1. Congratulations on the new single! What inspired “At Christmas Time,” and what message do you hope listeners take away from it?
Thanks so much! It’s autobiographical, written at a time when I was looking back on life and missing someone special. I hope that it transmits the feelings I had then – wistful, but without any negativity or bitterness.
2. How did the writing and recording process for this track differ from your previous releases?
The song’s been around for a while and each year, as we approached this time in the calendar, friends and family would urge me to record it properly. Meeting Royzy and then working with Big Condo Records gave me the opportunity to make it happen. It’s my first release as a solo artist, as everything prior to this has been released with my former band Candle Wasters.
3. “At Christmas Time” has a warm, festive feel — were there any particular Christmas memories or traditions that influenced the song?
I come from a family who always made the most of the festive season and I’ve tried to uphold that now I have a family of my own. I tried to incorporate that within the lyrics, with references to shopping for, and wrapping gifts in anticipation of the big day – things I still love to do!
4. What has the response been like so far from fans and those who’ve had an early listen?
People have been really supportive and it’s had a really positive response!
5. You’re releasing the single through Big Condo Records. How has working with the label influenced your creativity and direction as an artist?
The Big Condo team are all creatives and are incredibly knowledgeable and helpful. Being around like-minded people is truly inspirational and I can’t thank Royzy enough for this opportunity.
6. You frequently collaborate with Royzy Rothschild, what’s it like working with him, and how has he influenced your journey as an artist?
Royzy has been there and done it and has such an experienced approach to recording and releasing original material. He’s the best guide I could possibly have to ask for advice with this new chapter in my career.
7. You also host the Big Condo Records Radio Show on Islington Radio. How did you get involved with the station, and what do you enjoy most about presenting?
I think most people working in and around music love the idea of presenting a show on radio, and I certainly did! We began broadcasting a couple of years ago on a local Liverpool FM and DAB station and Islington Radio heard it. They asked if they could syndicate the show and we were absolutely made up to be expanding our reach to London.
8. The show has become known for spotlighting emerging talent. How important is it for you personally to support up-and-coming artists?
We do it for precisely that reason and we like to say that we’re giving these talented people opportunities to shine that maybe we didn’t have ourselves back in the day.
9. You also feature on Circl8 Radio in Chester. What can listeners expect from your segments there, and how does it differ from your Islington Radio show?
As you say, the show has recently been taken up by Circl8 Radio Chester and we’re delighted to be working with them. It’s pre-recorded and it goes out every Wednesday at 7PM in Islington, then at 9PM each Thursday in Chester. It’s also available via the mixcloud.com catch-up service if you miss it on the day it goes out.
10. Balancing being a musician and a radio presenter can’t be easy, how do the two roles influence each other creatively?
I feel incredibly lucky to be working in and around the music industry in Liverpool – my spiritual home. I attend a lot of live events in the city and am constantly speaking to fellow creatives about their hopes and aspirations. Radio play is still a crucial element for artists in promoting what they’re doing and I’m so happy to be able to play a part in that, while still being inspired to write and perform myself.
11. With the single launch and your radio shows gaining momentum, what can we expect from Phil Beale in the year ahead?
Any new music or projects already in the works? Yes, I’m always writing and am hoping to be able to provide my audience with another original song to listen to next year. We have plans already in place for me to do some work in the live Liverpool scene, once again working with upcoming artists, and giving them opportunities to play in front of appreciative audiences. Watch this space!
@bigcondorecords @phil.beale.71
