Published on January 17th, 2018 | by Darren Paltrowitz

Petula Clark On Her New Album “Living For Today” & Trying New Things

A working entertainer even before she was a teen, Petula Clark has been entertaining audiences for well over 70 years. The English singer, actress and composer properly crossed over in the States in the early 1960s with “Downtown,” which Clark recorded in four languages. “Downtown” was also the first of 15 consecutive top 40 hits for Clark in this country, also leading Clark to host a series of television specials for NBC and ABC. The hits and major appearances have continued for Clark in the decades since, as have the major honors; she was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire in 1998 and a Commander of the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres of France in 2012.

In 2016, Clark released a new studio album in the States via BMG called Living For Today. Distinct about that release was that its promotion included Clark’s first-ever filming of a music video. It also led to her first-ever live performance in Germany. Staying prolific, Clark finished another full-length for BMG this year, Living For Today. Reportedly, she has another album in the works as this article is being written. I had the pleasure of doing Q&A with Petula Clark on behalf of The Hype Magazine, thanks to The Bloom Effect. More on the legendary performer can be found at www.petulaclark.net.

Living For Today is your latest studio album. Did you know from the start that you would be partnering with BMG to release it?

Petula Clark: Sorry, I can’t honestly answer this question! I simply went into the studio in London and enjoyed myself working with people I love.

Do you have a favorite song on Living For Today?

Petula Clark: I love “Blackbird” and “Living for Today,” but in fact, I love all the songs on this cd.

In support of your prior album From Now On, you made your first-ever music video. Was it that you were against making music videos? Or did it have to do with your record company generally did not urge you to make them?

Petula Clark: The subject never came up!

Do you have interest in recording yet another studio album in the near-future?

Petula Clark: I’m just finishing a new CD of French-Canadian songs — in French — and will be doing a tour next spring in Canada.

Last year you performed live in Germany for the first time. Are there other firsts that you are still hoping to accomplish? Any places you haven’t toured but are still hoping to?

Petula Clark: There are many places I have yet to see!

Is there a career accomplishment you are proudest of?

Petula Clark: Every show is important to me — big venue or small intimate venue. The most important thing is contact with the audience.

You have recorded hit songs in at least four languages. Are you fluent in any languages besides English and French?

Petula Clark: I’m fluent in French and English, of course. I understand some Italian.

Are there any performers today who you feel resemble you? Or at least carry on the tradition of being a classy and interesting performer like you have been known to be?

Petula Clark: I think you’re asking the wrong person!

When not busy with your career, how do you like to spend your free time?

Petula Clark: I enjoy writing songs, listening to other singers, and I love the countryside — nature and animals!

What inspired you to move to Switzerland? What does it offer that other places you have lived do not?

Petula Clark: I’ve lived in Geneva for many years. It gives me a sense of peace, which is I guess, is what I need after all the traveling around the globe!

Finally, Petula, any last words for the kids?

Petula Clark: I want to say what a joy it is for me to be back on tour in this amazing country. It feels so good to be reuniting with America. Thank you!

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Tags: BMG, Canada, Geneva, Petula Clark, Switzerland

About the Author

Darren Paltrowitz Darren Paltrowitz is a New York resident with over 20 years of entertainment industry experience. He began working around the music business as a teenager, interning for the manager of his then-favorite band Superdrag. Since then, he has worked with a wide array of artists including OK Go, They Might Be Giants, Mike Viola, Tracy Bonham, Loudness, Rachael Yamagata, and Amanda Palmer. Darren's writing has appeared in dozens of outlets including the New York Daily News, Inquisitr, The Daily Meal, The Hype Magazine, All Music Guide, Guitar World, TheStreet.com, Businessweek, Chicago Tribune, L.A. Times, and the Jewish Journal. Beyond being "Editor At Large" for The Hype Magazine, Darren is also the host of weekly "Paltrocast With Darren Paltrowitz" series, which airs on dozens on television and digital networks. He has also co-authored 2 published books, 2018's "Pocket Change: Your Happy Money" (Book Web Publishing) and 2019's "Good Advice From Professional Wrestling" (6623 Press), and co-hosts the world's only known podcast about David Lee Roth, "The DLR Cast."