TOM MCRAE INTERVIEW

Tom McRae Interview

Tom McRae stormed on to the music scene back in 2001 when his LP received nominations for both the Mercury Music Prize and BRIT Award for Best Newcomer. Setting the scene for things to come, his luminous arrival sparked an immense amount of public interest. His second album Just Like Blood in 2003 produced by Ben Hellier was equally well received.

His eagerly awaited fourth album King of Cards was released on May 14th this year and has been described by critics as ‘an emotionally liberating fourth album’ The British-born song writer crafts his music with intelligent writing and unique vocals creating a recipe for success.

McRae explains: “I have to sit down and let a song arrive. I keep books full of things that I want to write about; so if I get a melody or progression that wants to go somewhere then I can immediately put ideas to that and write lyrics and then I can start to unlock it.”

McRae’s music has been described as refreshing but at the same time familiar; perhaps the reason behind this is because his influences over the years have included contemporaries such as Bruce Springsteen, Nick Cave, Jeff Buckley and Jodi Mitchell?

McRae explains: “The music that I’m drawn to now is perhaps the older stuff that is almost out of my reach that I strive to get as good as. I strive to touch the hem of people like Jodi Mitchell, Paul Simon and Bruce Springsteen. It is the great song writers usually the solo artists that have a story in their songs.”

(Check out the lady in pink in the background!)