Universal Buzz Interview with Albert Hammond Jr.

1. When did you begin working on your solo work with turned into your debut album "Yours To Keep"?

JANUARY 2005

2. The album was produced by Greg Lattimer. What was it that drew you to working with him?

WHEN I SPOKE TO HIM ON THE PHONE I JUST FELT LIKE WE HAD A CONNECTION. WE BOTH UNDERSTOOD EACH OTHER.

3. This is the first time you jumped in front of the microphone for lead vocal duties. Was that difficult for you to do?

AT TIMES I FELT VERY INSECURE ABOUT IT BUT I LOVE WRITING SONGS SO I HAD TO IGNORE THOSE FEELINGS.

4. When it comes to writing this material, did you work out these songs with the musicians you play with on the record or did you handle all this by yourself?

FOR THE MOST PART I DID IT ALONE BUT THERE WERE A LOT OF TIMES WHEN EITHER MATT, JOSH OR GREG WOULD HAVE GREAT IDEAS.

5. Its been reported that you work with a number guest musicians on this record, including Sean Lennon and Ben Kweller. How did that come about? What was it like working with them in the studio?

SEAN IS A CLOSE FRIEND. I JUST CALLED HIM TO COME HELP OUT WHEN I FELT LIKE WE NEEDED IT.

6. When you were writing and recording the album, what other bands and albums were you listening too? Did it influence what you did?

I LISTENED TO LOU REEDS "STREET HASSLE" A LOT.

7. Are you going to be putting out any music videos for songs off "Your To Keep"?

I MADE ONE WITH PATRICK DAUGHTERS. I HOPE TO MAKE ANOTHER ONE.

8. After you tour throughout the first half of 2006 in support of your debut album, what are some of your long term plans?

JUST TO MAKE ANOTHER RECORD. AS SIMPLE AS THAT.

10. Lets say you were allowed to curate a festival in which you were allowed to pick one artist from the 1950's, one from the 60's, 70's, 80's, 90's, and this decade (dead or alive). Who would those 6 artists be?

BUDDY HOLLY
THE BEATLES
THE VELVET UNDERGROUND
THE CARS
GUIDED BY VOICES
THE LIBERTINES