Singer-songwriter and former frontman of rock band Mansun, Paul Draper has had a busy 12 months; 2 albums, several tours, and high critical claim.  Preparing for an acoustic tour in November, Damian Robinson caught up with Paul to talk about future plans and a successful 12 months.

You’ve just announced a limited edition, vinyl-only, new album ‘Live at the Ritz’.  What prompted a limited edition album?

We felt we wanted to have an exclusive for the acoustic tour I’m doing in November. With the ‘Live at The Ritz’ Album it will be exclusively signed by myself for the fans at the gigs so it should add to a special and intimate show. The vinyl is me performing Mansun’s ‘Attack Of The Grey Lantern’ Live in full from my tour earlier this year. Ronnie Stone who produced the original album recorded the show for us.

Almost 12 months on from ‘Spooky action’, how do you look back on the album and it’s reception?

 

Well I would never have expected the success it’s achieved, Top 20 in the album charts, great reviews, 2 big tours and festival appearances, it’s a dream to be honest so I’m just going with the flow and seeing where it takes me.

 

Earlier in the year, a 21st edition of ‘Attack of the grey lantern’ was also released.  It feels like you’re on a good roll of momentum with releases and live shows.  Are you already planning for the next chapter?

 

Well yes Attack Of The Grey Lantern went right back into the UK album chart, however Mansun records are separate from my solo career, but I don’t denounce them, I embrace them, and I feel lucky a record I made over 20 years ago is still in the charts. It’s like the Britpop Rumours by Fleetwood Mac, coming back into the carts again years later

You’ll be down in Stockton in late November for a show at the Georgian Theatre.  What can we expect from the show?

 

I’ve heard that this is a great venue so really looking forward to coming. It’s the last night of my first ever UK acoustic tour. I expect to play you some of the best songs I have and sing them in fine fettle. I have a few Mansun classics to sing, Wide Open Space, I can only Dissappoint U, as well as deep cut Mansun tracks I’ve never played live before. I’ll be playing tracks from Spooky Action, my solo album and I have one or 2 new songs I’m road testing for my second solo album being released next year, that’ll be the first time to hear these new songs. So a bit for big fans, and loads in there if you want to come and sing along to a few hits. I’m planning on having a good rapor with the audience and to tell some of the stories behind the songs on the night and hopefully have a little chat and banter with the audience. So see you in Stockton!

Paul plays the Geogian Theatre, Stockton on 24 November.  Tickets, and information about his albums, can be found at https://www.facebook.com/pauldraperofficial/