Mal Pope Talks New Single, UK Live Dates And More

Welsh singer-songwriter and musician Mal Pope is currently celebrating his Jubilee year and has a new single ‘Letting You Down’ out now and some 2024 UK live dates in store. We chatted to him about his new music and plans:

Your album ‘Butterfly’ was released in 2020. How did you want to approach the making of the record?

Butterfly was a decision to go back to my songwriting roots and singer songwriter favourites like Elton, Billy Joel etc. I wrote all of the songs on a piano and then started working with an orchestral arranger. 

Where did you record it and who produced it?

Most of the original recordings, voice and piano were recorded in my shed studio The Doghouse. We recorded City of Prague Philharmonic Orchestra in Smecky Studio Prague just prior to the COVID Lockdown.

I had an extensive tour planned for the spring of 2020 and a large number of CDs manufactured…most are still in my garage!!!

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

Over the years I have had a lot of orchestral sessions including when Elton John produced me at Abbey Road but this was the first time I was responsible. It was an amazing expereince and Prague was at its Mid Winter best. It was one of the most emotional sessions I have ever been a part of.

Here’s the Behind the scenes video – https://youtu.be/-hCImQ-HQF4

In addition, you have your new single ‘Letting You Down’ which is out now. What was the inspiration/story behind the song?

I wrote the song when I was in University in 1979 so I’m not entirely sure. It was part of the last session I ever recorded for Rocket Records before my new manager Harvey Goldsmith ended the relationship.. It was part of the box of tapes I was given in the consignment of tapes and songs returned to me By Elton John to mark my Golden Jubilee. It went unnoticed at first but my engineer noticed it had been recorded at Air Studios and when we played it it sounded fresh so I added my mature voice and we released it earlier this year.

The single is accompanied by a music video. Where did you film it and what was the idea behind it?

I make all of my own videos these days. Everyone said the track sounded like a film song so I took that idea. I asked the TV station Talking Pictures if they had a film that might I be able to use as I didn’t want to infringe copyrights. The video was filmed on location in Swansea, including Swansea Market late at night and the Swansea Grand Theatre.

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

I have a trusty Guild and a well worn Takamine set of guitars that I know sound good through almost every PA. I take a Roland Piano with me and a couple of SM58’s just in case the venue doesn’t have one.

Do you have any live plans for 2024 in the UK and Europe?

I’m doing as many gigs as possible especially heading back and forth to London. The next solo gig is at Crazy Coqs just off Piccadilly on 16th April but all of these pint towards a massive homecoming gig at the Swansea Arena on 3rd Oct.

Who is in your touring band?

Working solo means I can take smaller gigs but the band has been together for over 20 years. Drums Ryan Aston, Bass Andy Coughglan, Keys Nigel Hopkins, Guitars Tim Hamill, Brass Andrew Griffiths https://youtu.be/I94o1wAOn0w

 How do you look after your voice?

Clean living and a clear conscience….I do warm up before doing a show and I don’t smoke. I try to use my voice everyday even when there are no upcoming gigs

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

I always hope to connect and touch peoples hearts. The songs usually have a personal story and I hope my experiences resonate with the audience.

 Was it a difficult album to write?
I wrote everyday and the songs seemed to flow. It must have been the right time.

The younger me would be incredibly angry at myself if I didn’t ask you about this – How did the opportunity arise for the Fireman Sam theme and what was the writing process like?

In the early 1980’s S4C the Welsh fourth channel made a lot of cartoons as it was easier to dub them into languages and sell them abroad. I also did Superted and Joshua Jones. If you listen to the verse you can hear the sound of a fire engine in the melody. I still get emails every week from grown up kids who tell me how much they loved Sam.

In addition, you are celebrating your 50th year (Golden Jubilee) this year. What are your thoughts on reaching this milestone and do you have any highlights/specific memories?

Looking back at those Rocket Days and my experiences of working with Elton it seems like a dream. I was there for the recording of Pinball Wizard. I met Eric Morcambe with Elton at Abbey Road and even beat Eltopn at Subbutteo football. But the expereinces have kept on coming. Touring the work with Art Garfunkel and my many years of travelling to the Deep South every year.

What makes Mal Pope happy and what makes you unhappy?

I’m pretty balanced I think and always the optimist although the industry is capable of almost destroying you if you let it. I’m still writing, singing, performing and dreaming .I’m only really unhappy if Swansea City FC lose

Feature Image Photo Credit: Supplied By Artist

Mal Pope’s latest album ‘Butterfly’ is out now. 

His latest single ‘Letting You Down’ is also out now. 

In addition, Mal Pope will perform the following live shows:

Tuesday 16th April 2024 – Crazy Coqs, London, United Kingdom Tickets: https://www.brasseriezedel.com/events/an-evening-with-mal-pope/ 

Thursday 3rd October 2024 = Swansea Arena, Swansea, Wales, United Kingdom Tickets: https://www.atgtickets.com/shows/mal-pope-golden-jubilee-concert/swansea-arena/ 

For more information visit his official website: https://www.malpope.com/