Limahl, 80s legend previously of Kajagoogoo fame (and known for his iconic work on the theme song for The Neverending Story), is returning to the airwaves this Christmas with a very special track, ‘One Wish for Christmas’ (you can read our review of it here. We sat down with Limahl to find out more…
What originally inspired you to start working on a Christmas song? What inspired you to pick it back up again this year?
During the first UK lockdown in April/May, with all gigs cancelled, I was sat around twiddling my thumbs, trying to keep occupied and not focus on what seemed like the world’s impending doom . . . I channelled my thoughts into creativity and started to think ahead to the end of the year hoping the pandemic would be over. Then I thought about Christmas, then “London For Christmas’ – then the lyrics and how they talk about all the fun things we’re currently deprived of – and THAT’S when I thought it might be a good idea to revisit the production; maybe update it, try to improve it. I think I always felt there was maybe a strong version we could work towards.
In the 2012 version we deliberately chose to go down the ‘Abbey Road’ vibe – cellos, violins, piano with very little percussion, guitar, backing vocals etc. It was quite bare and less Christmassy.
I love the classic songs like ‘Manhattan’ (Ella Fitzgerald, ‘I Left My Heart In San Fransisco’ (Tony Bennett) ‘New York State Of Mind’ (Billy Joel) which wrap their song stories around cityscapes. I’m sure that had the most influence from the outset of starting to write ‘London For Christmas’ with Jon Nickoll. Now with ‘One Wish’ we still have the London backdrop as our story but it gave us a new angle into a Christmas song!
How have you found your career/the music industry has changed since Kajagoogoo split up? Any insights from someone in the business?
I’d say it’s changed completely, some for the better, some not so. The whole music industry seems owned by the conglomerates, and with so fewer independent labels, there’s less opportunity for new artists or competition for them. The convenience of the streaming sites is fantastic – to have your complete record collection with you wherever you go is epic (I use them myself) BUT in contrast to that, the MASSIVE problem for musicians/artists is, they’re not paying enough royalties. In the UK the ‘Featured Artists Coalition’ (and others) are communicating with the Government’s culture department to address this. I hope change will come in time.
How are you managing to celebrate Christmas in 2020? Do you have any advice for those who might be struggling to get into the spirit?
In the UK thankfully we don’t have to wear masks outside so at least we can enjoy the London Christmas lights. However, London covid cases are rising again after the 1 month November lockdown so we may have to go into a higher restricted tier (Tier 3) soon. I was in central London last weekend enjoying the lights and posted a couple of videos on my socials. My advice is to enjoy yourself this Christmas BUT carefully. The vaccine is just around the corner (WOOHOO) and better to live and look forward to Spring/Summer 2021 and hopefully many more normal Christmases.
When does Christmas begin for you?
Dec 1st usually, although this year with the Christmas single, it started in about October, as we were re-recording/re-producing the track and planning the video!
What are your favourite Christmas songs to get you into the spirit (your own excluded!)
‘Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas’, by Luther Vandross.
‘White Christmas’ by the brilliant vocal quartet The Manhattan Transfer,
‘The Christmas Song’ (Chestnuts) by Nat King Cole, ‘It’s The Most Wonderful Time Of The Year’ by Peabo Bryson, ‘Please Come Home for Christmas’ by The Eagles, ‘Who Would Imagine A King’ by Philip Bailey are some of my favourites!
What is your one wish for Christmas this year?
A cure for Covid of course, life returning to normal – NOTHING is more important than that right now.
Thanks for chatting to us Limahl – you can watch his brand new video for ‘One Wish For Christmas’ below!
