Jack Savoretti’s long, strange path to the top

Having a No. 1 album after years of toil feels like a major milestone has been reached, says Jack Savoretti.

The singer-songwriter saw his latest record, Singing To Strangers, go to the top of the charts when it was released in March and now he’s about to embark on his biggest UK tour to date, including a show in Glasgow.

He says having to wait so long for success makes it all the sweeter.

“It took a while to get to this point and that’s what I enjoy the most,” the 35-year-old said. “I don’t know if it would mean quite so much had it come straight away.

“It feels like I’ve reached the end of an era and the beginning of a new one. It’s a sense of achievement for me and my entire team.

“I think the two records before this one were me trying to prove something, trying to be invited to the party I never get invited to, but this time I decided to have my own party. I want to stick to that game plan now.”

Having been signed when he was 18 and releasing five albums prior to his latest, the road to success was a long and bumpy one for Jack, but he refused to take any TV talent show shortcuts.

“It’s about going to work and not waiting on the lottery to come up,” he continued.

“It’s crazy how many people just expect it to happen and then give up when it doesn’t.

“You can play the lottery – and win – but I was always scared about that, and I knew I wouldn’t enjoy it.

“It’s been a long, strange path, but the last few years I could see where we were going.”

Jack begins his UK dates with a show in Glasgow’s Academy and concludes with a date at Wembley Arena.

“Getting to headline Wembley, that’s thanks to a really loyal fanbase rather than a hit single, and I want everyone involved to have a great night.

“But I feel Scotland really kept us alive. When we were having a tough time, Scotland was always there for us and I think I’ve played King Tut’s about ten times. Most people play it a couple of times and move on, but that wasn’t the case for us.

“Scotland means so much to me that my entire production crew is Scottish.”

Jack’s album features a song using lyrics from Bob Dylan and a live version of the duet he did for Kylie’s last album.

“Kylie and I met for another project but really wanted to collaborate after we met,” explained Jack, who will play Perth and Edinburgh in November.

“We played on this amazing night in Venice, it was my wife’s birthday, and it is up there as one of the highlights, if not the highlight, of my career. I wanted it on the record so we would never forget.”

As father to two young children with British actress, Jemma Powell, Jack says his priorities have changed from earlier in his career.

“The hardest part of the job now is family life. We still have a go-out-and-get-them mentality, but I have to remind people that I’m a different beast now, my time is more limited.”

He added: “I’m trying to stop myself thinking about the next move as I want as many people as possible to hear this record.

“I’m going to enjoy it, ride the wave and then take a step back.”

Jack Savoretti, O2 Academy, Glasgow, May 23