Alistair Griffin is determined to make a name for himself in the music industry. Having auditioned for the first Fame Academy he fell at the last hurdle and missed out on the show. Not one to be put off, he tried again in 2003 and this time sailed through the Academy doors. CBBC presenter Jake Humphrey was reporting on the musician's progress through every step of the Academy term - and was keen to catch up with Alistair for his show on BBC Radio Norfolk over the New Year. Jake: I'm sorry to disturb what sounds like a very showbiz event - having drinks with your music producers - what does that mean? Alistair: It's just a little thank you to all the people who've work on the album I've produced, which is out on the 12 January. J: The big question is, are you spending the New Year with Robin Gibb? A: I'm not, but I'm sure I'll see a little bit of him as we'll have a few appearance here and there. J: I only ask as every time I open and magazine or a newspaper at the moment and there you are, with the Gibbonator together. A: The Gibbonator [laughs], I like that. J: I'm just thinking he's so rich, he must have a house in a hot location that you could borrow for at least a week for holidays. You should have a word. A: Well I don't like to ask. J: Give me his number and I'll ask for you - there you go, a lads holiday all sorted. So you're first single is out, it's a double a-side A Lover's Prayer and Bring It On. 
Alistair poses for the Bring It On album |
A: You're well informed. [laughs] J: You see I know everything about you. What's it like to have your first single out? A: It's very exciting and I'm apprehensive at the same time. Fingers crossed it does well, top 10, top five - but yeah, ultimately very, very exciting times. J: Is there still a bit of Alex/Alistair rivalry or has all that died down and you're both just doing your own thing? A: I think we're both doing our own things really. Me and Alex are very different, as personalities and artists, we've both taken different paths. Our music is very different. J: Has your life changed in the last few months? A: Yeah it has. I know it sounds kind of obvious but you walk down the street or go down the local shops people are pointing at you. They did before, it's just now for a different reason. [Laughs] It's always nice to get a bit of recognition, but sometimes it weighs on your as well as you sometimes just want a bit of peace and quiet. J: When you listen to Bring It On, do you look back having enjoyed the process of getting a single released or is it just the performing you like? A: It was written before Fame Academy. I certainly enjoy all the aspects of recording, but the main thing for me is being creative. The process of writing the song is great as you create something out of nothing. A few chords on a guitar or a piano and you've got a song. J: Are you still in touch with your mates from the Fame Academy, well, the ones you liked anyway. A: What, all one of them! Erm, no [laughs] - James and I have moved into a house together, I still speak to Louise and Carolynne quite a lot. Paris of course. 
Paris |
J: What's the deal with Paris. There were rumours of deals and record contracts - what's the story there? A: I think Paris is playing a clever game. He's gone away and has written and produced loads of songs. He's just the same as always, playing it cool and I'm sure you'll see him pop up very soon. J: What are you wishes for 2004? A: Obviously I'd like my single to get to number one and I'd like the album to do well. A number one album, is that too much to ask? I'd also like to tour, get out on the road, maybe even come to Norwich! I'm talking to my management as we speak, well not as we speak as that would be rude [laughs] J: That would be fantastic. You sing and I'll introduce you. [Laughs] All the best for 2004 mate, Norfolk sends it's love. What you think of Bring It On Just like to say that I think Bring It On is a great pop song, it gets into your brain and you can't help humming it. Mo Bring It On - wow!! Well done to get to No.5 Ali, and that's despite not getting much airplay - you did so well. Can't wait for the album so you can show the world just how brilliant you are! love Cazz B x I live in California but still love Al,he`s a great talent and a thoroughly nice guy too.Bring It On is the kind of song that lifts your spirits and leaves you singing it all day.I love this guy to bits and cant wait to hear more from him. Marcus | 
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