Former Westlife frontman launches solo career
0 Comment(s)
Print
E-mail CNTV, June 17, 2014
"Westlife" is a well known name among Chinese music fans. Although, the Irish boyband did their farewell world tour in 2012, it didn't take long before fans could witness the comeback of lead vocalist Shane Filan. Having released his debut solo album "You and Me" last November, Filan has been in East Asia recently to promote his album, and his first China tour will be taking place in September this year.
 |
|
"Westlife" is a well known name among Chinese music fans. Although, the Irish boyband did their farewell world tour in 2012, it didn't take long before fans could witness the comeback of lead vocalist Shane Filan. |
14 No. 1 singles, 10 albums and 45 million records sold. After 14 successful years with Westlife, frontman Shane Filan has every reason to pursue a solo career.
Q1. Last time you came to Beijing on a Greatest Hits tour with Westlife... How does it feel now that you're travelling around the world without the boys?
Shane Filan, recording artist, said, "It's different but it's also very exciting... It's my first trip to China as a solo artist... So far they seem to really like it, and that makes me very very happy."
Q2. Let's talk about your new solo album, "You and Me"... There is an up-tempo, folky vibe in it - and I read that you actually spent some time in Nashville to record the album. Is that where the country inspiration came from?
"I've always liked country music growing up... And folk music, obviously, being Irish it's kinda in my blood... It's what happened and it's the way it is, and I'm really proud of the album. It's really a good start I think," Shane Filan said.
Debut solo album "You and Me" released in 2013
Q3. Taking a look at One Direction, JLS or The Wanted, we know that the trend is more about the dance/electro sound these days. Do you still believe in the power of ballads? That was what you were best at.
"Yeah 100%. When I look back I wish I had done more ballads...A powerful ballad. Especially it shows off your voice the best to its ability," Shane Filan said.
Believing in the power of ballads
Q4. Many top songwriters were recruited to write for Westlife, but now you have co-written all the songs on the album - How important is it to take part in the creation of a new record on a songwriting level?
"I think it's important, it's not the most important thing though... For me, it's just happened to happen on this album... There's a way to bring old songs back in to new generations. And you have a new connection with people, that's important too," Shane said.
Growing & learning as a songwriter
Q5. People are expecting you to become the next biggest pop act from Ireland since Ronan Keating... and Louis Walsh once said that he sees your potential to be as big as Michael Buble... but do you think it may be harder now to lead a successful solo career after leaving a boyband, since boyband is no long the most popular format in the music business?
"I think it stands to songs. I think it's all about songs. I think if you got the right songs, no matter what band you're in...If you have a great song, you work hard, anything is possible," said Shane.
A challenging career after boyband glories
Q6. Tell us about your upcoming tour in the Chinese mainland... Going to 5 cities is quite a big tour, given that China is geographically huge... Do you think it could be a risky move at this stage of your career?
"I don't know... It's a good question. We have to wait and see. Because the history over here of Westlife I think the promoters have faith in me to...So far my career is heading into the right direction, and I'm in China, doing a tour, which is cool," said Shane.
5-city China tour in September 2014
Q7. For those who have heard of Westlife but not Shane Filan yet, how would you recommend your album to them?
"It's a great pop album. Good music, great melodies, the lyrics are very special to me. Every song is a true story about my life...It's a great start to my first solo album. but it's up the fans to decide, it's not up to me. I like it, but it's more important if they like." said Shane.
Go to Forum >>0 Comment(s)