Swide Magazine by Dolce&Gabbana

His Signed, Sealed and Delivered album finally came out on Monday and a happy Craig David shared with us the inspirations; hopes and secrets behind the highly anticipated return to the front of the international music scene. Oh so sleek... but oh so down to earth; we are charmed, chuffed and delighted!

 

Can you tell us why you chose to entitle the album "Signed Sealed Delivered"?

It was fitting as the Stevie Wonder song is on the record but also I had just Signed a new deal with Universal, Sealed 10 years in the music industry and Delivered a record that I am very proud of.

Did you work with new producers on this album? What made you want to produce a “motown-esque” album?

It’s not really a motown record, it’s more a collection of songs that inspired me and influenced me while I was growing up. I just felt that I wanted to take a different challenge from writing new material to actually really having to perform out of my comfort zone on songs that have been sung by such iconic figures. For me it was more of a vocal challenge that I wanted to rise to. I worked with a new producer called Gerry Abbot who I had met years before. I felt that he was hungry and would respect the original songs. He had a great understanding of the original songs whilst helping to bring it to a 2010 audience.

 

On the set of One More Lie - sleek outfits!

 

What is your favourite song off the new album?

It’s difficult to say but probably Curtis Stigers ‘I Wonder Why’. It was one of my favourites growing up, it has a beautiful melody and a very poignant lyric.

 

Who do you look up to in the music industry? Did anyone inspire you to pursue this career?

I look up to Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye, Michael Jackson, Terrence Trent D’Arby. All those people I saw as the reason why I wanted to go into the music industry. I loved their performances and the music they released.

 

 

Who is your secret music crush?

Beyonce, vocally is incredible, looks great and her career started to blow up as mine did so I have an affinity with her. So I guess it’s not much of a secret crush anymore!

What other art forms do you look to for inspiration?

I really like photography and also interior design, its great when you buy a new home as the input you have really reflects the person that you are. I really like to see something through from start to finish, I love seeing something created from nothing and then flourishing into something beautiful.

 

One More Lie (Standing in the Shadows) - the first in a long series of hit singles from this latest album.

 

What is next for you after this release, a well-deserved break or can we hope to see you more of you on stage in the near future?

I am ready to go out on tour with my band to promote this record. I am excited as its such a vocal performance based record. Also its been 10 years since I started in this industry so have a few hits under my belt along with this new repertoire. So I think we can but a really nice show together.

 

With special thanks to Craig David.

 

Source and credits: Craig David

TAGS: craig david signed sealed delivered new album one more lie stevie wonder rankin dolce&gabbana