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Artist Interviews
Q&A: Alan Pownall
By CMU Editorial | Published on Tuesday 9 February 2010
Hailing from London, Alan Pownall is a 24 year old singer-songwriter who first tackled the guitar – having been given one by his father – while at art school in Milan. Discovering his passion for music over other art forms, he quit his course in 2006 and returned home to pursue his songwriting. After playing just four gigs he was asked to tour as a support act for Adele.
Although compared to artists like Jay Jay Pistolet and Noah And The Whale, Pownall sees himself as more of a crooner along the lines of Michael Bublé. After releasing singles ‘Colourful Day’ with Pure Groove and ‘Clara/The Others’ via Young And Lost Club, Alan is set to release his new single ‘Chasing Time’, via Mercury Records, this month, and is playing at London’s Hoxton Bar & Kitchen on 10 Feb to celebrate. We spoke to Alan to ask the Same Six.
Q1 How did you start out making music?
I was given a guitar when I was eighteen and I’ve been writing songs ever since.
Q2 What inspired your latest album?
I don’t think debut albums should be ‘inspired’ by anything specific. I hope the album represents the time between when I started writing songs and now. It shouldn’t make too much sense. Later in life, I will write a calculated record. For now, I am happy for it to happen by accident, without conscious influence. My influences and inspirations are instinctive. I don’t go out looking for it. That doesn’t work for me.
Q3 What process do you go through in creating a track?
There is no process. I write on guitar and piano, if that helps. And I try to stay clear of recording equipment until I get into the studio. I only use it to document ideas.
Q4 Which artists influence your work?
I’m a fan of most music, and I wouldn’t deny the influence much of it has had on me, but I try not to emulate anything. The sentiment of the song should dictate or influence the sound.
Q5 What would you say to someone experiencing your music for the first time?
I probably wouldn’t say anything.
Q6 What are your ambitions for your latest album, and for the future?
I’d love to be able to tour America and Europe.
MORE>> www.myspace.com/alanpownall
