Interview: Lawson
Published on August 2nd, 2012 | Jonny Abrams
Lawson are set to follow up their smash hit debut single “When She Was Mine” with the release of “Taking Over Me”, so Rocksucker caught up with front man Andy Brown for a chat about his group’s rapid ascent – which to date has included support slots with Will Young, Avril Lavigne, The Wanted, Westlife and Jessie J – and the doctor who saved his life, and in doing so unwittingly ensured that he’d have a band named after him…
When will the album be out, and what can you tell us about it?
The album’s going to be out in October and it’s sort of like The Script, Kings of Leon and Maroon 5, all guitar-led and with big choruses. It’s quite rocky and the lyrics are very meaningful because we write them all ourselves: they’re about experiences we’ve had in our lives, getting dumped by girls, falling in love, stuff like that. Hopefully it’s going to be a great album.
You’ve supported some huge names. Do any in particular stand out for you, and if so, why?
I think supporting Jessie J was a big one for us because she’s a massive inspiration to us. She’s got one of the best voices out there – it’s incredible – and she’s such a nice person, down to earth, a lovely girl. I’d definitely say her.
Are you still in touch with Dr Lawson? He must be thrilled about being honoured in such a way!
I don’t really keep in touch with him to be honest but obviously he’s a massive inspiration as well. He’s an amazing guy. My mum took him in a signed CD when “When She Was Mine” went to number 4 in the charts.
You should ask him to do a guest appearance!
Definitely, that would be amazing! He’s such a nice guy.
How did you come into contact with your producer John Shanks? He’s a major player in the industry.
That was through the record label, actually. Take That are on the same label and they’d done their last album with him. I think everyone was just raving about us, we sent him a few songs and he said, “Yeah, these are brilliant, I’d love to work with you guys.” We went over to LA to record the album with him and it was awesome. He’s such a lovely guy, was in a really great mood every day, and that makes life a lot easier, when you really get on well with your producer.
How did your T in the Park set go?
T in the Park was amazing! One of my favourite festivals we’ve ever done, actually. The atmosphere was amazing, we filled out the tent and everyone was singing along so it was a brilliant day.
Which other festivals have you played this summer?
We played at Hard Rock Calling in Hyde Park with Bruce Springsteen, and we’re playing V Festival in a couple of weeks.
Are there any other up-and-coming artists that you’d like to recommend or give a shout-out to?
There’s a guy called Daniel Healy who supported us on tour recently, you should check him out on YouTube. A duo called Hudson Taylor supported us on tour as well, they’re great, kind of like Mumford & Sons. They’re very talented guys.
Finally, if you had to spend the rest of your days with the entire works of just five different musical artists, whose would you choose?
The Beatles, John Mayer, Sting, Kings of Leon and Oasis.
Andy Brown, thank you.
Lawson’s new single “Taking Over Me” is out on Sunday. For more information please visit lawsonofficial.com
Click here to read Andy talking to Football Burp about his love of Liverpool FC!