17 October 2015 (released)
17 October 2015
Multiple Grammy and Emmy-award winning musician Harry Connick, Jr. has announced the release of his next album ‘That Would Be Me’ , released October 23rd ,2015 on Sony Music. For the first time in his career, Connick has taken a step outside his musical comfort zone to work in the studio with two “external” producers on this album – the acclaimed Eg White (Sam Smith, Adele, Florence And The Machine) and Butch Walker (Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Pink, Weezer).
‘That Would Be Me’ was recorded in London with White and Nashville with Walker. The result is a carefully crafted record full of surprises and stirring musical conjurations, delivering eleven new songs and new insights into his artistry. Additionally, the album art also represents a departure from his other covers, showcasing a portrait of his face created entirely from musical objects. The first track to be lifted from the album is the catchy “(I Do) Like We Do”).
Music-News.com caught up with Harry to find out more!
Music News New single, (I Do) Like We Do, is a cheery upbeat affair, what’s it all about?
Harry It's a song for married folks! It's a simple tune that says, "we have the best thing going in the whole wide world."
MN You seem to have taken a new musical direction, what’s prompted the musical rethink?
Harry It's not so much of a new direction as a new collection of songs. I've recorded many different styles over the years; these songs represent my most current thoughts...
MN What more can we expect from the album ‘That Would Be Me’?
Harry A lot of variety! There are lots of songs on this record, coming from a lot of different musical and emotional places. It’s quite vast.
MN You chose two ‘external’ producers on this album – the acclaimed Eg White (Sam Smith, Adele, Florence And The Machine) and Butch Walker (Taylor Swift, Katy Perry, Pink, Weezer), why them?
Harry I wanted to experience what it felt like to work with a producer in the studio. I had never done that before. Butch and Eg were recommended to me by my record label.
MN How did the songs come together and is there any particular theme across the record?
Harry There's no theme, other than they're all fresh to me. The tracks all came from different places - from one song written by someone else, to co-written songs, to ones I wrote by myself.
MN The album was recorded in London, do you think it has an ‘English’ vibe?
Harry Hmmm, Eg being from England put a pretty heavy stamp on it, as did I, so I'm sure there's some English vibes in there somewhere mixed with some New Orleans!
MN Is your voice as strong as ever? As an instrument have you explored your whole range, and if not what could we expect next?
Harry It’s stronger than ever! But, much of this recording wasn't as much about strength as it was about emotion. There’s still lots of exploring to do yet.
MN You’ve won many awards and accolades throughout your career, what’s more important for you these days, critical praise, sales or personal satisfaction?
Harry Personal satisfaction, for sure. I just want to keep learning and discovering.
MN If you had to pick three songs from across your whole repertoire, which you think define Harry Connick, Jr, which three would you choose?
Harry ‘Come By Me’, ‘Let Me Love Tonight’ and ‘Smile.’
MN Anything else to say to Music News readers?
Harry I hope you like the record, and thank you so much! - Harry
Harry Connick’s Jr new album ‘That Would Be Me’ is released on October 23rd on Sony Music.
