You both met on the BBC show Over The Rainbow, did you ever think then you’d end up recording this album together?
Absolutely not! This is the most joyous thing to come out of our friendship.
How long have you had it planned? How long did you spend recording it?
We did a live Judy Garland show at Brasserie Zedel a few years ago and creating an album was spoken about in passing then. But it didn’t really come into fruition until the end of summer last year. We recorded the album in December over 3 days.
How did you decide which Judy Garland songs to record?
This was tough! Judy has so many amazing songs, her catalogue is huge! But after wend chosen the songs that were obvious to us, Over The Rainbow and a handful that we’d performed on the TV show, we started to look at lyrics that resonated with us, and the melodies we liked. I didn’t know one of my solos, By Myself, before doing research for the album, and it’s now one of my favourites.
There were some that we sang in the live show that we sadly couldn’t fit onto the album but that we both adored. Any you wish you had recorded? Me and My Shadow was one
Was was it like working with Grammy winning producer “James McMillan”?
James was absolutely fantastic. We went to his incredible studio in Hastings to record the album and the whole experience was so inspiring. It was amazing to create something with such a renowned producer.
How did you find your time during lockdown?
It was of course very tough at times, but I tried to keep myself busy creating music at home with my partner and being involved with as many online things as I could. I was lucky enough to direct and star in the first fully staged online production of The Last 5 Years right at the start of lockdown, which was amazing.
What did you miss the most?
Being on stage.
Have you any plans to record a new album together as you release this one?
There aren’t talks yet, but I’m going to make sure there are! I would love that!
Will you do any more live concerts around the U.K. together or is the Zedel a one off?
Our plan is to do as many live shows together as we can. Of course it’s difficult juggling two separate careers, but yes we’d love to tour the album.
This will be Live Streamed?
Yes! You can watch from the comfort of your sofa!
Back at the west end what shows do you both have coming up?
I’ve just started rehearsals for Mischief Theatres play Groan Ups and we open that in Bath in August.
Where do you see your career going in the next few years?
I’d love the opportunity to continue to do shows here and maybe even on Broadway! But also tour our album and start thinking about creating new music.
Final Messages?
We really hope you enjoy listening to our new album 🙂
https://www.brasseriezedel.com/events/lauren-samuels-sophie-evans-celebrate-judy-garland/
