Tom Chaplin

Singer/Songwriter — Sussex

01Profile

A Tom Chaplin Photo

03Interview

Name
Tom Chaplin

Where are you from?
Sussex

Describe your style in three words?
Fitted, unpretentious, worn.

If you could make a record with anyone from history?
I’d love to work with the producer Nigel Godrich. He never seems to make a bad record. I’d love to write songs with Damon Albarn. 'Sweet Song' by Blur is one of the most beautifully sad and poignant records I know.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to and why?
I went to see Royksopp at the Astoria for my 21st birthday in 2000. I was young, happy and very stoned. I didn’t stop dancing all night.

Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
I just got back from playing a tour in Latin America - so, in terms of recent memory, The Metropolitan Theatre in Mexico City was absolutely banging. Most of all this is down to the relentless spirit of enthusiasm that the fans bring in that part of the world.

What British music icons inspire your sound today?
Neil Hannon, The Blue Nile, Radiohead. For sheer brilliance and mastery of craft, I’ll go for 'Glass Eyes' by Radiohead.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
The resurrected Jesus. I wouldn’t mind checking if that story is true - and also pick his brains on how to achieve world peace.

Which subcultures have had an enduring effect on you?
Not sure if it’s a subculture, but I’m pretty fascinated b the world of antiques. I still watch and adore Lovejoy. If I had to pick an alternative career, I would sell old collectables from a musty barn in Suffolk.

If you could share the bill with any band in history?
Queen. I never saw Freddie performing live, although I have had the great privilege of singing with Brian and Roger at the Albert Hall and Freddie’s 60th Birthday celebration. To me, Freddie was the greatest of all front men - charisma, warmth and the greatest of all live rock voices. I’ll pick 'It’s A Hard Life'.

What music did you listen to growing up?
My first real love was Simon & Garfunkel on long car journeys playing junior county cricket. 'Homeward Bound' seems a pertinent choice.

If you could re-live one year of your life?
I loved being 18, The liberation of leaving school, learning to drive, venturing out into a world of mystery and opportunity, yet to be jaded, full of enthusiasm. I loved the way music made me feel at that age too - it spoke to me in such a profound way.


 

Tom Chaplin, best known as the frontman of Keane, follows the success of his debut solo album 'The Wave' with an alternative new festive disc, 'Twelve Tales of Christmas' out November 17th on Island Records.

04Playlist Notes

What was the first song you played on repeat?
'Bad' by Michael Jackson.

One record you would keep forever?
'Diamond Dogs' by David Bowie.

A song from your favourite album?
'Let Down' by Radiohead.

A song you wish you had written?
'A Lady of A Certain Age' by The Divine Comedy.

A song that defines the teenage you?
'Find The River' by R.E.M.

A song lyric that inspires you?
"Every now and then life says,
Where do you think you’re going so fast?
We’re apt to think it cruel, but sometimes,

It’s a case of cruel to be kind."

'Gold In Them Hills' by Ron Sexsmith.

Is there a song you like that people wouldn’t expect?
'Starboy' by The Weeknd.

Best song to turn up loud?
'One More Time' by Daft Punk.

Best song to bring people together?
'We Have All The Time In The World' by Louis Armstrong.

Any new bands you are listening to right now?
Dua Lipa, Stereo Honey.

03Interview

Name
Tom Chaplin

Where are you from?
Sussex

Describe your style in three words?
Fitted, unpretentious, worn.

If you could make a record with anyone from history?
I’d love to work with the producer Nigel Godrich. He never seems to make a bad record. I’d love to write songs with Damon Albarn. 'Sweet Song' by Blur is one of the most beautifully sad and poignant records I know.

What’s the best gig you’ve ever been to and why?
I went to see Royksopp at the Astoria for my 21st birthday in 2000. I was young, happy and very stoned. I didn’t stop dancing all night.

Of all the venues you’ve played, which is your favourite?
I just got back from playing a tour in Latin America - so, in terms of recent memory, The Metropolitan Theatre in Mexico City was absolutely banging. Most of all this is down to the relentless spirit of enthusiasm that the fans bring in that part of the world.

What British music icons inspire your sound today?
Neil Hannon, The Blue Nile, Radiohead. For sheer brilliance and mastery of craft, I’ll go for 'Glass Eyes' by Radiohead.

If you could spend an hour with anyone from history?
The resurrected Jesus. I wouldn’t mind checking if that story is true - and also pick his brains on how to achieve world peace.

Which subcultures have had an enduring effect on you?
Not sure if it’s a subculture, but I’m pretty fascinated b the world of antiques. I still watch and adore Lovejoy. If I had to pick an alternative career, I would sell old collectables from a musty barn in Suffolk.

If you could share the bill with any band in history?
Queen. I never saw Freddie performing live, although I have had the great privilege of singing with Brian and Roger at the Albert Hall and Freddie’s 60th Birthday celebration. To me, Freddie was the greatest of all front men - charisma, warmth and the greatest of all live rock voices. I’ll pick 'It’s A Hard Life'.

What music did you listen to growing up?
My first real love was Simon & Garfunkel on long car journeys playing junior county cricket. 'Homeward Bound' seems a pertinent choice.

If you could re-live one year of your life?
I loved being 18, The liberation of leaving school, learning to drive, venturing out into a world of mystery and opportunity, yet to be jaded, full of enthusiasm. I loved the way music made me feel at that age too - it spoke to me in such a profound way.


 

Tom Chaplin, best known as the frontman of Keane, follows the success of his debut solo album 'The Wave' with an alternative new festive disc, 'Twelve Tales of Christmas' out November 17th on Island Records.

04Playlist Notes

What was the first song you played on repeat?
'Bad' by Michael Jackson.

One record you would keep forever?
'Diamond Dogs' by David Bowie.

A song from your favourite album?
'Let Down' by Radiohead.

A song you wish you had written?
'A Lady of A Certain Age' by The Divine Comedy.

A song that defines the teenage you?
'Find The River' by R.E.M.

A song lyric that inspires you?
"Every now and then life says,
Where do you think you’re going so fast?
We’re apt to think it cruel, but sometimes,

It’s a case of cruel to be kind."

'Gold In Them Hills' by Ron Sexsmith.

Is there a song you like that people wouldn’t expect?
'Starboy' by The Weeknd.

Best song to turn up loud?
'One More Time' by Daft Punk.

Best song to bring people together?
'We Have All The Time In The World' by Louis Armstrong.

Any new bands you are listening to right now?
Dua Lipa, Stereo Honey.

 

05Videos

Tom Chaplin | River (2017)

Tom Chaplin | Quicksand (2016)

Keane | Somewhere Only We Know (2004)

Keane | A Bad Dream (2007)