Colin Blunstone Talks November 2024 UK Tour, ‘Begin Here Festival’ And More

Vocalist and songwriter Colin Blunstone will be touring the UK in November 2024 performing his seminal album One Year in its entirety for the first time. He very kindly took time out of his busy schedule to talk to us: 

When did you begin songwriting?

When The Zombies started recording Rod Argent and Chris White began writing some brilliant songs. Their early songs inspired me to try to and write myself.

What is your earliest musical memory?

My mother came from a very musical family. She had 5 brothers and they all played at least 2 instruments and sang great harmonies.

 You released the track ‘Less Is More’ (Demo). What was the story/inspiration behind it?

Less is More is actually 5 tracks all written by me and originally recorded as demos for myself. My management company thought it would be a good idea to release these songs online so that people could hear them in their most basic state.

Where did you record the song and who produced it?

I recorded the tracks in The Blue Room Studio in Bournemouth the studio belonging to my producer Jon Sweet.

Do you have any interesting, funny or memorable stories from the recording sessions?

They were recorded very quickly in an extremely relaxed environment…..we probably talked more about football than music. Having said that the songs are all quite personal and usually refer to a specific person I know or place I remember.

 You will be embarking on a November 2024 UK Tour. How are you feeling about the tour and do any of the venues/cities hold any significance for you?

I’m very excited about the prospect of performing my first solo album “One Year” in its entirety on the tour which I have never done before. The Harpenden date is a part of The Zombies Begin Here Festival. The festival last year was held close by in St. Albans where all The Zombies went to school back in the day. It was a magical weekend with people travelling from all over the world to share The Zombie’s experience.

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

I want the audience to have enjoyed the experience and I would like to feel I have done my very best!!!!

Given your extensive back catalogue both in The Zombies and as a solo artist, is it difficult selecting a setlist? Do you have a specific song selection process?

The most challenging part of putting a set list together is realising some people want to hear hits and some people are more interested in new material. I try to find a balance between the two.

Who will be accompanying you on the tour in terms of musicians?

Steve Rodford.The Zombies, Rio, drums.

Soren Koch, The Zombies, Beatophonics, Tim Christensen, guitar.

Dave Bainbridge, The Strawbs, Lifesigns, Iona, keyboards.

Chas Kronk, Strawbs, Steve Hackett Band, Rick Wakeman, bass.

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

I first discovered “in ear monitors” a few years ago. They changed my life. I can now hear whatever mix of instruments and my voice (in live performances) that I want.

I do have a personal microphone that no one else uses….sorry can’t remember what it is.

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

I live in Surrey…….beautiful countryside, vibrant towns! (4 words).

How do you look after your voice?

I have a series of vocal exercises that help strengthen my voice. I complete them twice a day when we’re on tour and three or four times a week when I’m not touring. Otherwise stay hydrated, eat sensibly and get plenty of sleep!!!

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 think writing a score for a film might be a bit beyond my musical abilities!!!

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

As a performer….Rod Argent…as a writer Duncan Browne.

Do you have any further music releases planned for 2024/2025?

Nothing specific at the moment but there may be a new Zombies album (even though The Zombies are not going to tour any more) and I would hope to record a new solo album too.

The annual ‘Begin Here Festival’ takes place between 8th -10th November 2024 in St Albans, United Kingdom. What will this year’s festival include?

Amongst other things I will be performing my first solo album “One Year” in its entirety for the first time ever on the first day…..on the second day we will be performing a celebration of Rod Argent’s phenomenal career with guest artists Russ Ballard and Tanita Tikaram on the third day there will a Battle Of The (local) Bands. At the same time there will be many talks, signings and questions and answers arranged and the original and current Zombies line up will be there to help things along.

What makes Colin Blunstone happy and what makes you unhappy?

Happy………being at home, a good book, beautiful music, wonderful paintings, England winning at anything, Chelsea winning, good friends, interesting conversation.

Unhappy……violence, ignorance, poverty.