WILL
YOUNG
Words: Jason Kattenhorn
Artwork: Tales of Black Eyed Jack
June 2019
Pop icon Will Young releases his eagerly awaited seventh studio album Lexicon today and we are living for it. Lexicon sees Will reunite with the creative team behind his critically acclaimed 2011 album Echoes, so expect viscerally upbeat sounds, filled with heartbreak and joy. In-between recording Will has been an outspoken campaigner for LGBTQ+ rights, most recently with his LGBTQ+ podcast HOMO SAPIENS that he co-created with Chris Sweeney. With a 21 date UK, tour starting in October Will is set to take 2019 by storm.
Order the Lexicon here
What was the inspiration behind Lexicon?
I really love atmospheric pop, people like Miles Kane, Empire of the Sun, MGMT – that mid-tempo, electro, melancholic pop, which I love!
How did it feel being back in the recording studio?
It was great fun because I have worked out a way that suits me and helps with my anxiety. I chose not to write all the songs; however, it meant I got to work with Richard X. I worked with him on an album called Echoes with Jim Eliot and Mima Stilwell, who worked on the same record.
What can we expect from the visuals?
Well, the visuals I am proud of. The videos so far have both been with Rankin, and I play a male stripper playing four different roles. The inspirations were gender fluidity for the cowboy inspired by Vivienne Westwood’s show , and the outfit was actually from that runway collection; Querelle inspired the sailor.
The tour will also draw on Jean Genet and explores the Brain.
Do you have a go to favourite track from this album?
It is very hard. At present I think it is the first single All the Songs and I’ve just realised the title could give me a get-out cos I could just say “All the Songs” from the album.
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