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1.) We’re super-excited to have some time today with acclaimed indie folk musician, vocalist and songwriter Alan Young who many audiophiles might know by the far-famed nom de plume Serious Child; greetings and salutations Alan and thanks for taking time from a busy schedule to speak with us here at Vents Magazine! Before we meander down the musical Q&A pathway, how is the latter-half of 2025 finding you and yours?
It’s an exciting time, thanks. For the last year or so, I’ve been working on other projects rather than my own music, and it’s so much fun to be back releasing records and touring. I’m having to remember to take a breath and enjoy it all, rather than just being busy.
2.) Major kudos and accolades on your inspiring and joyful new single First Tattoo which drops this September 5! Starting at the top, can you talk about the origins of this gem of a ditty? How did you come to write it?
This tune started as me waiting for my family to come back from shopping while I had a beer in a pavement café. I’ve never been good at shopping. I was really happy on my own there, people watching, and thinking about things that make people happy. I wasn’t specifically thinking about getting a tattoo, but I guess I must have subconsciously wanted to do that, given the song. I’d never really thought of it before.
3.) Can you introduce our ever-inquisitive readers to the amazing music artists who contributed their wares to make First Tattoo a reality? Who is the Euripides-like musicians that listeners can hear on the new single?
We were really lucky to get violinist David Grubb and clarinettist Annie Perry to come into the studio, not least because they have young children and usually one of them is on childcare duties. They’re the core of our sound on the album, and were joined by Americana artist My Girl The River on backing vocals, along with my daughter Rosa. Chris Pepper, the producer, provided bass and drums, and I played piano and kalimba.
4.) Who handled the producing honors on the First Tattoo single and what did the collaboration between artist and producer look like while fashioning and shaping the new song?
I’ve been working with producer Chris Pepper at Saltwell Studio for some years now, and our recordings are very much a joint effort. I brought in a demo, and we kicked around arrangement ideas and then recorded the parts. I stayed around while Chris was mixing, as I love the technical stuff too, and we spent a lot of time chatting and giggling about it all.
5.) In your humble opinion, what differentiates First Tattoo from the Distinguished Competition on the 2025 music scene?
I’ve never worried about sounding like other people, or what I should or shouldn’t do. A couple of albums ago I took the decision not to use electric guitars, and to use use acoustic instruments even though I’m not really a folk musician. So as a result, even though First Tattoo is lovely and upbeat, it’s gentle and not worried about itself.
6.) Word ‘round industry campfire has it that First Tattoo is but the opening volley towards what will ultimately be your fourth album What Lies Beneath which is set to be released thisNovember 7; major congratulations! Can you give readers a hint or three as to what they can expect and look forward to with this eagerly-anticipated LP?
Thank you! I’m really excited about this ablum. I know we all say that, but this is the one I’m most proud of. Andy Ruddy, who I made my last record Talk About The Weather with, said it was “bold, dark and brilliantly done”. Which was nice. We have a lovely tight band sound with violin and clarinet, which Chris Pepper has made sound a bit like Japan, or Pink Floyd or Sigur Ros in places. And it certainly covers a lot of lyrical ground with songs about being inside a burial mound, an old woman riding the buses for warmth, and being taken in by a corporate psychopath.
7.) How is What Lies Beneath similar to your first album, 2018’s Empty Nest? How is it different?
Ha! I listened to Empty Nest again for the first time in ages the other day, and I’d say some signs of where I would go are there – not least the oddness of singing a song about a gangster breaking my hand (Paul the Bag). But back then, I really had very little idea what I was doing in terms of what sound I wanted.
In What Lies Beneath, Chris & I have really come to understand each other, and the sound is richer and more interesting, and we have more of a unique band feel with Annie, David and Kris (My Girl The River). It feels like this is the album I was born to make, however good or not that is.
8.) In the wake of the September 5 release of your single First Tattoo and the November 7 release of your new LP What Lies Beneath, can fans look forward to catching you on the touring/performing circuit?
I’m on the road from mid-October as a double headline tour with My Girl The River, who sings throughout the record. We’re playing as a trio with Joe Hughes on double bass, and doing one set each of each other’s songs, which is a lovely mix of Louisiana Americana and my own indie-folk pop.
We’re mainly in the South of England to start – in Windsor, Cambridge, London, Alton, Luton, Lewes, Bristol, Penzance, Stroud and Winchester, but will be booking dates further North.
9.) Who are you inspired by both in and out of the world of music?
Boo Hewerdine is the man who got me into music after I supported him at a tiny gig, and he has helped me loads. When I listen back, I can hear that both David Byrne / Talking Heads and The Divine Comedy have influenced me more than I’d like to admit. Connected to music, I’m very taken by all the promoters and small venues who put on gigs, and their energy and enthusiasm for keeping things real. I’m also very interested in contemporary dance, and have been starting to weave that into what I’m doing, particularly in making videos.
10.) Any final thoughts you might like to share with fans and readers regarding all your exciting music plans for the remainder of 2025?
I’ve been lucky to be able to both make music and put music on as a promoter and festival organizer. What I would say is it’s very much a people thing. I love meeting and chatting with all the people that are interested in similar music, either at gigs IRL or online. So if you’re interested in similar music, please do say hello. I’ll put the virtual kettle on.
