First of all, Congratulations on the release of the mini album - I love it! There are some wonderful new songs on there along with some old favourites that are featured on your website. What made you decide to release a mini album first before the full length version?
Thank you. Albums sometimes take years to come to fruition - I wanted to give my fans who had been with me over the past year something now as a thank you, for their support since my departure from the band.

How did you choose which tracks to include?
I wanted the record to be a "Nick sampler" really, and to show what I do not only with my own music but also how I cover and arrange a song.

Do you have a favourite amongst them?
Mmm....the Bacharach probably but I'm also pleased with the new recording and mix of "Rhapsody in Time".

I’m glad you said that, ‘I Just have to Breathe’ and ‘Rhapsody’ are my favourites too, as I mention in the review I’m doing for your album. They are wonderful pieces

Things have been pretty busy for you recently preparing for the mini-album release, the new look to your website and the opening of the Nick Garrett Store. How actively have you been involved in all the preparations with the site and the store in particular?
I am totally involved in all aspects of the site construction, style and content as well as the store....ask my manager, Nadia - she'll tell you that I can be a right pain in the ******** about details...

And the store opens just in time for Christmas, I'm sure that will make the fans happy. What sort of things can we expect to see there?
To start with there will be some familiar items but in the New Year I want to come up with some new ideas and products – any/all suggestions welcome..

Hmm, interesting, maybe we can start a forum topic on that over on Classicalx for s few suggestions for you. And in terms of the website colour scheme, I understand Chocolate is the new pink - how did that go down with the Pink Garrett Girls?)
Chocolate and black is the way forward. The force is strong in the Pink Garrett Girls...but I know they will turn to the dark side eventually...

I like the new colour scheme Nick, it seems to be very you, I’m sure the fans love it too whatever their preferred choice of colour is.

Will you be doing anything special to celebrate Christmas with your fans on your website?
I said in a radio interview recently that I would be in bed with the duvet over my head...seriously though, that doesn't sound such a bad idea - warm bed, plasma screen, lobster, Laurent Perrier Rosé, season five of "24"....significant other(s)… (You get the picture!)

“significant other(s)” Nick, I hate to worry you but with all the legions of fans you’re making which seem to be increasing daily, are you going to have enough lobster and champers to go around all of them? Maybe you should think about an online Xmas party – far easier to arrange and a lot less clearing up…mind you, I don’t think the fans would mind your suggestion either!

Joking aside, what would you like for Xmas?
A support slot on the next Shirley Bassey tour, free training for life with Daniel Craig's personal trainer....and an Aston Martin DB9. That's not too much to ask is it?

Shirley Bassey, Daniel Craig and an Aston Martin DB9…. I’m sensing a James Bond theme here! I know the fans have said before they could see you as the next James Bond (“licensed to thrill”) , but after seeing your summer holiday snaps, I don’t think you’ll be needing his trainer.

Your Garrett Girls / Guys have been very busy pre-ordering multiple copies of your album and looking at various ways to promote it - and you! What do you make of it all?
I am running out of adjectives to describe the support I have received - every artist needs fans to survive and to help them along the way - some of my fans have been unbelievable (and ingenious)in finding ways to spread the word... (Check out the Discussion Forum at nickgarrett.net for details...)

What else can your fans look forward to in the New Year?
Well hopefully they’ll be something for everyone and different and varied opportunities for me to perform at – as an example, I’m doing a Steven Sondeheim musical back at The Linbury, Royal Opera House – which I’m really looking forward to.

Your forum section on ClassicalX recently celebrated 1000 postings - making you only the 2nd artist on here to do that. What do you think to that?
Totally gobsmacked – Xantha should be getting a pay rise!

Hmmm, Xboss take note please! Nick if it works, I’ll buy you the Aston myself – we’re talking matchbox version though, the real thing will have to wait a few years longer I think!

You are also doing extremely well on myspace. Are you surprised at the rate your profile has grown?
Yes it’s a great way of introducing my music to the wider public and it’s astonishing how many people who have never heard of me before are enjoying what I do and participating now at my website too. All very humbling and gratifying so I’d also like to say to all the myspacers who are reading this ‘thanks’ for keeping the music playing!

I’m sure that the year ahead is going to be a great one for Nick, filled with some amazing opportunities and performances. I look forward to working more with him in the future. He really is one of the most down to earth artists I have ever met and I enjoy meeting up with him and doing these interviews. They are always such fun and although he is always very professional, we do enjoy a good laugh too. It’s not hard to see why he has such a growing fan base as he makes everyone feel at ease when he meets them….. Now about that payrise……..