Alexander O'Neal - Chats about 'Hearsay' and his three nights in London

Soul sensation and humble guy Alexander O'Neal chats to Music Trespass

Not many people know that I love a lot of 80's / 90's Soul / RnB, and one of the acts that has been on my Walkman since I was a kid was Alexander O'Neal. So I was really happy when I was asked to interview him, for the magazine. I found Alexander to be a really nice and humble guy, who would rather help a new singer out than further the career of someone that was already big. Something as an independent artist myself, I really respect. He is on the verge of playing three nights in London, as I phone him up to talk about the re-release of his classic album 'Hearsay' and what he has planned for the future.

Music Trespass: Last year saw the 30 anniversary of your popular album 'Hearsay' first came out, can you believe it has been so long or does it still feel like yesterday?

Alexander O'Neal - Sometimes I have to pinch myself that it has been so long since it first came out, have so many great memories from that time and I feel so happy to have done it. When the record company first approached me about re-recording it, I was apprehensive, it took a little persuading to get me to do it. But I think the new one is as good, and the new version gives a new take on the original recordings.

Music Trespass: You re-recorded the songs for the 30th edition, did you add anything to the record that you thought I wish I had done that when I first put the recorded?

Alexander O'Neal: I wanted to change little things on the record, give them a new twist... more of a live feel. I did this one myself, and of course on the original versions I worked with Jimmy Jam and Terry Lewis... so it was always going to be a little different. And I really think I achieved new things, on the 30th edition that my audience will really enjoy.

Music Trespass: If you could re-release another one of your records, which one would it be?

Alexander O'Neal: I am not in a habit of re-releasing my own material, I think my music stands out on it's own merit and does not have to be re-don. I did 'Hearsay' because it was the 30th anniversary of it's original release and I thought the record and fans of it deserved something a little special. And I think that is what they got, with the 30th edition.

Music Trespass: (If you not seen it, then check out the original version and the brilliant new version of the cover above)

Music Trespass: Your doing three nights in London, are you planning a different setlist and a different show for each of the nights, for your die hard fans that will go to all three?

Alexander O'Neal: Not necessary but we will be adding some different songs each night, songs that people have not heard before. Or not heard before live, to give people that are coming something to look forward to. I have played the The Boisdale Club before, I won an award at The Boisdale Music Awards their last year and it's a really special place so I will just relax and the enjoy and let the energy of the place do it's magic.

Music Trespass: If you want to see Alexander O'Neal when he comes to London then go to this link: https://bit.ly/2CylakK

Music Trespass: How do you warm up for a show, what is your routine? 

Alexander O'Neal: I normally don't do that much warming up, a few scales to check my voice is ok and then I just go out and put everything into my live performance.

Music Trespass: Who have you most liked working with as a collaborator over the years?

Alexander O'Neal: I like to collaborate with fans and great musicians, not necessary big names. I like helping new singers, get forward with their careers and give them a shot... so that they have their chance. But I would like to collaborate with my good friend Patti LaBelle, we have talked about doing something together a few times, but it just hasn't happened yet. So I would like to do that, in the near future.

Bugzy Malone (Pictured Above)

Music Trespass: What modern Soul and RnB do you like at the moment?

Alexander O'Neal: I like a lot of Hip Hop at the moment, and I really like John Legend and Rag 'n' Bone man. I like the fact they are keeping the rich tradition of RnB and Soul going. I also like an artist called Bugzy Malone, have really been enjoying his records. He is from Manchester, a place I really love playing and going to. I love a club in Manchester called the Lowry, where I have performed before.

Music Trespass: What's next for you?

Alexander O'Neal: I have a new live album coming out, 'Live at the Palladium'... which has come out amazing. Also I working on a brand new record which will mix up so many genres of music from Blues to RnB, Folk, Pop and loads of other genres. I want to go out of my comfort zone, and try something new. I think to be known as a great singer, you have to always push yourself and try something new and try new genres. So I want to try and show I can do this on my new record, it is going to be something quite different.

Interview by Dan Devour

Check Out! the Video for 'Criticize' Below...