Michael Armstrong Is Keeping Things Neutral

Firstly, it is great to hear that you are releasing a new album which is called ‘Gender Neutral Volume 1’. What was the idea behind this record and how did you want to approach it?

I decided to try something completely different to my previous albums and release a collection of cover versions. But, to make it even more unusual, I decided on recording versions of classic hits originally made famous by female artists. The first track I worked on was ‘Hopelessly Devoted To You’ and I realised it was pointless changing the gender within the song as you cannot separate it from the movie ‘Grease’ and it will always be associated with Sandy singing it about Danny. That sparked off the idea of the title ‘Gender Neutral’ and I started thinking about other possible tracks. ‘Wuthering Heights’ was next. Another song that you cannot possibly change the gender of as it’s sung from the point of view of Cathy who is haunting Heathcliff. “Heathcliff, it’s me, Cathy, I’ve come home again…”. I purposely chose iconic songs that in my opinion, couldn’t be bettered. I can’t compete with the originals. It was a whole lot of fun.

The lead single is ‘True Blue’ by Madonna. What are your memories of when you first heard that song and why did you decide to include it in this set?

I’m not a great Madonna fan, but in 1986 I did by the LP ‘True Blue’ solely for the reason that I fancied her with the short blond hair in the video and on the album cover. Once I’d lusted over the picture for a few days I actually played the record, and it was full of great songs. I felt that if I was recording an album of iconic female songs, I had to include Madonna, as she’s the undisputed Queen of Pop. ‘True Blue’ is a fantastically simple pop song.

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

I live in Banstead, Surrey. Five words…Peaceful, Beautiful, Convenient, Pub, Restaurants.

Do you have any favoured stage instruments/effects/pedals?

I play my Ovation Adamas on stage. I bought it when I was 18 years old and have never found a better sounding guitar (despite buying many many more since)!

Do you have any plans to support this release with any live shows?

I don’t have any tours planned at the moment, but I’m hoping to do something next year. Having said that, I’ve already started working on another album, so I’ll probably disappear into my studio for months on end.

Another song that you have on the album is ‘Hopelessly Devoted To You’ by Olivia Newton John. Did you ever get the opportunity to meet or see any of the artists that you have covered on this album?

I wish I had. If Kate Bush, Madonna, or Chrissie Hynde, are reading this then please do get in touch!

How do you look after your voice?

I don’t. I’m a very naughty boy! If as a result, I end up sounding like Bob Dylan in 10 years’ time, I won’t be too disappointed though.

Was it difficult selecting which songs to include on your latest album? Did you have a selection process?

Not too difficult. Once I had the concept, I selected the songs fairly quickly. Since recording them I have heard a few songs on the radio that I though could also work and have made a note of them for future reference.

In 2021 you released your album ‘Ojai’ which included the track ‘Each Other’s Eyes’. What was the story behind this song?

‘Each Ohers Eyes’ was one of the tracks I wrote in Ojai, California, whilst on a songwriting retreat with US singer songwriter Ben Folds. We tried an exercise where each of us (there was a group of around 10 songwriters) wrote the lyrics only of an out and out love song to our wives/girlfriends/boyfriends. We then put all the lyrics in a hat, and each pulled one out to write the music to. The lyrics for ‘Each Others Eyes’ were written by a New Yorker called Sam Stringfield. We then had around 2 hours to write each other’s songs and then perform them in front of Ben and the group. It’s the most successful song I’ve ever released, reaching No.1 in the US Indie Music Charts and No.15 in the Top 40, staying there for a month.

Do you have any plans to release any more original music of your own or perhaps a ‘Gender Neutral Volume Two’ in the future?

As soon as I finished this EP, I started work on a new album of original material. After spending 18 months on cover versions, I was itching to get back to my own writing. It’ll probably take me a couple of years to get it ‘out there’ going by my usual standards. I’ve also written a ton of songs with Warren Bennett and I hope that these will come out in some form or other fairly soon. I think that one day I will do a ‘Gender Neutral Volume 2’ if this one goes down well.

What makes Michael Armstrong happy and what makes you unhappy?

I am happiest in my studio writing and recording with my dog Shelby. I am happy when Shelby steers me into the pub after we’ve been to the park. I am happy chilling in the garden with family and friends. I am happy when listening to music. I’m unhappy when Chelsea lose. 

Photo Supplied By Lisa Davies Promotions

Michael Armstrong’s latest album ‘Gender Neutral Volume 1’ is out now. For more information visit:  https://www.michaelarmstrongmusic.co.uk/