Interview: Jonathan Antoine

Last weekend Jonathan Antoine became the youngest ever tenor to top the UK album charts. It is just the latest remarkable occurrence in the remarkable career that the young vocalist has enjoyed in his time since his appearance on Britain's Got Talent. With success a long-term guarantee for the striking performer, we decided to find out what music had influenced his decisions to date.

When did you first realise you wanted to make music?

When I was around 11 years old I listened to guitar bands like Fall Out Boy and thought that sounds cool, picked up the guitar and began to learn how to play.

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

I'd give myself a sly nudge and say 'come on man'

Where do you look for inspiration?

I draw a lot of inspiration from my family. They are 99% of what you see about me and are always there for me.

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

A boisterous fellow from Holland

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

Pavarotti, Elvis and Michael Jackson

What are your three favourite records of the moment?

Not necessarily of the moment but these are three records I'm loving right now

Up the downstairs - Porcupine Tree

Dark Side Of The Moon - Pink Floyd

The North Borders - Bonobo

What song do you wish you had written?

Happy Birthday - for all the royalties

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

Jonas Kaufmann

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

The most diva thing I have to have is Evian water plus I have a rule 'there must always be chocolate!'

What makes a good live show?

I think that depends on your viewpoint. Some people like lots of energy and visuals others like a quiet night out. My shows tend to be more the latter but I've been to quite a few of the former and had a great time too.

What has been your favourite performance to date?

I would have to say the iTunes festival with Placido Domingo. The audience joined me to sing Volare and it was a pretty special moment for me.