For the past few years the majority of artists to breakthrough the mainstream have been female. This was a great leap forward, but we now think it is time for male artists to start making a comeback. One act likely to achieve this more than any other is Joe Worricker, a husky voiced smouldering torch singer for the 21 st century. Joe's album is out next year and as he is playing this year's SWN festival in October we thought now would be a good time to catch up with him.

Tell us a little about the history of Joe Worricker.

Well I was born and raised in Essex by the lovely Worricker parents. Moved to London when I was 16 to go to college and do music and now I do music everyday

You are signed to the Rough Trade label. Tell us how that came about and your thoughts on being signed to a label with such a history attached to it.

When I was gigging round London the label heard about me and wanted to come and have a listen, so I organised a gig for them in Soho. They then invited me into Rough Trade and snapped me up.  I'm just happy to be  part of a label that lets me be creative and who sees beauty in things that others may not 

You had a track on the recent Arthur Russell tribute album with a cover of 'Get Around to it'. Your music seems radically different to Arthur's experimental work. How did you approach this track and what do you think of his music?

I only really know the songs on 'Love is taking over me' and some of the better known tracks. His experimental work hasn't hit me yet, maybe after some more listening. Well I learnt the track the day before, just went in there and sung it out. I love interpreting other artists songs, it's less pressure on me because it's not my melody 

What music influenced and inspired you to become a singer?

Jazz songs and old showtunes

You have been working with Green Gartside. How would you describe your working relationship.

I go to Green's home, he makes me coffee. We just chat about stuff, listen to music and then he plays guitar and I sing. I always ask him about when he worked with Chaka Khan, I'm in love with her.

The past few years have been dominated by female singers such as Ellie Goulding and Florence. Now that artists such as Bright Light Bright Light and yourself seem to be about to break through we think 2011 could be the year of the re-emergance of the male pop singer. What do you think?

I hope so!!!!



You are playing the SWN festival in Cardiff in October. What can we expect from your performance?

We're doing a set with guitar and stripped drums. So you can hear my voice in full and still dance like a bitch

Tell us about your album. When is it out and what will the music be like?

The album is a big colorful ball of art and fun. Musically it's Beatles meets Kate Bush meets Debussy meets Marvelettes.  It's released in the new year

If you could duet with anyone alive or dead who would you choose and what song would you sing?

Hard question. Erykah Badu is who I would say at the moment, but I have a very long list. Yeah i'd LOVE to write a song with her

What are your plans for 2011?

I plan to play loads of gigs, go to loads of parties and get my photograph taken alot

Joe Worricker plays at the SWN Festival in Cardiff which takes place 21-23 October

Links

http://www.myspace.com/joeworricker



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