Gareth Gates relaunches career
Five years ago a stammering Gareth Gates melted and won the hearts of a legion of female fans and despite losing in the final to Will Young he went on to sell 3.5 million albums in the UK alone.After a break of more than 3 years he is back with his new album 'Pictures Of The Other Side', a new single 'Angel On My Shoulder' and, having got his speech problem under control, and new found confidence.
Why have you spent so long recording the new album Pictures of The Other Side?
Well in the three and a half years that I have been gone I have been working on various different things including my speech. I have never really been able to give interviews before. I have been working with various writers for the album I went into the studio and started to play around with different sounds. It was good not having a deadline so we could take as much time as possible to get it right.What were the differences in recording the new album and the previous albums?
The albums that I have made in the past I have not had much input; I didn't write, I didn't get into the recording side by playing instruments. The songs were pretty much given to me by the record company it was like here's your next single Gareth. For that time in my career it was fine but it wasn't the way I wanted to make records.Why did you part company with Sony BMG last year?
Things change and evolve and I wanted more freedom. I signed a new contract with 19/Universal because they have given me the freedom that I wanted to write.
What made you do the ITV documentary What Happened To Gareth Gates?
People hadn't seen me for a long period of time and I just wanted to get my personality across. In the past this has been hard becasue of my stammer I wanted to show the personality behind the popstar.
Your new single Angel On My Shoulder is it about anyone specifically?
It's about my mum. The record talks about a figure in your life who is there for you when things go wrong. It's about unconditional love.
You didn't want to be the 'Pop Idol' artist so what kind of music do you want to release?
The way the record sounds is pretty much the music that I listen to and enjoy. It was five and a half years since Pop Idol and like everybody elso my music tastes change and what's on the album is the type of music that I feel I should be writing and recording.
What are your favourite tracks on the album?
Angel On My Shoulder and Lost In You are tracks which I really love. There are some relly good tracks on the album and all of them mean something to me.
How well did you cope with the pressure after Pop Idol?
Back then things were mad we had a lot of success very quickly. It was great I was really in demand everybody wanted me on their show. I was only 17 at the time and it was amazing, fast and fun.
Do you want to lose the Pop Idol tag?
I don't regret anything that I have done. However the music I was releasing is not the artist I wanted to be. But it was the greatest launch pad for me.
Why did you become a speech coach?
I got involved with the Maguire Programme to get help with my speech and they have really helped me I'm now able to speak freely. I just wanted to give something back to them. And it's an amazing honour to think that I can help others with their speech problems.
What do you think about all these artists getting recording deals from reality shows?
As I was saying before for those that want to get into the industry and have talent it's a good launch pad. I think it's how they use that chance to their advantage which is what I'm learning now.
Single Angel On My Shoulder is released on 18th June
Album Pictures Of the Other Side is released 25th June
Helen Earnshaw
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