Ahead of Hong Kong show, Sting talks about new album, the deaths of fellow pop icons, and what he loves about the city
In an exclusive interview ahead of June 3 gig, the British music legend reveals that mortality was a key theme of album 57th & 9th, and wonders why Englishman in New York is a fan favourite in Hong Kong
While it might be hard for many of his fans to believe he would have to deal with writer’s block, the Grammy- and Brit Award-winning artist, who has sold more than 100 million albums – both as former frontman for The Police and as solo artist for the past 32 years – admits that finding inspiration is sometimes a waiting game.
“I’ve certainly struggled with writer’s block at various times throughout my career,” he tells SCMP.com ahead of his latest concert in Hong Kong on June 3.
“As I’ve gotten older, I’ve become more critical and demanding of my own work. That can strangle the creative inner child in you, and so it gets harder and harder to write. I can only do what I’m inspired to do, and sometimes finding that inspiration is a challenge, while other times it comes quite easily. For me, I just have to wait for that inspiration to find me, and be receptive when it does.”
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That’s not to say that the British singer-songwriter had to wait long to find ideas or inspiration for his latest album, despite giving himself a gruelling deadline to record 57th & 9th. Many are saying the album is a welcome return to pop/rock by the artist whose musical catalogue is infused with a number of different styles, from reggae and jazz to classical and world beat.