Olly Flavell

Olly Flavell

We caught Olly on a Hue & Cry tour last year. Now we have invited him to complete one of our customised question sets, enjoy his responses and look out for him performing near you…

Tell us about your recordings and what you are planning please

I’ve just released a 5-track EP inspired by the experiences I’ve seen friends go through. It might seem cliche but they’re all love songs really.

 

You receive two free tickets to a festival – where would you prefer this to be? And what three dream acts would you like to see?

This is a tricky one! Just because of the magnitude of the event I’d have to say Glastonbury! Three acts is tricky to narrow down but if I was doing the dream line-up it’d be Joni Mitchell, Fleetwood Mac and Prince. (Of course)

 

The radio is playing…what song would you cross the room to turn UP and what song would you cross the room to turn OFF?

John Mayer’s ‘Gravity’ would get turned up to the absolute max!

‘So What’ by Pink, not a fan, I’d turn it off as quickly as possible. I like Pink but I hate the song!

 

Name a song or instrumental that fades too early, for you (Artist/Title)

The Doobie Brothers – What a Fool Believes. It finishes way too early!

 

Which song – any artist, any title – would have made a fine single release? IF it had been a SINGLE! – why do you think this?

The Moon Is Mine – Fairground Attraction. Just listen that’s all!

 

How do you look after your voice? If you do

I make weird noises before I sing and live on peppermint tea. The end.

This is true but I do actually work a lot on perfecting vocal warm-ups. They’re super helpful in improving the quality of my voice.

 

Is there a hint of Al Stewart in your work? Or are you too young??

I’m not sure who this is? So I’d have to say no I’m afraid (We are sending some of Al’s works to Mr F – PS)

 

What stage instruments do you favour please? And why?

Guitar, piano and vocal. I guess they’re the ones I engage with more naturally so lis-teners will engage more too (I hope!)

 

Which brand of strings? And what tunings?

Standard tuning (mostly) and phosphor bronze Gibson strings, ultra light.

 

Which of your own songs finds you a/ at your most angry and b/ at your most reflective

A) The Bitter End – it’s frustrating when things get cut short when you don’t want them to

B) This Kinda Love – It’s the most emotional song in my set by far

 

An acoustic gem? What song tune and who by? What’s the appeal?

Bill Withers – ‘Use Me’ (Live) – it reminds me of growing up and discovering my sound

 

What two things have you learned to avoid doing on stage?

No swearing or talking to other musicians. Gotta keep it family friendly when you write pop music!

 

Which artist did you go to see perform with low expectations but ended up im-pressed? Where and when was this?

I didn’t have low expectation for this, I just didn’t know what to expect at all. I saw Clean Cut Kid at Neighbourhood Festival in Manchester a few years ago and they blew me away! I’d never heard of them before but now I’m a fan for sure.

Has a radio DJ anywhere (and any era) ever impressed you and if so why?

I don’t have a favourite DJ as such but I love the push that major stations are making to discover more new artists like myself. It’s exactly what the industry needs!

Name a recording (an album maybe) that really ‘grew’ on you and has ended up as essential listening? What is it about this recording that you value?

As a new album I have to say Maggie Rogers’ ‘Hear it in a Past Life’. Every song is perfect. I’ve listened to it way more than I’d like to admit. I got to see her live recently too and that brought a whole new appreciation for her and her music. Simply amaz-ing!

 

 

I love live albums especially sessions like Donny Hathaway Live – are there any we may not have heard that you recommend?

I love live albums too! John Mayer ‘Where the Light Is’ Live at the Nokia Theatre is the best one for me. He’s incredible live and this captures it perfectly.

 

We saw you on a bill with Hue & Cry – what elements of their music did you enjoy?

Their new album is great and it translated so well on stage. They’re pros at what they do and it was great to be a part of their show.

 

Is there a book or novel that you would like to create songs or the score for? Why is this?

I’m not to sure on this one? I don’t read anywhere near as much as I used too so I’m a bit lost on choice haha…

It I had to say it would probably be The Famous Five – Weird I know but the adven-tures remind me of being a kid. Nostalgic, you know?

 

Five words please, to describe your current town of residence

Bustling, vibrant, musical, alive, home

 

Did you enjoy school? Whether you did or not, which song reminds you of schooldays (Artist /Title/Source Album)?

School wasn’t my favourite place at all but it taught me a lot of life lessons early on and really sparked my love for music. It was tricky but it got me to where I am today and for that I’m pretty thankful.

Probably the ‘Uncaged’ album by Zac Brown Band. So versatile and full of nostalgia for me.

Pete Sargeant