’80s T’Pau singer/songwriter Carol Decker talks about what she’s writing now
Carol Decker
Almost 22 years ago, T’Pau exploded onto the global music scene with their debut single ‘Heart And Soul’, followed by five weeks at number one of the the Official UK Singles Chart with their second single ‘China In Your Hand’. Carol talks to EssentialWriters.com about how she prefers to write as part of a team, particularly when the other team-member is fellow former T’Pau songwriter Ron Rogers.
What inspired you to become a singer/songwriter?
I certainly always loved to sing and I did know I was good at it, as I was always complimented on my ability to keep in tune or harmonise to songs. I was in the choir at school but never thought of it as a career until I was a mature student at art school and someone overheard me singing along to a song on the radio and suggested
I met friend of theirs who had a band and needed a vocalist. I was 22 when I joined my first band. I had no idea I could write a song until I started to contribute to the lyrics of that band’s songs.
Then I chipped in on melody and that was it. I was writer! I can play very basic piano and I have good relative pitch so I can bang out chords just about well enough to get my ideas across to real musicians!
Did you receive any formal training?
Once T’Pau was successful I did see a few vocal coaches to work on my stamina and technique as I was so busy I would get a sore throat otherwise.
The most beneficial teacher was Paul Farrington who taught me to breathe properly, to not expel all my air with my note and to use a lot of visualisation technique for positioning notes and more literally my head. I probably could use a refresher course.
What was the first song you wrote?
I think it was called Nuclear Weapon and it was an awful play on words about a bloke’s penis.
You came to the public’s attention in 1987 with Heart and Soul, which did phenomenally well, and China In Your Hand did even better. What do you think made those particular songs so successful?
I wish I knew so I could do it again!
I think China in particular touches people because we can all relate to the adage of having to be careful what we wish for in our lives.
Heart and Soul was unique at the time in its use of the dual vocal. It was different.
When you write songs, do you begin with the music or the lyrics?
I am a team player when I write. I need a musician with ideas for chord structure. I start to get melody ideas first, then I will look for a story to tell.
For T’Pau, you shared the song writing with Ron Rogers. Do you prefer to write in collaboration with other musicians, or do you prefer to write alone?
Absolutely need a co-writer. I seldom write alone. I need to have a writing session scheduled with someone or I just don’t write. Ronnie and I are working on a new album for me as we speak!
What is the biggest challenge when it comes to song writing?
Not settling. Making sure it’s the best it can be. I struggle with this as I am so lazy. Ronnie has to push me all the time. My middle name is ‘that’ll do’.
What do you enjoy most about it?
Hearing a song evolving; building it up from a few chords to a something with a life.
What are your main musical influences?
Sauvignon Blanc – ha-ha.
My early inspiration was my parents’ record collection. They had all the Tamla hits of the day. The Beatles too.
My Dad loved opera and jazz. He loved Ella Fitzjerald, Sachmo, Dina Washington, Shirley Bassey, so I was raised listening to BIG voices and a lot of black voices.
You’ve described yourself as “an ego on a stick”. How does writing compare to performing?
As I said earlier, I am lazy. I am also impatient. I love the immediacy of live performance. Much as I enjoy writing, I wish I could upload from my brain to the computer, a bit like in the movie The Matrix. I just want it done!
What has been the highlight of your professional career?
So many really. I have been very lucky. My first TOTP, opening the Brits in 1988 (or the BPI’s as they were called back then), selling out our first Wembley Arena…
And, of course, going to Number 1 with both our debut album and China In Your Hand at the same time.
Whose song writing do you admire?
So many people: Red Hot Chilli Peppers, Kaiser Chiefs, Muse, Gary Barlow, Cathy Denis, Moby, Diane Warren…
Is there a particular song that you feel defines your writing style?
Probably a ballad, I am a drama queen. I get emotional; my eyes will prick with tears easily at anyone’s hard luck.
It would be hard to choose. I know the public would think of China but I would say I Will Be With You from Bridge Of Spies or Giving Up The Ghost from Red.
How do you feel your song writing has evolved in the past 22 years?
I have abandoned all attempts to be hip in terms of production. I am so crap at it anyway. I am a torch singer, an old rock chick, so I’m sticking to what I know.
How does your success in the 80s influence your song writing and performances today?
I feel a sense of responsibility/pressure to deliver what everyone remembers both in terms of trying to look nice on stage and as I have a reputation, such as it is, for having a big voice, got to deliver that too. I would never want anyone leaving a gig saying “oh dear”. So far, I don’t think that’s happened!
What advice would you offer an aspiring songwriter?
Stay true to yourself. I have been guilty, at times, of trying to write what I hope will be a hit. Some writers are pro writers and can come up with any style for any artist,
If you are gifted that way then kerching, good for you. I have learned that I am not. If I try, it sounds fake. I am an artist and I can only do my own thing for me, but I have done okay.
What are you working on at the moment?
A new album with Ron Rogers. It is very 60’s influenced. We are going for a good clean vocal with lots of backing vocal parts … oohs and shoop-shoops.
We are putting a lot of brass on it at the moment. As I said, I am not worrying as to whether or not it’s trendy. The songs are catchy; my musicians are fantastic. It’s good to feel creative again.
For further details of Carol’s activities, check out www.myspace.com/tpaucaroldecker or www.tpau.co.uk
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Wonderful interview with Carol! I remember playing Bridge of Spies over and over again until the tape wore out (showing my age now!)and I had to replace it. I used to listen to it on the way to work and back - a really boring office job at a tractor company, at the time. That tape was the highlight of my day. I’ve since repaced it again (twice) on CD and now downloaded on my iPod.
Hi Carol! I have always loved T’Pau and I think your voice is amazing!! I’m so glad your’e recording again. I’ve just heard ‘just dream’ online and think it’s fantastic!! Cheers Carol!! Nicola xx
Great to hear that Carol & Ron are writing together again.
Saw T`Pau loads of times, got all their records.
Carol Dekker has an amazing voice, loved the recent “Just Dream” which in their heyday would have certainly been No`1.
I went to School with Ron, but I was a few years younger!!!
Great interview, great stars. Keep writing and performing, we love you.
Favourite T`Pau song: “Whenever you need me” (1991)
Can`t wait for the new album. Cheers now Phil, (from Shrewsbury, Shropshire.
Listening to China in your hands right now,I miss those days. You really have a lovely voice Carrol and you’re still look amazingly beautiful .