On Monday, a new album titled Echoes will be released by Will Young, who rose to fame after defeating Gareth Gates on the first Pop Idol.
However, this album deviates from expectations, steering clear of big ballads and glossy pop.
Instead, he has opted for an ambitious yet classy collection of intimate, atmospheric electronic songs, chosen to sing in a higher vocal range than usual, and brought in a tough new producer, Richard X.
‘The creation of the album was challenging. The first three days were particularly difficult, with every song feeling like pulling teeth.
‘At one point, I confided in a friend that I felt like I couldn’t continue. But he pointed out that I was simply craving a producer who would flatter me by comparing me to the male Nina Simone. I wasn’t aware of how inflated my ego was. After that, I committed myself more seriously to the work.’
Will felt overwhelmed…what a comedian. He earns a significant amount to lounge around recording studios, while the rest of us grind just to make a living. Unfortunately, it seems Will Young lacks appreciation for the privileges he holds.
Friendly and acutely self-aware (he once referred to himself as ‘a gay, middle-class pop star with a politics degree’), Will is also experiencing other changes. After residing near Holland Park in West London for seven years, the 32-year-old is relocating to the East End next week. He mentions he is moving into ‘a new phase’ of his life.
Originally from Hungerford, Berkshire, where his parents continue to operate a local pub, Young attended Wellington College and later the University Of Exeter before pursuing a music career.
Shortly after winning Pop Idol, he publicly announced his sexuality. Though currently single, he has alluded to previous romantic struggles, particularly with the 2008 album Let It Go, which was created following the end of a two-year relationship with a dancer.
‘I’m open to a new relationship, but it will come when the time is right,’ he states, also expressing a desire to become a father in the future.
‘I feel quite broody and have a strong wish for children, though I anticipate it won’t happen until I’m in my 40s and in a stable relationship.
‘This profession can lead to a lot of self-absorption, and I’d love to engage in something less self-focused. The idea of doing the school run and coming home to write songs intrigues me.’
Honestly, this is all quite remarkable. Whenever promotional events arise in the glamorous world of movies, autobiographies, and music, these so-called celebrities seem to surface with shocking revelations.
For instance, upon releasing his debut album, Will Young came out as gay, while Michael Stipe made a similar announcement and shared news of a partner just before an REM album launch…and there are countless others.
In today’s media-saturated, politically correct society, people’s sexual orientation, drug use, or past romantic encounters don’t matter to us. What we truly want to know is…is your album worthwhile? Is your film good? Is your book worth reading?
I couldn’t care less about all that other nonsense. The main interest should be the product…right?
When purchasing a television from a retail store, would you prefer to know whether the salesperson had slept with three men the previous night while using cocaine, or would you rather have a television that functions well when you get it home?
I rest my case.
Additionally…I’ll be launching my autobiography at the end of the year. When it arrives, it’ll be the perfect moment to disclose that I’m an unashamed alcoholic, habitually purchase too many drugs, and have recently been involved with the 70’s supergroup Abba while Bjorn adds a double-ended toy into the mix.
by Wallace McTavish
