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Richard Ashcroft on ‘Keys To The World’
Hear Richard Ashcroft talk exclusively to John Kennedy about his long awaited third album, track by track.
Three years since he released his last album ‘Human Conditions’, Richard Ashcroft man made a surprise return when Coldplay invited him onstage to duet with them at last years Live 8 event. Since then anticipation and excitement has been building for his forthcoming third solo offering ‘Keys To The World’. In the three years since his last release Ashcroft spent time immersing himself in influences ranging from Bob Dylan to Curtis Mayfield all of which have helped shape the sound of his new album. Talking to John Kennedy explains the advantages of using old equipment, the demise of his previous record label, his inspirations and playing at Live 8 [listen] .
Read highlights below and hit [listen] links to hear Richard’s commentary in full.
‘Why Not Nothing’
[listen]
“It’s more about the void in our lives, and we choose to fill that void.”
‘Music Is Power’
[listen]
“If there’s any sunshine on this album, than this is the track that has it.”
‘Break The Night With Colour’
[listen]
“It’s about breaking through the depression, and musically I did most of it by myself.”
‘Words Just Get In The Way’
[listen]
“It’s when your in that state of mind when words just don’t seem to get through.”
‘Keys To The World’
[listen]
“I write songs about the dispossessed, which is what the character in this song is.”
‘Sweet Brother Malcolm’
[listen]
“It’s about the perfect village waking up after a terrible event has happened during the night.”
‘Cry Til The Morning’
[listen]
“I imagined these two people who are desperate to be together, but both are carrying too much baggage.”
‘Why Do Lovers?’
[listen]
“It’s about the work, time and pressure that drives couples apart.”
‘Simple Song’
[listen]
“I wrote it eight years ago, and I decided I finally wanted to get it down on an album.”
‘World Keeps Turning’
[listen]
“It’s about a guy making peace with his past and then moving on.”
Tagged as Richard Ashcroft, archive
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John Kennedy plays the newest music first. Includes sessions, interviews and album playbacks. Email john.kennedy@xfm.co.uk or text 83xfm (standard network).