Interview for Apple Records

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On April 9, 1970, advanced copies of Paul McCartney’s debut solo album, “McCartney“, were sent to the UK press, accompanied with a press kit. Included in the press kit was a Q&A, where Paul strongly suggested the Beatles’ adventure was over.

Q: Why did you decide to make a solo album?

A: Because I got a Studer 4-track recording machine at home – practised on it (playing all instruments) – like the results and decided to make it into an album.

Q: Were you influenced by John’s adventures with the Plastic Ono Band, and Ringo’s solo LP?

A: Sort of, but not really.

Q: Are all the songs by Paul McCartney alone?

A: Yes sir.

Q: Will they be so credited: McCartney?

A: It’s a bit daft for them to be Lennon-McCartney-credited, so ‘McCartney’ it is.

Q: Did you enjoy working as a solo?

A: Very much. I only had me to ask for a decision, and I agreed with me. Remember Linda’s on it too, so it’s really a double act.

Q: What is Linda’s contribution?

A: Strictly speaking she harmonises, but of course it’s more than that because she is a shoulder to lean on, a second opinion, and a photographer of renown. More than all this, she believes in me – constantly.

Q: Where was the album recorded?

A: At home, at EMI (No. 2 studio) and at Morgan studios (Willesden!).

Q: What is your home equipment (in some detail)?

A: Studer 4-track machine. I only had, however, one mike, and, as Mr Pender, Mr Sweatham and others only managed to take six months or so (slight delay), I worked without VU meters or a mixer, which meant that everything had to be listened to first (for distortion, etc…) then recorded. So the answer – Studer, one mike and nerve.

Q: Why did you choose to work in the studios you chose?

A: They were available. EMI is technically good, and Morgan is cosy.

Q: The album was not known about until it was nearly completed. Was this deliberate?

A: Yes, because normally an album is old before it comes out. (aside) Witness ‘Get Back’.

Q: Why?

A: I’ve always wanted to buy a Beatles album like ‘people’ do and be as surprised as they must be. So this was the next best thing. Linda and I are the only two who will be sick of it by the release date. We love it really.

Q: Are you able to describe the texture or the feel of the theme of the album in a few words?

A: Home, Family, Love.

Q: How long did it take to complete – from when to when?

A: From just before (I think) Xmas, until now. The Lovely Linda was the first thing I recorded at home, and was originally to test the equipment. That was around Xmas.

Q: Assuming all the songs are new to the public, how new are they to you? Are they recent?

A: One was 1959 (‘Hot As Sun’), two from India (‘Junk’, ‘Teddy Boy’), and the rest are pretty recent. ‘Valentine Day’, ‘Momma Miss America’, and ‘OO you’ were ad-libbed on the spot.

Q: Which instruments have you played on the album?

A: Bass, drums, acoustic guitar, lead guitar, piano and organ-Mellotron, toy xylophone, bow and arrow.

Q: Have you played all these instruments on earlier recordings?

A: Yes – drums being the one that I would normally do.

Q: Why did you do all the instruments yourself?

A: I think I’m pretty good.

Q: Will Linda be heard on all future recordings?

A: Could be; we love singing together, and have plenty of opportunity for practice.

Q: Will Paul and Linda become a John and Yoko?

A: No, they will become a Paul and Linda.

Q: Are you pleased with your work?

A: Yes.

Q: Will the other Beatles receive the first copies?

A: Wait and see.

Q: What has recording alone taught you?

A: That to make your own decisions about what you do is easy and playing with yourself is difficult but satisfying.

Q: Who has done the artwork?

A: Linda has taken all the photos, and she and I designed the package.

Q: Is it true that neither Allen Klein nor ABKCO have been nor will be in any way involved with the production, manufacturing, distribution or promotion of this new album?

A: Not if I can help it.

Q: Did you miss the other Beatles and George Martin? Was there a moment eg, when you thought ‘wish Ringo was here for this break?”

A: No.

Q: Assuming this is a very big hit album, will you do another?

A: Even if it isn’t, I will continue to do what I want – when I want to.

Q: Are you planning a new album or single with the Beatles?

A: No.

Q: Is this album a rest away from the Beatles or the start of a solo career?

A: Time will tell. Being a solo album means it’s the start of a solo career… and not being done with the Beatles means it’s a rest. So it’s both.

Q: Have you any plans for live appearances?

A: No.

Q: Is your break from the Beatles temporary or permanent, due to personal difference or musical ones?

A: Personal differences, business differences, musical differences, but most of all because I have a better time with my family. Temporary or permanent? I don’t know.

Q: Do you see a time when Lennon-McCartney becomes an active songwriting partnership again?

A: No.

Q: What do you feel about John’s peace effort? The Plastic Ono Band? Giving back the MBE? Yoko’s influence? Yoko?

A: I love john and respect what he does – it doesn’t give me any pleasure.

Q: Have you plans to produce any other artists?

A: No.

Q: Were there any of the songs on the album originally written with the Beatles in mind?

A: There older ones were. ‘Junk’ was intended for ‘Abbey Road’, but something happened. ‘Teddy Boy’ was for ‘Get Back’ but something happened.

Q: Were you pleased with ‘Abbey Road’? Was it musically restricting?

A: It was a good album. (No. I for a long time).

Q: What is your relationship with Klein:

A: It isn’t – I am not in contact with him, and he does not represent me in any way.

Q: What is your relationship with apple?

A: It is the office of a company which I part-own with the other three Beatles. I don’t go there because I don’t like the offices or business, especially when I’m on holiday.

Q: Have you any plans to set up an independent production company?

A: McCartney Productions.

Q: What sort of music has influenced you on this album?

A: Light and loose.

Q: Are you writing more prolifically now? Or less so?

A: About the same. I have a queue waiting to be recorded.

Q: What are your plans now? A holiday? A musical? A movie? Retirement?

A: My only plan is to grow up.

Ed • 2 years ago

Colleen • 1 year ago

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