Brian Protheroe Talks New EP, His Voice And More

 Acclaimed actor and musician Brian Protheroe returns with a brand new EP ‘The Last Serenade’. To be released on 12th July, it is quintessentially Protheroe… full of hooks and quirks that bring the listener on a journey whilst also telling their individual stories. He very graciously spoke to us about it:

When did you begin songwriting?

I wrote a song called Deborah when I was 15 about a girl I was madly in love with.

What is your earliest musical memory?

Singing harmony to The Happy Wanderer with my dad in the bath aged 8.

Your new EP ‘The Last Serenade’ is released on 12th July 2024. How did you want to approach making the EP?

No approach – no plan. The songs just arrived one by one over a period of about 10 months.

Where did you record the EP and who produced it?

Firstly in my house then a friend’s studio who produced it with me.

Who were the musicians who were on the album with you?

Julian Littman played guitar drums and bass. Adam Glasser played jazz harmonica.

 What two things do you hope to have achieved once you have left the stage?

I’m not leaving.

One of the tracks is a brand-new remix of ‘Monkey ’taken from your 1974 debut album ‘Pinball’. What is the story/inspiration behind the track?

It was inspired by a French show called “Tous Les Animaux Triste”.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments, effects, pedals, microphones etc?

My beautiful Martin acoustic.

Where is your hometown and could you please describe it in five words?

Salisbury – beautiful and gently conservative.

Given your extensive back catalogue is it difficult picking a setlist? Do you have a specific song selection process?

I must still like it and it must still be possible to sing and play.

How do you look after your voice?

I sing most days.

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?

Not my thing.

Who are some of your musical influences? Do you have any recommendations?

The Beatles, Paul Simon, James Taylor.

My grandson Theo Protheroe is worth a listen.

Do you have any live dates planned in the UK/Europe in 2024?

No.

What makes Brian Protheroe happy and what makes you unhappy?

A brand new song. Drizzle.