Music
Q&A: Tom Odell on bringing Wrong Crowd to Islington Assembly Hall
Tom Odell has just unveiled details of his brand new album, Wrong Crowd, ahead of his intimate show at Islington Assembly Hall later this month.
The Ivor Novello Award-winning musician will play the stunning Islington Assembly Hall on 20 April. Tickets for the hotly-anticipated show will be allocated via ballot. Fans who pre-order the album will be automatically entered into the ballot and those selected will have the opportunity to purchase tickets for this very special, one-off show.
Head over to tomodell.com now to check out the title track from the new LP, pre-order exclusive signed copies and register for tickets!
We caught up with Tom to talk about the new record, performing live and his backstage soundtrack – scroll down for the full interview.
Considering the huge success of Long Way Down, was there a lot of pressure when it came to writing Wrong Crowd?
“It was important for me to take my time. I needed to be inspired and have a reason to write, rather than just write for the sake it. That inspiration came, and after that it was easy. I didn’t really feel any pressure to be honest.”
How much of the new record will you be working into your live set now?
“A lot, my band and I have spent a lot of the past few months rehearsing the new songs, and I’m so excited to play them live. Andy Burrows joined my band last year, and with the rest of the guys, they really bring the songs to life in a way in which I haven’t heard as of yet.”
You’re quoted as saying the new record is ‘rich in musicality and holding nothing back’ – in what ways did you step outside your comfort zone on these songs?
“On one track, Silhouette, most of the song is built around the strings. I’d worked with strings a few times, but never a full orchestra, so it was a real challenge to arrive at the sound I wanted.”
Do you expect the tracks to evolve once you start playing them live?
“Totally, and I’m sure the way we play them now will change. It’s amazing what happened to some of the songs from the first album, they develop their own live personalities.”
If you had to do a full covers set, which artist would you cover and why?
I love Nina Simone, the way she plays the piano, ah man, and her voice. It’s incredible. No one will ever get close. I covered one of her songs in the jungle in Calais recently, and it was a moment I shall never forget.”
What is your dressing room soundtrack before you play a show? And any essential post-show tracks?
“We used to walk out on stage to Baby, I love You by the Ramones which was an exciting track to get hyped to. I’m not sure about dressing room, [it] always seems to be different each night. Maybe some Kendrick Lamar or I like that new M83 stuff; think there is a song called Do It, Try It. I love that song.”
Register for tickets to see Tom Odell play Islington Assembly Hall on 20 April via tomodell.com.
