Will Young has revealed the meaning behind his new album title 85% Proof in an interview with Free Radio.
The singer, who is due to release his new album on 25th May 2015, explained that the title came to him courtesy of a trip in Thailand and a conversation with his brother Rupert.
‘I was away in Thailand doing a kick boxing training camp with my brother – you didnāt expect that did you?! Neither did I actually! My brother was telling me about how in the 16th Century, sailors would get paid by rum, and to test the alcohol content theyād put a little bit of it with gunpowder. Theyād light the gunpowder and if it went off, it had over 50% alcohol. The phrase was ā50% proof’ or whatever it was. And so I just thought ‘85% Proof’ was really good! I think the songs are very honest and bold, and I think it (the album needed a bold title. I hate doing album titles! Iāve always picked my own, and they always sound like self-help books!’
He also revealed that the new album was recorded in a short space of time. ‘We did it (recorded it) in 10 days! I did the last record with the same guys, and weāve become more like a band really. I donāt really listen to music thatās out there while Iām writing, because I donāt want to be influenced, itās really easy to be, and then it doesnāt seem so honest. I think thatās then unfair on an audience. I think they know it as well!’
During the interview Will talked about how he feels like a new artist ahead of the release of 85% Proof. ‘I did Cabaret immediately after my last album promo finished, then did the Olivierās, then thought I really like this, I want to do it again. Did it again, so that was one year out. Took another year out, to do some teaching and some studying and some writing and general holidaying. And I moved to Island Records, from Sony, which is amazing. And I moved management to IE. Robbieās with them, and Passenger. Itās basically like Iām a new artist again, because Iām with a new record label, new management, new album!’
Yesterday Will released the music video for new track Like A River, the second to be lifted from 85% Proof. Lead single Love Revolution is available on iTunes now.