The return of Carol Decker

Carol Decker

Carol Decker is best known for 80s band T’Pau. She talks to The Risk Collective about her career, her inspiration and why she is back writing songs again…

Have you always wanted to be a singer/songwriter?

I certainly always loved to sing. I did know I was good at it, as I was always complimented on my ability to keep in tune or harmonise to songs. I was in the choir at school but never thought of it as a career until I was a mature student at art school and someone overheard me singing along to a song on the radio and suggested I meet friend of theirs who had a band and needed a vocalist. I was 22 when I joined my first band. I had no idea I could write a song until I started to contribute to the lyrics of that band’s songs. Then I chipped in on melody and that was it. I was writer! I can play very basic piano and I have good relative pitch, so I can bang out chords just about well enough to get my ideas across to real musicians!

Did you have any formal training?

Once T’Pau was successful I did see a few vocal coaches to work on my stamina and technique as I was so busy I would get a sore throat. The most beneficial teacher being Paul Farrington who taught me to breathe properly, not expel all my air with my note and used a lot of visualisation technique for positioning notes and more literally my head. I probably could use a refresher course.

Where did you get your first big break into the music world?

That would be our showcase audition for Siren Records. On the strength of our demo tape that our then manager sent to them, they hired Nomis Rehearsal Studios in Shepherd’s Bush for us for a day so we could do a little performance for them. They told us we had a deal right there and then.

What did you enjoy most about the 80s?

My youth and yes, all that action that T’Pau brought into my life. I went to The States for the first time as we recorded near Chicago, went to LA, New York, had limos and ‘people’. I was mixing with the great and the good, travelling on private jets and yachts. The full pop star position. It was soooo exciting!

What are the favourite songs that you have written and performed?

I am very proud of ‘Heart & Soul’. I think it’s hip. The dual vocal was very unusual back then. ‘I Will Be With You’ from ‘Bridge Of Spies’ is a ballad I love singing. The close harmonies from the band make it a show stopper every time. ‘Sex Talk’ is a riot live; always gets a good reception. I really like some of our less well known tracks e.g. ‘Soul Destruction’ and ‘Man and Woman’ from ‘The Promise’. ‘Hold Onto Love’ from ‘Rage’ is very dramatic. ‘Giving Up The Ghost’ and ‘Now That You’re Gone’ from my fourth album (’Red’) are particularly close to my heart.

What advice would you have for an aspiring singer/ songwriter?

Stay true to yourself. I have been guilty, at times; of trying to write what I hope will be a hit. Some writers are pro writers and can come up with any style for any artist. If you are gifted that way, then kerching ££££, good for you. I have learned that I am not. If I try, it sounds fake. I am an artist and I can only do my own thing for me … but I have done OK.

Who is your inspiration? Who is in your record collection?

My early inspiration was my parents’ record collection. They had all the Tamla hits of the day. The Beatles too. My dad loved opera and jazz. He loved Ella Fitzgerald, Sachmo, Dina Washington, Shirley Bassey, so I was raised listening to BIG voices and a lot of black voices.

Tell us about The Cherry Tree Inn in Stoke Row, Henley?

It is my husband’s business. Richard has been in the restaurant game for 25 years. When we moved in 2005, our kids were 7 and 3, we felt it was time to leave London to get some fresh air and find good schools. I didn’t really want to auction a kidney on eBay to afford inner city private education. Yes, those boring grown up decisions! I do miss the choices in London for dining out and hip bars, but we are close and do pop up a lot. I am always there rehearsing.

Why did you decide to start writing songs again?

It is a muscle that I had not flexed in a while. It seems that no one really wants to hear anything new from me. They just want the 80s hits particularly ‘China In Your Hand’, so I just stopped writing. I dried up.

Whilst I am truly grateful to still be working and earning a living doing something I love, it can be frustrating not doing new stuff. So now, Ron Rogers and I (my ex T’Pau co-writer) are working on a new album for me and if only my Mum buys it, then so be it. I’m enjoying the process.

How does your career fit with your family life? Has there been any pressure to change what you do?

Well, I have to say that all these 80s multi-bill shows I do fit in perfectly. They are usually across the summer, outdoor events in beautiful locations such as stately homes and castles. We take the kids with us, when we can, or I just head home after my set as often I perform early evening or afternoon. Having said that, I am off to Switzerland and Germany this weekend but I try to not be away for more than three days. I have turned things down that would take me away for weeks or months. When Scarlett was 6 months old, I had a touring commitment with Status Quo that took me to Germany for a week. I cried myself to sleep every night. Not doing that again!

Can you tell us a little about your new album and where people can see you perform in 2009?

My new album is very 60s influenced. We are going for a good clean vocal with lots of backing vocal parts… oohs and shoop-shoops. We are putting a lot of brass on it at the moment. As I said, I am not worrying as to whether or not it’s trendy. The songs are catchy; my musicians are fantastic. It’s good to feel creative again.

Check out www.myspace.com/tpaucaroldecker or www.tpau.co.uk where you can see when and where I’m playing and when any recordings are coming out.

Tags: Careers & education, Inspirational Women