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David Cassidy, famous for his role in The Partridge Family has brought out a new album Then And Now. The album features re-recordings with new arrangements of 23 classic songs, including familiar favourites, "Cherish", "I Think I Could Love You", and "How Can I Be Sure". He has sold over 25 million records worldwide and will be coming to the UK for the first time in 15 years to perform his new album.
Tiscali caught up with him for a bit of a chat about performing with Hear'Say, singing live and how he would liked to be remembered in music history.
What was it like recording the album?
"It was an experience. Almost cathartic. I sang that material as a changed guy. I was such a different person when I first recorded those songs.
I had to find that innocence in me, plus it was quite challenging vocally because I sang everything in the original keys. We also used the same studio, with the same backing singers and musicians as the first time around. We recorded the whole thing live - it was phenomenal. "
Do you still have fond memories of working on The Partridge Family?
"Definately. It will always have a special place in my life. It was an extraordinary experience."
Did you ever feel that artists like yourself and The Monkees were badly under-rated by the 'serious' sector of the music press?
"Oh yeah. Anybody who makes pop music is always seen as not being credible."
How do you feel about the current music scene e.g DJs sampling classic 70s soul records? Or current pop acts often being unable to sing live.
"For me, acts that can't sing live don't belong. I don't think that the music industry should be a marketing business, but that's what it has become.
There is a place for dance records and although there's an element of creativity in sampling, you're still taking somebody else's work."
Nostalgia dominates UK weekend TV schedules these days. Do you think that this is a good thing? Or is this a reflection of how today's artist have run out of original ideas, so they have to look backwards for inspiration?
"I think that the reason some artists sample from the 70s is because there was some great records made in that era and it was a more creative time, musically. Having said that, there are some really excellent pop songs that are crafted for todays acts, like N-Sync and The Backstreet Boys."
You recorded a good version of The Beatles "Please, Please, Me" which suggests that you could've been more rock focused - did you prefer to sing that type of song than ballads?
"I don't really have a preference. I have had many musical influences in my life, and as a child I was exposed to so many genres of music. The sound of the 60s has had the biggest impact on me."
What was it like working with Hear'Say?
"I didn't know that they were put together by a tv show, so I had to ask a few questions - were they talented? The answer was yes. Do they sing live? Again, yes. And finally, were they brats? And the answer was no! They were wonderfully people and very appreciative of what they had accomplished. I didn't find them arrogant, infact they were genuine and very talented."
Do you think they have what it takes to stay successful or do you think that they are a flash in the pan outfit?
"I can't answer that. They have the talent, but whether they have the material to keep them going is a different matter. You need a lot of things to succeed in this business. Nowadays it's a lot more difficult to have longevity in the industry. The business is pretty much about marketing. If they cut good material and stay focussed on singing live, they have a chance. It's definately about the material."
What is your secret to longevity in the music industry?
"I've always found that singing live with good material was the thing for me. I've also been able to turn my talents to other things - like writing, acting, producing and directing. It's not just about having hit records. I never just gone after fame because that's too hollow. It's always been about the work and then the other trappings of success come with that. I've always believed that if you like what you do and you love the music - hopefully there will be a market out there that people will want to hear it."
Since you've had some many hit songs - which track on your album Then And Now is your favourite?
"Cry. I love that song. I think that is one of my all time favourite songs."
How would you like to be remembered in music history?
"I just like to be remembered - full stop! If you get remembered in music history than you've done something good. And having inspired people to write, sing and play that's good enough for me."
You can catch David Cassidy on tour this year.
November 9 Manchester Apollo.
November 11 Clyde Auditorium, Glasgow
November 14 City Hall, Newcastle.
November 16 & 17 Hammersmith Apollo, London.
Then And Now is out now to buy.
SJ |
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