Three months after being picked up by an American distribution label, singer/songwriter Ian Thompson is to release his latest album.

’A New World’ is a collection of 13 new original compositions alongside some of this old favourite songs, taken from his previous releases.

Already, through his own efforts and through the help of the label, Spectra Records, he has had interest from radio stations in Europe and in the US.

The album is being in the Liverpool Echo, too. I’ve been trying to get it on various radio stations here, in Liverpool and around the UK,’ he said.

’I’ve made a few international contacts with radio stations in Holland and one in the US, who have agreed to play it.

The label are contacting me next week about getting in a few publications in the United states.

’Things are picking up, definitely. Significant things are happening.’

Ian has also just appeared on the Liverpool community TV channel ’Made In Liverpool’, which was broadcast on Sky TV earlier this week.

This album will be a digital-only release for now. The label might do a physical release if it is popular, but they expect 80% of the sales to be digital anyway.

’I call the album ’The New World’, as a lot of the songs are relating to the idea of new and change. I’m always going on about how I wish things would change in this world.

’A lot of the stuff that’s going on gets me down, constant fighting, hatred and intolerance, I hate it. I always think why can’t there be change and people be more reasonable and acceptable.

’My favourite song is the most recent one, "You’re My Liverpool". I’ve been thinking about my childhood a lot and I have put it all into that song.

’It always seem to be the most recent song that means the most to you. I guess that it shows just how you are feeling in the moment.

’There are always you say and write about in the past that you may not agree with 10 years later. You keep changing your views. Your most recent work is how you feel today.’

The St John’s resident has worked solely with Manx musicians in the production of his latest album, namely saxophonist Samantha Johnson, drummer Steve Leach and keyboardist Lindsey Rowe, and says he wouldn’t be in this position if it wasn’t for the Isle of Man Arts Council.

’It’s only with their support that I have been able to carry on with the recordings, to get them sounding as good quality as possible, to give myself the best chance.

’Everything I need I have found over here on the island. It must just be the sea air.’

’A New World’ is available for pre-order now, and will be released on Friday, October 6, on digital release only through spectramusicgroup.com

by Mike Wade

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