The last time we interviewed Jonathan, he was still performing and recording as a duo, as part of Jonathan and Charlotte. The time has quickly come for them to spread their wings, to go and to go and follow their own separate careers and goals.
The lovely Charlotte was always the chattier one of the two, so we were looking forward to getting the chance to catch up with Jonathan on a one-to-one basis! Jonathan has come a long way in such a short space of time, since finding fame thanks to Britain’s Got Talent and his sublime voice. His voice is sounding fantastic and this young man’s talent only appears to be getting better and stronger, each time we listen to him sing.
We caught up with Jonathan, ahead of the release of his debut album, Tenore, which is released on Monday, 13th October.
Hi Jonathan, how are you today?
I’m great, thanks!
The last time we interviewed you, you were still a part of a duo, with Charlotte. How has the journey gone from being a duo, to a solo artist?
It’s been different, but enjoyable. Making my solo album has been a great experience. There’s more room on the sofa, too!
You both mentioned at the time that in the future you expected to go your separate ways, did you expect it to be so early on in your career?
It’s not something we planned. We both knew we’d do solo projects and it just happened to happen this year.
Do you still see each other often?
We are still friends but because of our busy schedules we’re often in different places at different times so we don’t get a lot of time.
Can you tell us what we can expect from your first solo album – Tenore?
It’s got a real fun feel to it and I hope that fans get that when they listen. I’ve got some old classics on there right up to more recent times, for example with Love Changes Everything.
What was the experience like of recording your own solo album, as opposed to working with Charlotte to make the album?
The main difference is that I got less downtime. Before, I’d have a break whilst Charlotte was singing but now it’s all down to me. I had Anna Barry producing the album and she is a fantastic producer and an amazing person who helped make the experience so easy and enjoyable.
How were the songs for the album chosen?
I came up with some suggestions and my label made some suggestions and I think what we came up with was a great combination of songs. I hope my fans agree.
What are your favourite songs on the album?
All of them!
Do you think that your voice has matured over the last few years?
Big time. If you look back to my BGT audition you’ll see that I’m uninformed and trying to push my voice too hard but now I’ve developed more into a singer.
What has been the best thing that has happened to you in your career so far, after your success on Britain’s Got Talent?
It’s really hard to pick one thing. I’ve sung for Samuel L. Jackson, the composer David Foster and recently performed on the same bill as Placido Domingo at the itunes Festival. I sound like I’m showing off but it’s just been an incredible few years!
What is your biggest ambition as a solo artist?
I’ve never had any expectations so everything that has happened and will happen is all a bonus.
You recently supported Placido Domingo at the I-Tunes festival, how was that gig and did you get a chance to spend time with him?
It was such an amazing gig. The audience sang Volare along with me and I really was choked up. I only met Placido on stage but it was still one of those life affirming moments.
You will be joining forces with Katherine Jenkins, Aled Jones and more to record a charity single for Classic FM. How did that come about?
I was honoured to be approached and jumped at the chance. I’m really looking forward to getting in the studio to record the track and with such a great group of talented people too.
Can you tell us a little bit about the charity that the single is supporting, Global’s Make Some Noise?
It’s a charity that helps disadvantaged children and young people in the UK. You can see how you can get involved at their website www.makesomenoise.com
What else have you got lined up that we might not know about, for the rest of the year?
I’m going to be performing at the Royal Albert Hall in November as part of the Classical Spectacular shows so really looking forward to that.
Jonathan’s album Tenore is released on Monday 13th October 2014. Watch Jonathan performing La donna e mobile and Love Changes Everything below:
