Tell me about the new single ‘Pearl’
DR: A friend of mine was leaving what she knew to find a new life. I found that inspiring, that she could leave the familiar and what she had conquered to face a new challenge. It was similar to how I felt leaving Birmingham to move to London. It’s easy to be trapped by the easy comforts of what you know. That said the song is not half as heavy. The brass that kicks of the song was a great starting point; bold, brash and in your face. I’ve always loved brass ever since hearing Rico on ‘Ghost Town’ when I was first getting into music.

One of the B-Side’s was recorded in front of 2,000 Glaswegians what was that like?
DR: Fantastic. It was the first time I had played in Glasgow. I had been told they were the best fans in Britain wearing their feelings on their sleeve, in their heckles. It was a real buzz and only fitting the first live song I should release was recorded their. ‘The Last Tine I Danced’ was recorded on my album ‘A Simple Twist of Folk’ originally but this version is just raw and direct, me and an acoustic guitar versus 2,000 beered up Scots.

The third song on the single was produced by Ocean Colour Scene’s Simon Fowler
DR: Yeah, I think he must have come from the Glasgow gig, he can drink more beer than an elephant and still snort with his trunk after.

How do you finance your own record company?
DR: Each release could be my last, which is scary. But at the same time it inspires me to work harder, enjoying the total freedom I’ve got whilst searching for the break that will give more financial security and contracted longevity. Finding a lump sum to record and release an album slows me down but thankfully I’ve got this single and a new one for next year in the bag.

What are listening to?
DR: ‘(Nothing But)Flowers’ – Talking Heads, the best song I’ve heard in years – lyrically and musically it’s got the lot. And just as a bonus Johnny Marr (The Smiths) plays on it – game over. A lot of REM, I saw them in Hyde Park the other day and Michael Stipe was brilliant. Great charisma and singing at the top of his tree, ‘Electrolite’, ‘Bad Day’ songs I wish I’d written.

Essential web links:
www.danielrachel.com