Joan Armatrading Talks New Single, Latest Album And More
Joan Armatrading has released her latest album ‘How Did This Happen And What Does It Now Mean’ via BMG and her new single ’25 Kisses’ is released on Friday 31st January 2025. She very kindly chatted to us at JLTT:
When did you begin performing/songwriting?
I began writing jokes and limericks from very young but really got into writing songs around the age of 14. My first album was in 1972, and my first major performance would be around that same time.
What is your earliest musical memory?
I liked a song by Gracie Fields called The Carefree Heart. It was the B side of Little Donkey. I loved it because of the whistling in that song. The Carefree Heart is about a bird that liked to whistle when it was happy.
You will release your new single ’25 Kisses’ on Friday 31st January 2025. What was the story/reason behind choosing to record that song?
I love writing songs and it was more about the rhythm of the song that made me want to write it. I wanted to dance.
Your new album ‘How Did This Happen And What Does It Now Mean?’ is out now via BMG. How did you want to approach the making of the album?
ANSWER: On my last album I wrote all the words first. I enjoyed doing that so decided that I would do the same on this album. I do try to have different approaches to each album. Sometimes I will think of what I want the song to be played on first. Sometimes I think of the music first, sometimes the lyrics first. This one I knew I wanted quite a bit of electric guitar playing on it and for the album to rock.
What is the meaning behind the album title?
I was thinking about the way the world is at this time. We are in a strange uncompromising place. No one wants to say or do the wrong thing in case they offend someone. However, the person they think they will offend doesn’t seem to care if they themselves are offensive. I want to know how we got to this place and what can we do to make it not be so divisive. I do not have the answer.
Where did you record the album and who produced it?
I recorded the album in Surrey. I am the writer, arranger, producer, engineer and musician on the album. I do everything myself simply because I enjoy doing it.
Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the album recording sessions?
I don’t have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the album recording sessions because it’s just me in the studio. You might laugh if you see how I dance about in the studio when I’m working though.
Did you use any particular instruments, microphones, recording equipment to help you get a particular sound/tone for the record?
I used different guitars on the songs because each guitar brings a different tone and makes one play differently. A Stratocaster makes me play more rhythmically whist a Gibson will make me play more melodically. In terms of the keyboards, I use layers of sounds to get a tone. I might mix a cello string sound with a bass guitar to get more depth from the bass.
Who created/designed the album artwork?
I knew how I wanted the album to look and what I would wear. I also knew the colours and that I wanted the cover to have simplicity.
Which of your new album tracks hear you at your a) happiest, b) angriest and c) most reflective?
The album track where you hear me at my happiest is probably 25 Kisses, angriest might be I’m Not Moving and reflective, How Did this Happen And What Does It Now Mean.
Was it a difficult album to write?
No
What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?
When I leave the stage, I’m hoping that the audience feel as if it was worth all the effort to leave the house and I hope they feel happy that they bought their tickets to see me.
Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?
I use a Variax guitar on stage which I love. What I love about it is that you can dial in almost any guitar sound. It can sound like an acoustic 12 sting or an acoustic 6 sting guitar. It can sound like a Gibson or a Stratocaster. If you are into using different tunings, it can do that as well all at the click of a switch.
Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?
I grew up in Birmingham the best way of describing it is, wonderful, caring, kind and thoughtful people.
How do you look after your voice?
I don’t do anything. I just use it as normal.
You are given the opportunity to write the score for a film adaptation of a novel that you enjoy. Which novel is it and why?
I don’t know which novel but I would make sure it was something that allows me to write something dramatic and then some passages that the sadness in the character could be felt so that the audience can weep. When the movie ends, I would like the viewers to feel uplifted no matter what had happened throughout the film.
Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?
Not a musical influence but I’m really into Shaboozey now he sings a song called A Bar song.
Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2025?
No.
Given your extensive back catalogue, is it difficult picking a setlist? Do you have a specific song selection process?
When I’m touring, I like to pick songs from each album. I’ve got 23 albums to choose from so that’s a lot of songs. I like playing the songs people want to hear, Love And Affection, Drop the Pilot, Me Myself I, Willow. The show is usually between an hour and a half to 2 hours. That means I have time to sing all kinds of songs including very current newly released albums. That’s what I like. I would not be happy if I only sang the old songs. I’m happy to sing the old and the new. That’s how it should be.
What two pieces of advice do you have for a novice songwriter?
Follow your instincts when writing. You should know what you want to write about. Don’t let other people dictate what you write about. Try to finish the song you start. Don’t have lots of unfinished songs, always try to complete every song.
What makes Joan Armatrading happy and what makes you unhappy?
I don’t really think too much about being unhappy but being alive makes me happy.
Feature Image Photo Credit: Joel Anderson
Joan Armatrading’s new single ’25 Kisses’ is released on Friday 31st January 2025.
Her latest album, ‘How Did This Happen And What Does It Now Mean’ is out now on BMG.
Purchase/Stream/Download here: https://joan.lnk.to/HowDidThisHappenID
In addition, An Evening With Joan Armatrading – In Conversation’ will take place on Monday 7th April 2025 at Cadogan Hall, London, United Kingdom.
Tickets are onsale now from the venue: https://cadoganhall.com/whats-on/an-evening-with-joan-armatrading-live-in-conversation/
For more information visit Joan Armatrading’s official website here: https://www.joanarmatrading.com/
