INTERVIEW:
Owen Paul
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I am always impressed by artists who can create success…
one decade and return strong and relevant years down the line! That might sound like an unsexy way of introducing Owen Paul: in my view; it is a commendation and plaudit! My Favourite Waste of Time was one of the most notable and popular songs of the 1980s. Now, in 2017, the legendary songwriter is back strong. I ask him about the Amazing (Stonebridge Remix) and what comes next for him; how he feels about returning to the spotlight after so many years - and whether there will be more material next year.
Owen Paul talks about his influences and a chance meeting on Chris Evans’ Radio 2 breakfast show; a fall-out with Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne; recording with Mike + The Mechanics; the musicians who have inspired him – if this Christmas will provide an opportunity for time with the family.
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Hi, Owen. How are you? How has your week been?
Yes. Real good, thanks.
Lots of travelling for gigs and promo work, interviews etc. I’m getting used to talking about myself (repeatedly) again after all these years. L.o.L.
For those new to your work; can you introduce yourself, please?
I’m most well known for the 1986 summer smash-hit, My Favourite Waste of Time. But; I have done many other things since, such as being a member of Mike + The Mechanics - for an album called Rewired - and doing a European tour with them (to name but one).
Tell me more about Amazing (Stonebridge Remix). What was the reason for getting the song remixed – and does this song have a special place in your heart?
Yes. The song is important to me.
Like most artists; all songs are very personal and we treat them like our children so to speak, so we like to see them thrive. My involvement with Stonebridge (on Amazing) came about because I asked him last year to remix My Favourite Waste of Time for its thirtieth anniversary.
He said ‘no’ (L.o.L.); but that he would love to work with me on something new - if I had a brand-new song...
Fortunately, I had a newly-written track that Robbie Williams was going to record for his last album - but changed his mind about at the last minute. I sent Stonebridge the song, he loved it; he did his magic and, before I knew it, we had an official U.K. Club chart hit on our hands.
My Favourite Waste of Time was released back in the 1980s. Since then, you have had an interesting path. Are you surprised, in a good way, to still be in music?!
Yes. I am absolutely delighted still to be working in the music industry: most writers/singers or performers would tell you that all they want is to make a living doing what they love and to be able to afford to write and record new material as a result.
I am no different - so I am very very happy to be still doing it.
I know you have had an infamous argument with Sharon and Ozzy Osbourne; run your own theatre and take time from music. What was the reason behind stepping aside from the music industry?
Put, very simply: after the massive success of My Favourite Waste of Time; both myself and my record company, Sony, had a massive fallout...in effect, they wanted more of the same. I did not. This is not uncommon in the industry; so I decided the only answer was to walk away and to start again at a later date.
Not for one second did I think it would take me over twenty years. L.o.L.
It seems like you have lived quite a life! Do you think all these experiences have made you a stronger person?
I would certainly say I am way better at my job now than I was back in the day; both as a writer and performer. As for stronger, well let’s say I am well used to rejection and I can cope – plus, I am proof that, without perseverance and belief in yourself, you won't last five minutes in this industry (and I’m still here, so I must be doing something right). Not all experienced record company executives/manager/publishers etc. know what they are talking about - ask Paul McCartney (The Beatles were rejected and turned down lots of times).
Often, the artist knows best...
Recently, you performed on Chris Evans’ BBC Radio 2 show. How did that come about - and how important was it?!
Yes; that was very random...
I had been asked to perform for a Dutch radio station - who just happened to be in London for the week and they were broadcasting from Wogan House at the BBC. Chris Evans heard I was in the building and asked if I would come on to his breakfast show and sing live.
So, before I knew it; I was singing to the nation - which was a timely reminder to anyone listening (and there were millions; my phone went into meltdown) that, (1): Owen Paul is still alive and kicking and (2): he has new material too.
I was very happy with that.
Can we expect any new material next year? What are you working on right now?
Absolutely. I have never stopped writing songs since I was a teenager. I just stopped releasing them. But, now we have a Club chart hit in the U.K.; we are planning way more for next year.
I already have the songs (I’ve had plenty of time to prepare. L.o.L.)
It can be hard for artists of past decades to assimilate and attune to an ever-developing industry. Do you think the digitisation and changes in music have been beneficial? Is it vastly different to when you started out?
I think, just like at any time the music industry, it is full of good and bad things. Streaming, for example, is great for the public - but not so for the artists as almost no royalties are paid. On the other hand; the Internet has changed the way everything works - so someone like me can survive via Facebook, Twitter; Instagram and so on. We can have direct contact with our audience, old and new; so we can very quickly tell if a song is well received or not - without having to beg a record executives permission for release.
It’s all so much more instant - and that is very much a good thing.
Who are the new artists you recommend we check out?
There are always lots of great new acts out there - they may just be harder to find. When one works in the recording and writing industry, sometimes, it's hard to listen to anyone else's music just for pleasure the way everyone else does. We tend to dissect them too much for enjoyment. On the other hand; sometimes a new band just leaps out at you...
I know they are not new, as such, but the last band who really stood out to me was The 1975: a great mix of old and new styles wrapped up in one act.
IN THIS PHOTO: The 1975/PHOTO CREDIT: Getty Images
If you had to select the three albums that mean the most to you; which would they be and why?
Definitely “Heroes” by David Bowie
Other than the title-track being the best record ever made, in my opinion, the experimental nature of the whole album shows that the possibilities for a brave singer/songwriter are endless....even in the mainstream.
Rumours by Fleetwood Mac
It is an absolute masterpiece - and Lindsey Buckingham is a genius.
The Joshua Tree by U2
A band at the very top of their game and giving it all they've got. I love it.
Can we see you perform anywhere soon? What gigs do you have lined-up?
No more gigs for me for this year; however, lots to come in early-2018 and beyond; both 1980s-type events and (solo) new material shows. So; I am very happy and excited about what's to come.
For gig info, see www.theowenpaul.com; Facebook (Facebook/TheOwenPaul) and Twitter (@owenpaulreal).
What advice would you give to artists coming through right now?
As mentioned before; perseverance and belief in your own work are key: you will be crushed otherwise.
Christmas is not too far away. Do you have plans already - or will you be busy working?
No exact plans as such - but lots of recording/mixing for sure. All will stop for my children, of course, at Xmas...and rightly so.
They are my proudest achievement.
Looking back at this year; has there been a moment that stands as a highlight for all of you?
I think being part of B.E.F. (the British Electronic Foundation) with Martyn Ware and Glenn Gregory (from Heaven 17) was a standout for me. We performed at all three Rewind 1980s festivals - and the crowds loved it.
It was good to be back.
Finally, and for being a good sport; you can each name a song and I’ll play it here (not one of yours as I’ll do that).
Heroes – David Bowie
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