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Jeremy Williams-Chalmers
Arts Correspondent
@jeremydwilliams
9:43 AM 7th October 2014
arts

Interview: David Aldo

 
David Aldo
David Aldo
David Aldo is something of a chart hero in his home country of South Africa. Having dominated their music scene as a solo artist and as part of the group Blood Sweat & Tears, Aldo counts Robbie Williams amongst his biggest fans.

With his heart now set on global domination, he is preparing for the international release of his eponymous album at the start of 2015. While we look forward to the future, we wonder what made Aldo the musician he is today.

When did you first realise you wanted to make music?

I don't remember a time I didn't want to make music. I remember singing from a very early age and banging on my mother's pots and pans with kitchen utensils. I was probably around 2.

If you could go back to that day, what piece of advice would you give yourself?

I would tell myself to take piano lessons. I get frustrated when I'm laying piano parts down and I hear them in my head struggle to play them. I had the opportunity at school, but focused on guitar and trumpet.

What is your writing process?

I work around a feel for each song. I then go into my studio and record a few bars and decide if there is something there to build on. When I co-write with other artist, I'm usually the melody guy.

Where do you look for inspiration?

Sometimes it's my experiences, sometimes its what I see, and other times its what I've learnt. There are stories and inspiration all around us.



If your music were a person, what would their personality be? Where do you think it would live?

If I have to put it in a box, it's a romantic. It would live in many different places. It would like to travel.

If you had to cite your biggest three influences, what would they be?

Time is an influence. I wrote an entire record around the concept of time once.

Love. I find it easy to write love songs. I've been blessed with finding love at a young age. The world. I'm influenced by what's happening around me and where we are as a human race.

What are your three favourite records of the moment?

I'd say the latest works by Daughtry ,Gavin De Graw and One Republic

What song do you wish you had written?

'Faithfully' by Journey. So simple with such a powerful melody.

If you could collaborate with any living artist, who would it be?

Sting. I have huge respect for him as an artist. I grew up on his early works. Were also from the same small town outside Newcastle.

Touring is a big part of a musicians life, what are your tour must haves?

Let's think...... My cat, although I know that wouldn't be possible, it would be awesome though, she brings me such joy. Barocca, It's the only energy drink I take and it really works for me. My specific guitar pick. I guess I'm a bit obsessed with having MY guitar pick.

What makes a good live show?

If the sound is off, it's hard to have a great live show for me, but ultimately it's the audience. If they're having a good time, then I'm having a good time.

What has been your favourite performance to date?

It's impossible to say. I've done stadium shows with Lionel Richie that were memorable, I've sung with 'Blood Sweat and Tears' as there front man backed by a philharmonic orchestra that was powerful and performed in intimate settings with my pianist that have been very rewarding. I am able to find fulfilment and happiness doing my music almost everywhere. Emphasis on 'almost'.