Interview Alan Silson
(09-07-2007)
Q: How do you like living in Germany?
A: It’s
fine, no problem at all. I think I could live almost anywhere.
Q: Is there anything you don’t like in Germany?
A: I
don’t like the German bread, too “rubbery” and hard for an English man,
I
love my soft white bread.
I also find it strange that all shops are closed
on Sundays,
it used to be like that in
England
Most difficult for me is the
traffic, they drive too fast and too close,
find that very dangerous.
Q: What do you miss the most of England now that you have
moved to Germany?
A: I
miss Fish’n’Chips, Indian Currys and Pubs as I like socialising,
having a
chat and a few beers with friends in a pub.
Q: In England you did have your own studio. Now you are living in Germany,
do you have your own studio there?
A: Yeah,
I still have my own recording facilities,
don’t really need big mixing
desks etc.
anymore. Use computers but still real drums (Pete and Ron)
and
of course guitars.
Q: Where did you record Solitary Bird?
A: “Solitary
Bird” has been recorded at Pete’s house and
my places in
Q: How long did it take you to make this album?
A: It
took several years from actual start to finish because of various
interruptions
but it was worthwhile the wait. Me and Pete are both very
happy
with this album, I still like all tracks on it!
Q: The reaction of the fans on Solitary Bird is very good.
Does this stimulate you to make a next album or a DVD?
A: Yeah,
I’m looking forward to making another album even better than this one if I
can.
I have already got loads of ideas for new songs.
Q: Will your album be released on cd?
A: Yes,
my album will be released on CD soon, you will be able to buy it on my
website www.alansilson.com,
probably end of August or early September.
Q: What do you think about fan meetings?
A: I
don’t really know, it would be nice to go to one if I were available
but
often I work on other projects, unfortunately.
Guess, it’s good for fans
to meet up, chat and have some fun.
Q: From earlier reports and interviews we know you are an animal lover,
Do you have pets at the moment?
A: No,
not yet apart from all the wildlife in the forest I live in.
In the near
future I’d love to get some doggies though as I miss having one.
Q: In the past you helped other starting talents. What did become of them?
Are you still supporting others?
A: I’m
still in touch with some of these people and I know they are doing okay on
their own.
If I have a bit more time I would like to work with them again
or maybe some others – you’ll never know…
Q: Is there any artist who you like to work with?
A: Shania
Twain – she’s a great singer and her first album is so brilliantly
produced,
maybe Tina Turner as she’s always been like an idol for me.
She’s just amazing.
I also would like to do a song with Lulu or maybe
Bryan Adam –
there are so many, hard to answer really.
Q: What is your favorite artist/music/song?
A: Favourite
artist: Stevie Marriott (superb for his time,
great vocalist and guitarist
and good looking guy).
Favourite music: Bluesy pop rock like Free and the
original Fleetwood Mac,
Favourite song: Tin Soldier by Small Faces.
Q: What do you prefer: live gigs or studio work?
A: I
like both, a good mix would be the best.
Q: Do you do something special before you go on stage?
A: Nerves
make me go to the toilet and I normally drink a glass of cognac
to calm me
down.
Q: What instruments do you play?
A: All
sorts of guitars (6-string, 12-string electric and acoustic),
harmonica and
kazoo
Q: What is your favorite guitar at the moment?
Do you still have so many?
A: No,
I haven’t got that many guitars any more. I used to have about
50 some
years ago but I couldn’t be bothered polishing them
and I don’t really
need that many.
My favourites at the moment are my “baby” Stratocaster,
nicknamed Macicaster and my PRS.
Q: Do you sport/exercise?
A: No,
not at the moment but I will start doing some water sports soon.
Q: What is your favorite food, drink, car, movie?
A: Favourite
food: Fish’n’chips, Chicken Madras (Indian Curry),
favourite drink:
favourite car: Jeep & Morgan,
favourite movie: Life and trials of
Oscar Wilde, Crocodile Dundee
Q: Would you like to drive a Formula 1 car?
A: I
drove one in
didn’t really enjoy it and I don’t watch Formula 1, either.
(Alan: Thanks for answering the questions!)