Katie Melua: This is how her worst date ended

Katie Melua (38) became known worldwide with hits like “Nine Million Bicycles” (2005) and “The Closest Thing to Crazy” (2004). The Georgian-British singer has released an album every year since 2020, and in 2023 she follows up with Love & Money, which will be released on March 24. The muse of her new songs was her partner Ollie, as she revealed in an interview with the news agency spot on news. In addition, the 38-year-old talks about her best and worst date, her role as the new mother of son Sandro and working with singer Philipp Poisel (39).

Congratulations on your new album “Love & Money”. Can you explain what the title is all about?

Katie Melua: “Love & Money” is about emotionally connecting my personal life with my work. I used to keep the two areas very separate, but because I was so professionally oriented, my personal life really suffered. In the last few years I wanted to change that and evaluate everything about my private life, I also met someone, fell in love and he then became my muse.

You have released an album every year since 2020. How do you do it?

Melua: Thanks to a great team that helps me manage my time really well. So I can fully concentrate on my work. The album “Aerial Objects” I released last year was a collaboration with Simon Goff and he’s such a huge talent that we were able to write and record the album pretty quickly.

One of your new songs is called “First Dates”. Who are you singing about in it?

Melua: It’s about my first date with my partner Ollie. I was introduced to him by a friend and our first date was a trip to Margate, England where we collected seaweed. But the song is also about the walls I put up in long term relationships and how I broke them down so I could be free to meet my new partner and start a life together.

How was your first date with Ollie?

Melua: It was definitely the best date I’ve ever had. He loves nature, just like me, and even though it was raining, we still went into the sea with scissors and baskets to collect seaweed. I didn’t actually plan on committing immediately, but the feeling was right and we moved in together after just three months.

A very unusual date. Can you also remember your worst date?

Melua: Ha, fortunately only vague. Let’s just say he was French and our conversation didn’t go well. I think there was also an awkward kiss at the end.

In the meantime you have become the mother of a little boy. How’s it going with little Sandro?

Melua: I love it. I had a show last night and before I got Sandro I always hated going back to a quiet house. Now the whole world is waiting for me and the cuddles are the greatest thing for me.

What changed for you after the birth of your son?

Melua: It feels like everything has changed, but also nothing. I’m still the same person. I thought maybe I would turn into more of a mother figure, that’s what I imagined. But I don’t feel like that yet. I’m still in the process of learning and understanding all of this.

How do you manage your everyday life as a musician and mother? Do you have a secret?

Melua: I’ve wanted to be a mother for a long time. When I finally got pregnant and gave birth to Sandro, I was so lucky that the hard nights and finding the balance with work were just a side issue.

How will you handle that with your European tour starting in April? Is baby Sandro coming with me?

Melua: Yes, Sandro is coming with us on tour and my partner Ollie is taking a break from work. So we do it. It’s going to be an adventure. Sandro already has his passport ready for the first trip.

The song “Remind Me To Forget” (German title “Dann erinnern ich”) with German singer Philipp Poisel is another single from your new album. How was the collaboration?

Melua: I was so moved by Philipp’s translation of “Remind Me To Forget”. It’s a song I’m really proud of. He’s an artist I’ve wanted to work with for a long time.

What do you appreciate about Philipp Poisel?

Melua: We met when I was at Peter Maffay’s MTV Unplugged concert. Peter has done such a phenomenal job of bringing all these different musicians and artists together. I remember hearing Philipp’s song on that show and I was totally blown away by it. I also loved the conversations we had surrounding the recording of Remind Me To Forget, we’re both big Bob Dylan fans and I’m just so excited that he’ll be joining me for a few shows this spring.

Are there any other German artists you would like to sing with?

Melua: I have to delve more into the German music scene. I don’t often get the chance to see many acts in the cities I visit. Maybe I’ll do that on the next tour.

You’ve been to Germany a few times now. In April you will again visit some German cities as part of your tour. Do you have a favorite place?

Melua: I love many German cities: Cologne and the cathedral there, Berlin and the fashion, the architecture in Hamburg. Two summers ago I spent a nice week in Bonn. By the way, my guitarist is a big fan of Currywurst. I love schnitzel.