THE SUN 6th October 2006
STROKES guitarist Albert Hammond Jr is in one of the biggest bands in the world and has played thousands of gigs. But the idea of playing on his own terrifies him.The rocker releases his debut solo album Yours To Keep on Monday and plays a solo UK tour in November.
He's the first of the hip New York band to release a solo album but says it feels strange to be on his own.
"I feel like I've lost my right arm!" laughs Albert. "It feels weird to not have the other guys with me. "I'm nervous about getting out there on my own. I don't know how I'll be able to play on my own — the thought of it brings me out in a sweat.
"I even feel shy about letting people hear my stuff."
One track, In Transit, was played to U2's Bono when the pair met up recently — but thankfully Albert was outside. "I didn't go outside just because they were playing it to Bono," he says. "I was actually on the phone. But I'm glad I wasn't in the same room!"
Ironically, Albert was the only member of The Strokes not to write on last album First Impressions Of Earth and the tracks on Yours To Keep were originally turned down by the band.
"I didn't write on that album. I just played on it. I was busy on my own thing," he says. "They have been called Strokes reject tracks but they're not. They just didn't fit the band's sound. I wrote these songs about two years ago. I'd always been saying to Matt Romano, who played drums with The Strokes when Fab (Moretti) broke his hand, that we should do something together.
"It just happened to be on my solo record. But I never planned to make a record yet now it's getting released. It's crazy!" As well as Matt, bassist Josh Lattanzi plays with Albert on the album, while Strokes singer Julian Casablancas, manager Ryan Gentles and Sean Lennon also collaborate.
And if you're wondering if Albert's album sounds anything like The Strokes, the answer is no. Yours To Keep is a simpler, melancholy-sounding album with just a touch of his trademark scratchy guitar and softer vocals from Albert who credits producer Greg Lattimer in helping get the right sound.
"Greg was the guy for this — the pro. He was the only one who could achieve that unique sound."
But Albert admits Yours To Keep wasn't easy to make.
"Halfway through I ran out of funds. I wasn't sure I'd be able to complete the record and so it took a long time."
Albert's fiancée, folk singer Catherine Pierce, also contributed lyrics to the track 101.
Would the pair like to work together more in the future?
"That would be cool," he says. "I love her music very much and am always proud to hear it." But one person who you'd expect to be an influence on Albert's music but isn't is his singer dad Albert Hammond who had hits in the Seventies with The Free Electric Band and Down By The River.
"Dad's not an influence on my music. But he was always telling me I could do better."
So how does Albert feel if he does do better — better than The Strokes that is? Would he ever consider giving up his day job for a solo career? Even ask The Strokes to support him on tour?!
"Ha ha, no - I'd never do that. I like to make music but it's just how I spend my time off. It's just fun."
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