The UK’s newest teen sensation hits G-A-Y this weekend. Cliff Joannou grabbed a few minutes with Conor Maynard on the blower whilst he was on promo duty in Germany…
What are the pitfalls of being a nineteen year old pop star?
Pitfalls… very few… I am literally doing a job, that I can’t even call a job. I am making music. I am travelling, meeting people. Sure, it’s hard work but there are far worse jobs. I would love all my friends to be on the road with me… one day!
Do you find you have to work harder to justify your talent than if you were slightly older?
No, I think every artist works hard. I am lucky that there are so many platforms for me to sing live. I started singing live on YouTube, so it is not as if I was ever known for anything but my “talent”.
Is the attention from the fans intimidating at all?
Sometimes, just sometimes it’s scary. Normally it is a beautiful thing! But sometimes, when you are being swamped it can be a little scary – I am worried that they are going to crush each other. The police kindly stepped in recently at an airport to prevent any damage!
What’s the style and sound of the new album?
Go get it – tell me… nah, there are lots of my influences on there. I was lucky enough to work with some of my musical heroes like Pharrell and NeYo.
What was the first record you bought?
Busted’s ‘What I Went To School For’.
Now we feel old. When was your first ever kiss and with who?
Wow – not telling you – it was so cool at the time.
You perform at G-A-Y this week… what can we look forward to on the night?
Tracks from my new album and a BIG pop surprise!
G-A-Y promoter Jeremy Joseph got Ollie Murs to strip off on stage when he hit No.1. Can we expect any flesh-flashing from you this Saturday?
Let’s see if I can get to number 1 and then we will decide what to take off…
• Conor Maynard is at G-A-Y (Heaven, Villiers Street, WC2N 6NG) this Saturday 28th July, 10.30pm-5am. Discount wristbands available from G-A-Y Bar.
• The single ‘Vegas Girl’ is out now and the album ‘Contrast is available from Monday 30th July.
