Interview: Jack McManus

Pianist/vocalist Jack McManus is a graduate of the Brit School of Performing Arts and is gearing up to follow in the footsteps of such illustrious fellow alumni as Lily Allen, Leona Lewis and The Kooks.
M Online catches up with him as he gears up to promote his debut album, Either Side of Midnight, due out on 5 May 2008.

1. Who or what first inspired you to take up music?

My dad actually brought back a drum kit from his factory one night. I loved it! My parents didn't because it was set up in their bedroom!

2. You co-wrote and sang on a track from the latest Groove Armada album. What were Groove Armada like to work with?

Well actually I never met them! I spoke on the phone though. I was given three backing tracks to write over (which is not normally how I work) and one of them really jumped out at me. It was all finished in an hour or two and it was the first song that I was involved with that got released.

3. Is there anyone else you would you like to collaborate with, dead or alive?

The Beatles because they wrote the best songs!

4. You have played trumpet in West End musicals; did that experience help to establish you as a solo artist?

Yes, the band were on stage in the show so I got to see all the singers/actors perform. I was always paying attention to what went down well with the audience and what it was the best performers had that made it great EVERY time.

5. Who is your hero, music-related or otherwise?

Will Ferrell for his role in Anchorman!

6. How do you feel about people comparing you to fellow ivory-ticklers Elton John and Billy Joel?

It's a huge compliment that people might say that but I can't really put myself in the same category as them. They have both had amazing careers and it would be a dream to have a career for as long as they've had.

7. Could you outline how pivotal a role your education at the BRIT school played in your development as a professional musician?

I got to wear my own clothes and call my teachers by their first names! That was pretty cool! Seriously, it was great to be around other people that shared the same drive and passion for music. It made it very competitive but I think that was healthy.

8. Why are royalties important to you as a musician?

Because they pay the bills.

9. What is your secret to maintaining your mightily impressive hairstyle?

Haha! Not much actually. I just wake up, leave it and don't get it cut very often.

10. What are your plans for the rest of 2008?

My plans for 2008 are to promote the album, playing festivals, visiting Europe etc. I would love to be 'up there' with the rest of the great singer/songwriters around.