Tom Aspaul has written for artists including Kylie Minogue, Celeste and AlunaGeorge, but it is with his own releases that he has steadily built his reputation as one of the pop world's finest purveyors. Having toured with Louise and Saara Aalto before Covid-19 saw a series of live shows cancelled, his audience are buzzing after the arrival of the brilliant Black Country Disco. We caught up with Tom to learn a little more about the release...

First and foremost, hello and how are you?

Hi! I'm great thanks. A tiny bit stressed and overwhelmed, but that's to be expected when you put out an album!

Tell us about Black Country Disco…

It's my first album. It's basically a disco concept album, inspired by leaving London and returning home to the Midlands after a break-up. You should try listen in sequence and the story plays out, song by song!

Fans have been waiting a long time for new music, what prompted the new release?

A series of life changing events I guess! In 2018 left my publishing deal and was working part-time as a receptionist - hoping to make music 'on the side' but really not achieving much. Then I broke up with my boyfriend in 2019, left my part time job, left London and moved home with my parents for a bit. I had all this time to mull things over, living rent free took the pressure off having to earn a wage to live somewhere, so I just threw myself into this project.

What inspired the record?

I spent a lot of 2019 listening to classic disco records, like Chic, Sylvester, The Emotions.. and some British stuff like E.L.O and the Bee Gees - and of course ABBA. This was the sonic inspiration. Then all this personal stuff happened and I was inspired to write it down, express it in songs. Also moving home to the Midlands after 15 years had quite a visceral effect on me - it was so nostalgic and weird. This all came together through the record.

Tell us a little about your creative process...

When I write songs I usually write the music first, come up with some chords that I like and hum or sing melodies over the top, whilst simultaneously coming up with the lyrics and/or concept. It all kind of happens together. As for the imagery and the album's concept etc, I guess I just have a bit of an encyclopedic knowledge of pop culture from which to draw from - it all just comes from that.

You have written for lots of big name artists - how do you shape your writing to someone else?

It's very difficult actually. I think I'm very passive in the studio with other artists and that's my downfall. Some writers really force their ideas down your throat - which is probably the way to do it - shows conviction! I, on the other hand, would suggest a lyric or a melody and at the first sign of disapproval from the artist, back down. Actually, somewhere in the middle is the right way to do it. I haven't written with another artist since doing this album, so maybe I can try to be a bit more assertive when the time comes!



If the record were an animal, what animal would it be?

A Pekingese dog, like my baby, Kim-Sue.

Define your sound in five words…

Disco! Pop! Camp! Fun! Gorgeous!

What was the first song that caught your attention?
My Mom had this dance compilation on vinyl called Now Dance and the entirety of that LP is etched in my consciousness. Must've been around 1988. Other than that maybe something by Bobby Brown or MC Hammer seems to be the earliest memory!


What was the first song you bought? And the first album?

First song I 100% remember was 'Oh Carolina' by Shaggy on CD. A classic. First album I think might have been All Saints or Aaliyah or maybe even Janet Jackson's 1996 Greatest Hits compilation - not sure.

What was the best concert you have ever seen?

Rosalía at Glastonbury 2019 made me weep, she was so good! Kate Bush was a religious experience in 2014. Spice Girls in 2007 was incredibly nostalgic - and we had amazing seats on the front row. Also, I cried a lot at Janet Jackson in 2011! So any one of those four!

What did the experience teach you that you have translated to your own shows?

That people want to hear the hits! (Although Kate Bush did not play the hits to be honest!)

What other artist are you most excited to hear from?

Right now I am desperate to hear those two new ABBA songs that were supposed to be on their way for two years now!

If you could work with them, what would you hope to record?

If I could work with ABBA I'd like to do something like their last album, The Visitors. A dream!

If you had to pick three artists to be filed next to, who would they be and why?

Beverley Knight - because she's the best thing to come out of Wolverhampton - I'd happily be her number two!

Robyn - because she releases music very sporadically, but when she does it's worth the wait!

Prince - because I'd like to think I can break your heart with one song and get you all hot under the collar on the next!

If you could jam with one artist alive or dead, who would it be?

Prince! See above for the reason why! He's the best to ever do it.

If you could have written one song by another artist, what would it be?

Seeing as we're on a Prince tip. I'm obsessed with 'Sugar Walls' by Sheena Easton.

Someone is making a film of your life, who will play you?

People always tell me I look like James Franco (at least when I still had my natural dark hair), but I doubt he'd be able to do a convincing Wolverhampton accent!

Lastly, tell us one thing you have never revealed in an interview…

I don't actually live in the Black Country - I'm a fraud!



Black Country Disco is out now.