Ian Prowse will return to Hartlepool this month on the back of his brand new album so Lee Allcock caught up with him to speak about Elvis Costello, writing straight from the cuff and more.
You’ve spent the last couple of yours taking your first two (re-released) Pele albums all over Europe. So why did now feel like the right time to record a solo album?
It was time to release an LP of brand new songs. Calling it an Ian Prowse record doesn’t mean it’s a solo performance, however, as there are 18 crack musicians on there. A Pele, Amsterdam or Ian Prowse record is all the same thing really: they are all just vehicles for my songs.
On your brand new album, Elvis Costello stated: “It goes without the saying that he will make a beautiful carriage of the music he loves.” You must have been chuffed with that statement…
Elvis Costello, Paul Weller, Mick & Joe, Hugh Cornwell, these people were my remote educators when I was 15 and the very reason I picked up the guitar. Getting a compliment like this off someone like Elvis who sits at the very top table of songwriting is surreal and cosmic and really lovely. I’ve been lucky to play London Calling on stage with Mick, had Jean-Jaques call me up to say he’s loved an album, released duets with Elvis and met Paul a number of times during my Pele era. My 15-year-old self’s head would have fallen off had he know these things would come to pass.
How does the album compare or differ to a Pele or Amsterdam album in your opinion?
It’s just a continuation of the same thing: a collection of songs concerning exactly where I am in the world right now. Stylistically, some of the songs could be on any Pele or Amsterdam album. The criteria is always the same: the songs must be strong. And on ‘Here I Lie’, we’ve done our strongest set of tunes yet.
You’re not afraid to write straight from the cuff, are you?
No, not afraid at all. You have to put yourself into your music otherwise what’s the point? It has to be true and straight for me. I came into this inspired by the great punk/new-wave conviction singers and the idea that your guitar can change the world. I feel the same about politicians: give me a conviction one any day, give me Corbyn over David Miliband any day.
And finally, what can gig-goers expect from your Hartlepool date?
A big barrel of joy, a few tears, laughs, some rabble-rousing, electric musicianship and 100% commitment. Also, expect old Pele favourites, Amsterdam classics, some surprises, a damn fine sing-along and then after it’s all over, a wee drink together. You can’t beat it.
Ian Prowse heads to The Studio, Hartlepool on Friday 29th November. Tickets, priced at £14.30 in advance, are available from seetickets.com.
