Interview: Julian Ovenden On His New Album!

Hello Julian! Thanks so much for joining us. Tell us a little bit about your new album 'Be My Love'.

This is a compilation of music I love from the great era of American songwriting, from the Twenties to the Fifties, and music I've wanted to record. It's a dream come true.

But what an incredible amount of music you'd have to pick from - how did you choose them?

I didn't want it to be a museum piece, and the great thing about these songs is that they can be reinvented and can take a bit of reupholstery.

You've mentioned previously that the recording process was a touch scary - why was that?

I wanted to record in Los Angeles as it's more authentic - we were in a studio used by the likes of Sinatra, and the place reeks of history. I feel like it helped me into the right frame of mind; the acoustics are magical. So yes, it was half-terrifying but also half-exhilarating.

I want to affect people with music. The experiences in my career I've enjoyed most are the ones that have affected people most strongly - not the ones with the biggest reputation or the biggest cheques. I think this record is a good representation of me as a performer. I don't want to sound pompous, but this is something I do every day and it's a real passion project for me, recording with a great label and great musicians - this collaboration has been terrific.

And what will you be up to next?

The joy of being an actor and musician! I have six weeks of promoting the album and then I don't know where things will take me. There will be some gig dates in London, though - and then perhaps a tour at the end of the year...

Julian Ovenden's album 'Be My Love' is available to pre-order now.
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