INTERVIEW: Christopher Haul — Music Musings & Such

INTERVIEW:

Christopher Haul

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HIS new single is released tomorrow…

so it was a great time to speak with Christopher Haul about If You Found Love. The songwriter explains its story and what it was like shooting the video (out tomorrow); what inspired his debut E.P., Something's Changed - and the artists who are important to him.

Haul reveals his influences and when music arrived in his life; what sort of gigs are coming up; what advice he would give to new artists; a few albums that are special to him – he ends the interview with a pretty rousing track!

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Hi, Christopher. How are you? How has your week been?

Hey. I am really good, thanks. I’m enjoying this lovely weather but my hayfever is really suffering. Urgh!

For those new to your music; can you introduce yourself, please?

I am Christopher Haul; a singer and writer from South Wales – I am releasing my debut E.P. called Something’s Changed.

What can you tell me about If You Found Love? What is the story behind the track?

If You Found Love is a feelgood song about coming across that someone or something you have a strong connection with and, essentially, love. It’s about holding on to it and not being scared of giving it your all.

It seems like the video was pretty cool and interesting to shoot. How much fun was it to make?

Thanks. Yes; the video was fun to make. It was in Central London on a Saturday and we filmed it right in the middle of all the tourist attractions in London. People were stopping in their tracks to watch what we were doing. Some people came up to me for an autograph and a photo which was quite sweet.

Phil Whitehead co-writes. Was it a good experience working with him?

Phil is a great guy and we both get on really well, which makes it much easier to share ideas and collaborate; then, neither of us feels like we are not adding to it or feeling left out.

Can we expect any more material later in the year?

ABSOLUTELY! Now I have my first E.P. ready, I am back in the studio recording my next one. I am listening to a lot of '80s Synth-Pop for inspiration.

You have modelled and worked in musical theatre. Was music a natural move for you? Was it nervewracking making your first moves?

Growing up throughout the '90s, music seemed to be a natural thing for me. I loved all the big boybands, girlbands and film soundtracks like Titanic (My Heart Will Go On), Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves (Everything I Do) and The Bodyguard (I Will Always Love You).

How has your music tastes changed through the year? Does your background in music theatre go into your own music?

I would say I have always loved Pop music: you could say I am a bit of a ‘Pop Tart’. But, I have found myself listening to more old-school sounds like the Eurhythmics, even ABBA. The music is pure genius. I don’t really mix the musical theatre stuff with my music. I had so many people telling me over the years how good I would be in musicals as well as on stage performing my original music that an agent of mine asked would I be up for it. I thought, ‘You know what. I would try anything once’; so I did it and I loved it!

Can we see you tour this year? What gigs do you have coming along?

Yes. I am currently doing gigs throughout U.K. and Europe. I will be performing in Sitges this Sunday (17th June). I am in at the East Barnet Festival on 7th July; Croydon Fest 14th July. I’m in Hamburg at The Paul Schmidtchen Theatre and Cardiff Pride in August.

Do you have any ambitions to fulfil before the end of the year?

I am always setting myself goals and pushing myself. I would love to release my next E.P. before the year is out and get a number-one record from it (you have to think big, right?!). Also; I am working on my own clothing brand called House of Haul which I am hoping to launch in the next couple of months.

Have you got a favourite memory from your time in music – the one that sticks in the mind?

My most favourite memory with music was probably when my cousins and I used to put cassette tapes in our little mini-stereos and plating What’s Going On by Four Non Blondes and scream at the top of our lungs: “WHATS GOING ON!”. Hahah!

Which three albums mean the most to you, would you say?

The three albums that mean the most to me are probably:

Backstreet Boys - Millennium

Whitney Houston - The Bodyguard (soundtrack)

Sia – A Thousand Forms of Fear

(If you ask me in twelve months this might change).

What advice would you give to new artists coming through?

Keep focussed and work quietly on what it is you want to do. Depend on nobody and don’t take things so serious - and enjoy the ride. Oh…and believe in yourself: the universe will work it all out.

Are there any new artists you recommend we check out?

Other than ME?! Haha. I saw a great artist called Bekah at a gig recently and Valerio Lysander. He has is quirky and great!

IN THIS PHOTO: Valerio Lysander

Do you get much time to chill away from music? How do you unwind?

I do try and unwind by taking time out at the beach and listening to the waves. I fell asleep at the seafront in Aberdeen the other day and the waves were hypnotic. It was so relaxing. I like to unwind by lighting as many candles as I can and just playing music and relaxing.

Finally, and for being a good sport; you can choose a song and I’ll play it here (not any of your music - I will do that).

Ahh. Thank you! Could you play Sia’s Alive. That’s the sort of mood I am in right now!