoy in order for others to They really left a strong mark with me enjoy it. I treat every experience the after performing together at The same, be it in a living room, or a Princes Theatre, Clacton for a solo major concert hall. Seeing people show in April. The energy and enjoy music and being a part of that enthusiasm of this community choir process is the thing I look for, and that was infectious and led me to add them could be in any genre of music. The to more collaborative songs on that Royal Albert Hall was a second home evening which they picked up so for G4: I remember subsequently quickly and with such sparkle that I being booked in my own right to sing can’t wait to recreate some of that the tenor solos there in Handel’s excitement for this special show. Messiah in 2010 with The Really Big Chorus and being reminded what We also have another special guest – a special, important and historic place Charlotte Jaconelli, Soprano and it is. Britain’s Got Talent runner-up with duo Jonathan & Charlotte, who is While the reunion concert is no gracing us with her glorious voice. I doubt an extremely nostalgic met and performed with her recently occasion it also reflects change with at the Royal Albert Hall. We hit it off the addition of Nick Ashby. Nick, straight away and have a few other were you a fan of G4 before this shows booked together this autumn as event? And how did you become well as the G4 reunion. We joked that involved in this concert? it was ironic that we will be performing together since her split with Jonathan Antoine earlier this operation and being absolutely year, creating a new Jonathan & fascinated. Then I wanted to do set Charlotte partnership! design – I remember seeing Oliver! the musical in London and being so Jonathan, share some of the inspired by the set I recreated the highlights of playing, “The Man” in whole thing in miniature at home. But Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Whistle in the end, I realize that music and Down the Wind.” singing was my biggest passion!

Jonathan: Whistle Down the Wind Ben, since the disbanding of G4 you was a huge thrill and a wonderful role have continued to pursue your vocal to get my teeth into, ‘The Man’, an studies. What has been the most escaped convict on the run from death rewarding part of your educational row. Bloodstained, disheveled with journey? long hair, beard and tattoos was not the obvious choice of role for me but I Ben: I consider every musical relished the experience and loved experience part of my education. My creating this powerful character live performing relationship with the every night. The highlight for me was Royal Albert Hall has been a special the intense personal training laid on one – I’ve sung as a soloist in two for me by the producer before the BBC Proms (one with Nick!) and show to hone my body and also the several other concerts, and every time fun I had growing my beard and hair, it has been a wonderful experience. totally transforming me and meaning I was confused for a student or even The final part of my education was occasionally a tramp throughout the studying with legendary tenor Dennis run! O’Neill at his academy in Cardiff, the Wales International Academy of Mike, you have been singing Voice. I had an amazing time there, professionally since you were eight and enjoy going back to perform years old. Was there ever a point you immensely. St. David’s Hall there has considered another career path a magical aura: I sang there earlier beside music? this year as part of a 10 UK tenors concert led by Wynne Evans (Mr. Go Mike: I wanted to be a vet for a time Compare!), and I return there before as I grew up with many animals Christmas to perform the tenor solos around, and did work experience at a in Beethoven’s 9th Symphony. I can’t veterinary practice when I was 16. I wait! remember watching a dog’s hip Nick, tell us a little more about then vitally important is to work that yourself. Ensemble singing seems to career and hopefully enable it to be an important part of your career continue and develop. This now so far. becomes harder and harder as new acts are always around the corner. Nick: Yes, it is something I’ve been However, I feel that these shows play doing since I was about 6 probably. I a very important role in the ever- grew up in Oxford and went to evolving music industry and I highly University in York. Both those places recommend it to anyone considering a are alive with choral music, and I career in music. learned a lot from their music scenes. When I graduated, I moved straight to Nick: I think it’s great for showcasing London and have been singing there new talent and allowing anyone who and around the world ever since. I wants to potentially perform to a large perform a lot as a soloist as well. As audience. Though I hope that people far afield as Japan, and in some great who get rejected by these shows or venues like the Royal Albert Hall (at are too scared to apply aren’t last summer’s BBC Proms festival discouraged from continuing to make alongside Ben in fact!). music and nurturing their musical passions. It’s by no means the only G4 seems to have a great balance way to succeed as a musician. between ensemble and solo singing. We each get chances to shine but have Mike: For some people, it can really to be able to blend into a matching make a difference to their career and sound as well. No easy feat! instantly propel them into the spotlight. However, for most, it can be Having been introduced to the world a short-lived experience, where they through the X Factor, how important are recognized by everyone on the do you feel reality television is to the street but have no ongoing career and music industry? nothing to show for what they’ve done, which must be pretty soul- Jonathan: Reality TV has become destroying. It’s all about making the vital in the music industry now. It most of the experience and working creates huge hype and exposure to out how your career will develop after acts of immense variety to the wider the TV show finishes, as it’s the most public throughout the world and this exposure you’ll ever get as an artist is invaluable to establish a fan base and something that most artists can and circulate your music and only dream of having. ultimately create a career. What is Share with us your favorite songs Ben: I have a pretty eclectic musical (both to sing as a group and as taste. I remember going to see soloists). Handel’s Messiah in Ely Cathedral when I was eight; that was the first Mike: In G4, I think my favorite is piece I fell in love with. The first Bohemian Rhapsody as it has so single I bought was Chumbawumba’s many amazing memories for me of Tubthumping – that’s diversity right singing it with the guys, plus it was there! I think the words of a song are amazing when Brian May said he really important – I hope that comes really liked our version. As a solo, my across in my singing! – and so favorite has to be Ol’ Man River as I anything with a message or a story to have been singing it for 15 years as tell works for me! my voice has changed and developed and it’s a great way to showcase a low Nick: My favorite song that G4 voice. perform has got to be Creep. For me, Radiohead is the best band around. Jonathan: I personally loved it when we sang Bohemian Rhapsody again What can we expect from each of for the first time in 7 years! It was a you in your solo careers after this wonderful nostalgia and the concert? excitement in all our faces was tangible. We were all filled with a Nick: After this concert? Early flood of energy as we realized that the retirement probably. Why bother songs we left behind many years doing anything else? before had reemerged with relative ease and reminded us all of the fun we Mike: I’m writing a musical and a TV will certainly have on the reunion drama which is taking a lot of time, show. I also love performing Nessun plus I have various performances Dorma as it is one of those arias that lined up and have my ongoing passion connects with almost everyone for restoring old buildings which I worldwide. have done for about 10 years. Young and old alike have a strong reaction to hearing it and although Jonathan: I am delighted to have I’ve sung it many times on my own I many varied shows scheduled before am really looking forward to and after the reunion show recreating our old G4 arrangement all over the world including my first with the lush harmonies. show in my hometown of Bognor Regis at the Regis Centre on 26th October. It is a special Remembrance Celebration show marking 100 years too. I doubt any of us will want the since WW1 on Remembrance Sunday show to end! 9th November at Leeds City Varieties and also a fun festive season playing Nick: Everything! But mainly being the Prince in Snow White at the Leeds able to perform with three other Carriage Works before I head to excellent singers in front of a massive perform in Hong Kong, and even and appreciative audience. It’ll be Honolulu early into 2015. electric.

What will you remember the most Mike: The awesomeness of four about your experience with G4? mates who enjoy singing together performing in front of people who Jonathan: I look forward to sharing love what they do, as well as the stage with great friends for this performing as such an iconic venue special reunion show and reliving the that takes us back to our roots. fun we shared during our time as G4. The thrill of hearing the sound Ben: I will remember most the together during rehearsals is experiences of performing and the incredible so I just can’t wait to passion music evokes in people. We experience that on stage at the have incredibly loyal and committed Barbican with fans from all over the fans, and it will be great to reconnect country enjoying the moment with us with them in November!

Interview thanks to mike and kevin g4official.com

One Day like this Rhydian Roberts

It all began in 2007 when the world was first introduced to Rhydian – the white- haired baritone singing a love song on the UK talent search X-Factor. Simon Cowell may have declared his audition piece “one of the worst songs I have ever heard” but Rhydian would go on to place second in the competition overall and be signed by Cowell to Sony. His debut album was named one of the bestselling by a male newcomer. Classical Crossover Magazine was able to learn more about the ambitious young baritone thanks to Joanna Burns.

Rhydian, for a young singer, you ‘ride the horse that got you there’. All seem to have an unusually clear idea of my success in singing prior to the of who you are and what direction TV competition was as an aspiring you want to pursue musically. How classical crossover singer and so I did you get the confidence and have never overlooked that. If you vision? walk down a street and mention me to anyone, 90% of the time they say ‘the I think I owe that to the training I had guy with the blonde hair and the at college. I’ve been fortunate to have classical voice’. Rarely is it, ‘oh yeah great teachers and guidance from a that heavy metal singer!’ very young age. I knew at the age of 19 who I wanted to be as a singer and A lot of artists, especially in this I found my identity as a person during genre, tend to get stuck in a stage the same year. One of my mottos is persona of “angelic” or “diva.” I think it’s quite remarkable that you What a great question. Yes were placed on a show that really absolutely! I miss competitive sport a tried to define you as one thing and lot but I absolutely transfer that to the how you were able to turn that music industry. It’s more akin to a around by being yourself. How rugby culture of competitiveness important do you think authenticity though not soccer! Calving out a is for a performer, especially in the career in the music game is a long run? conundrum. It’s like solving an endless crossword or sudoku! I love That’s a very good observation. the challenge. A lot of it had to do Umm, I don’t know really. I guess I with patience and strategy. A bit like hate being pigeon-holed and I’ve a game of rugby! always been a bit of an enigma as a performer. I wouldn’t want to have How do you set goals for yourself? the diva tagline and you’re not going to fool anyone if you give me the I write them down on a ‘to achieve ‘angelic’ description! I’d rather, list’ and then go about my business to reliable and professional. Serious make it happen. about music but keen to entertain an audience. Your new album, “One Day Like This” is full of music that you are You’ve done a few musicals so far passionate about. How did you but as yet, and correct me if I’m narrow down the tracklist? wrong, you haven’t played in “Phantom”. As the theme song was I started with songs that I knew would more or less your anthem on X- suit my voice. I then narrowed it factor, do you feel this will be an down to songs that I knew the important role for you in the future? audiences would like to hear me sing. I then looked at ensuring it qualified Yes totally. When the time is right I’d for the classical charts and so added 4 love to play that part. standard classical songs that I studied at music college. One was Litanei by You were a rugby player growing up Schubert that I auditioned for music until you injured yourself. Do you college with. Another was Sleep by feel that the competitive nature you Gurney which I included in my final cultivated in sports was easily year exam at college. I also included transferred to your music? the Pearl Fishers Duet which was the song that made me fall in love with singing and music. All of the songs have a reason as to why they made it crossover scene? Was it the need for onto the record and in the booklet I let more vocally challenging material? the listener know the story behind each song. Yes that, but also that’s what the audience prefers from me. There are Pavarotti said that every singer needs more opportunities in the classical to have 5 songs that they own. For world and it’s potentially a longer you “Nights in White Satin” is one career in today’s music industry. Pop you those. What makes that piece so acts today usually have a maximum of unique to you and what are other a 5-year shelf life. It’s difficult to pieces you feel showcase your best reinvent yourself as a solo Pop singer qualities? nowadays when you’re in your mid- thirties. That’s not the case in Epic in nature and the arrangement is classical music, as most males are at perfect for my tessitura. It had the their most prevalent between the ages right combination of drama and of 38- 54 in my world. That excites beauty that I seek in a song. You’ll me! We get to sing great songs by find the same effect in my version of great composers. Pop, however, is all The Impossible Dream, Benedictus producer driven, mass-produced and To Where You Are. The other drivel today. Not for me thanks! track would have to be Miserere which is a duet I do with Bonnie Your look is very unique and has Tyler on this new album. become a signature style. But have I always look for drama and beauty. you felt like just trying something Bit like the girls I tend to go for I completely different? guess! Yes, the album after this I may well What artists and albums inspire you? shave off all my hair for a change.

Prince, Tina Turner, Freddie Mercury, If you could have originated any Simon Keenlyside, Pavarotti, and popular hit, what song would it be? Mozart. I like any album by Jim Steinman. Opera, theatre, and rock Happy Birthday to you. Owning the combined! Passion personified in a copyright to that would have been song! awesome! Outside of singing what is most You spent two years in pop music. important to you? What drew you back to the classical Time in the sunshine. I love heat on my body. Scarcely found in the UK My advice to young singers would be, sadly! sing within your means. Don’t sing repertoire that’s too big for you that Finally, at this stage, you’ve really could potentially damage the voice. I tried a bit of everything. How would say do research and find a great important has having a strong teacher. There are plenty of terrible technique been in allowing you to teachers out there so finding a good, experience so many different safe one is like gold dust. opportunities? And what would your For me, it was important to study all advice be to young singers in regards different genres of singing as there are to training their voices? some anatomical differences in the technique of Bel Canto which you For me, longevity as a singer comes need for opera and Belt singing which from a secure technique. Sure you can is heard a lot in musical theatre. Both have success for a period of time if have a correct way of execution but you do well in say Britain’s Got Belt is not generally taught at opera Talent by mimicking other classical college. I’m flexible because I had singers. You’ll make a good tuition from the opera school and replicative noise that wows an musical theatre school audience momentarily, but without a simultaneously. solid technique, you will find it hard Vocal health is vital. One simple way to pull the wool over people’s eyes in of protecting your vocal folds/ chords the long run. is to make sure you hydrate well. I drink at Least 4 liters of water every day.

‘One day like this’ is out now rhydian-roberts.co.uk