Monday, March 23, 2015 10:19am ET by  
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Shayne Ward interview: 'Making my new album was like therapy'

Shayne Ward is back next month with his first album since 2010.

The X Factor winner and platinum-selling singer is releasing the record 'Closer' on April 12.

Pressparty caught up with the Brit to find out more about the album, life after the X Factor and dream collaborations.

Since winning X Factor in 2005 and having a Christmas No.1 with ’That’s My Goal’, you’ve come a long way. Cheeky question, but did you find there was more ‘sex factor' after X Factor? Did you get more ‘lucky’ and how did you cope with that?

I was very much in a relationship for ten years! So I had my eyes on the prize and the music was the focus

As a former winner of the X Factor, what do you think of the show now? Is there anything you would do differently if you could go back?

The show has become such a big hit and I’m still a fan of it. If I could go back, I would do it in a flash! It was so much fun. I wouldn’t change a thing. I’ve listened and learned as much as I could have from the time I was there. 

We think the general consensus is that you’re pretty damn fit. How do you stay in such great shape? What would your day-to-day workout regime be, for instance?

Sugary foods are my weakness - I have a massive sweet tooth. My day-to-day work out is as much about self control as it is about exercise. 

We’re excited that you have a fourth album coming out - is there any track you’re particularly fond of and why? 

I'm really fond of the single 'My Heart Would Take You Back'. Musically, it reminds me of The Stylistics who I love. I've wanted to make a record like this for ages! 

What were your biggest influences whilst making your new album?

Heartbreak. The album was a bit like therapy for me. 

What made you cover ‘About You Now’ by the Sugababes on the record?

The Sugababes released that song the same week I came out with 'No U Hang Up/ If That's OK With You'. They beat me to the No.1 spot! There's no bitterness there, really. I just love the lyrics when you strip it back. I'm waiting for them to reunite and cover 'No U Hang Up' - can you let me know when that happens?

 

 

 

Can you tell us about the album? How involved were you with the songwriting?

I co-wrote every song on the album with Mike Stock (except for the two covers and acoustic version of 'No Promises'). This is the first time I've written an entire album so I'm very excited. Who better to learn from than Mike Stock, who is one of the best-selling pop songwriters ever?

What kind of themes does the record have? What were your musical influences?

This is pure pop and soul! My last three albums were a real mixture. Ballad pop...R&B and guitar-driven, but 'Closer' draws on my big loves: soul, pop, rhythm and just good old fashioned great vocals (even if I do say so myself).

Your last album was released in 2010. Do you think this four-year-plus gap has affected your momentum at all? 

Every artist goes through waves - we are human, not machines. Even Rihanna who was putting out an album every November for a while needed to step back a bit. After the last album and parting ways with Syco, I did Dancing on Ice, West End musicals and I also played shows in Asia but it was my fans who got me back to the studio. It was their encouragement, lovely messages and support with PledgeMusic that inspired me to give it another try. This album is as much for them as it is for me. 

What are your main musical influences these days? 

I love Sam Smith, Ed Sheeran and Jess Glynne.

Is there anyone you’d really like to collaborate with in the future? 

I'd love to duet with Ellie Goulding. I'm a bit obsessed with 'Love Me Like You Do'. Little crush.

We recently saw on your Instagram page that you were shooting the video for 'My Heart Would Take You Back'. Can you tell us anything about the video?

It was fun, intimate and I got to spend the day with a very beautiful female co-star. Can't wait for you to see it. 

You have sung karaoke with your fans at Lucky Voice in Soho. Which songs do you cover at the karaoke and why? 

'Uptown Funk' always gets people on their feet and singing out loud, so I have to have that on. You can't go wrong with Daft Punk and Pharrell Williams' 'Get Lucky' - it's such an infectious feel good tune - and also Lady Antebellum's 'Need You Now'. I just love the lyrics and emotions behind it. 

Shayne Ward's new album 'Closer' is released on April 12.

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Listen to clips of two new Shayne Ward tracks below: