|
 ALBERT HAMMOND JR speaks to LINDSEY CUTHBERTSON about stepping into the limelight.
It takes bravery to release music as a solo artist. It is even braver when you are a member of a world-renowned act and your solo project sounds so dissimilar to the music you are known for. For The Strokes guitarist Albert Hammond Jr, there was no second thought about it and with the release of his second album Como Te Llama? he has shown that his success as a solo artist was not just another proverbial flash in the pan.
“I’ve been writing since I was fifteen and I reached the point where I thought I had a good enough song or two to leave the safety of my house and record them,” says Hammond on the reasons why he began his solo career. “I felt like I had reached my peak unless I finished something, I mean, really finished something!”
Hammond released his first album, Yours To Keep, in 2006. With time has come success and recognition for his compositions and this success has given Hammond the opportunity to tour Australia under his own moniker. Along with a handful of sideshow dates, he is set to make his mark upon Byron Bay’s renowned Splendour In The Grass Festival.
“I’m excited to come to Australia. I wanted to come on the last record but financially it was hard,” Hammond says in a matter-of-fact manner. “I’m happy I discovered Australia playing in a band because it made it possible to see all of Australia, or at least all the cities. It’s so far away from everything and I’ve had such a wonderful time being there.”
Como Te Llama? is a batch of rocking ditties that are sure to go down a treat when played live on our shores. The album is also the first time that he has sat in the producer’s chair, which was more of a continuation of developing the songs rather than stemming from a conscious decision. What Hammond is most excited about now is getting on the road and playing the new songs live.
“When you’re playing them (songs) live it’s more about a band coming together and playing them, and then they take on a whole new meaning. How the songs can grow just seeing how well you play them together. That’s why I think people like going to see live shows: its entertainment based on people’s ability to interact with each other.”
A band is a group of close-knit individuals, while being solo pretty much explains itself. The vast difference between the two is that being in a band you are not alone, while in the other you are. It’s easy to understand why stepping out of one’s comfort zone is a brave and courageous decision. Only time will tell if Hammond’s decision to step out of a band environment and into the world of playing solo was a good one. It can safely be said that so far, it has.
ALBERT HAMMOND JNR plays Splendour In The Grass [sold out] & The Zoo Saturday Aug 2. COMO TE LLAMA? is out now on Rough Trade/Remote Control.
|
| Comments are submitted for possible publication on the condition that they may be edited. Poster's IP addresses are logged. |
|
Be first to comment on this article
