-Are getting more control now than you did on your first album?
I don't think it's a thing of control, it's just I'm more experienced. I know what I'm doing now, and I trust my decision a bit more, whereas before I would let other people do it, because I didn't know what to do.

-Looking further into the future, you've got your nationwide tour starting soon. Are you excited about that?
I absolutely can't wait! I'm so, so excited to get out on the road. I mean, it's anybody's dream to be able to perform every single night - being on tour is an ideal situation. I'm looking forward to showing everybody the music and the different things I've learnt.

-Can fans expect a fairly diverse setlist then, exploring both sides of your music?
Definitely. There'll be fast, slow, mid-tempo...you're going to get everything I've sang over the past two years, which is quite a lot when you put the setlist together!

-The tour's mainly in theatres and halls. Is there something special about that setting?
I love it. It's more authentic when you're in those kinda places. Although they're quite big, the theatres are intimate. The stage is right in front of you. It's just...it's going to be a special tour. I can't wait for it.

-Is it something you've done before, playing in this environment?
I have done a few of my own shows in these types of venues. With it not being a tour before, you kinda just turn up with your stuff, do it and get off.

So, I haven't actually done one with my own set. I think when you get your own set, it's more special - you know what you're doing, you're more at ease. I can't wait. It's going to be great.

-Given the direction of the second album, will it suit this more intimate setting?
Yeah, but I've also seen spectacular shows with that type of music in arenas, and it's also special. It's just what you make it, how you make the show when you produce it.

-Towards the end of the year, you also have the Classic Christmas album planned. Are you hoping it will finally get you that Christmas Number One?
[Laughing]To be honest, I'm not bothered. I just want people to enjoy it. Obviously a great chart position is what any artist wants, for recognition of your album.

At the end of the day, if it happens - it happens. If it doesn't, it doesn't - all I'm bothered about is that people enjoy the music.

Christmas Number One is one of the hardest positions to get. I've been there before, and yes I'm putting myself there again, but this time I can enjoy the experience and keep it for what it is.

-For Classic, how much input did you have with song choices? Was it something you had a big say in?
Yeah, yeah. It was one of those things where I really wanted to be involved in the process, because I'd learned so many of these new songs as well. I wanted to include them, so I sat down with the label.

I was like...we should do this, I want some opera in, but also some slow pop ballad. They let me get on with it, and helped me find the songs.

-The Christmas album will be your second record of the year. Was that much of a crossover between working on the two?
I literally finished recording the first one, and started planning the second. I was planning the second whilst I was promoting the first one.

-Was that quite difficult?
It's quite stressful, but I thrive off working hard and adrenaline, so I can't manage it. It was a pretty good turnaround, but I think that!

It keeps the creative flow going instead of going...right, we'll record another one in nine months time. By the time you get there, although you've experienced loads of things musically, you haven't been in a studio for so long, and it's such a new thing again.

-Well, you are looking busy towards the end of the year. What can we expect from you in 2012?
I would hope a new album! I'd like to do a bit of songwriting this time, if I'm honest, to try and get some original material, write it myself. I might take a bit of time out to do that.

-Have you done much writing before, away from these albums, or will it be completely new for you?
I've tried a little bit, but it will be quite new. I don't mind that, I enjoy the experiences of songwriting. I'm looking forward to that.

I'd also like to go on tour again towards the end of next year, so we'll see what happens. If it's anything like this year, it'll end up being very busy, which is no problem!

-Best of luck with it all, thanks for chatting to me.
Absolutely no problem, have a lovely day.

Female First - Alistair McGeorge

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