Me, my selfie & I
TOM ODELL, 25 We ask the singer to take an exclusive selfie – and reveal all… Who is your best friend?
The guys in my band. We spend so much time together and we’ve been through so much. Also, my cat.
What’s your biggest regret?
When I was 18, I was driven and obsessed with the idea of making an album, almost to the point that I didn’t enjoy it. I’d go back and tell myself to revel i in that time. Then again, if I’d done that I probably wouldn’t be sat here today, because it takes a lot of ambition to get a record deal and make an album.
What is your biggest extravagance?
Flowers. My grandma was very into them and I think it rubbed off on me. If I wasn’t a musician I’d be a florist.
What is your type?
People who are passionate. I think relationships go beyond someone’s interests or colour of their hair or how tall they are. You can never explain why you like somebody.
When was the last time you were embarrassed?
did a concert for Rolls-royce and they lent me a car. I drove it through London. I’ve never felt like a bigger c**k.
When was the last time you lost your temper?
This company’s been cold-calling me like three times a day for a month trying to sell me insurance. They called just now; I was like, ‘I don’t want your insurance, please stop calling me.’ The guy’s reply was, ‘I’ll call you all I like.’ It should be illegal!
What from your past would you like to delete from the internet?
I definitely wore some suspicious outfits around the time of my first album. Perhaps it would be nice if the pictures of that were quietly swept under the carpet.
Who owes you an apology?
When I was 18 I gave my demo CD to a promoter. He walked down the street and put it in the bin in front of me.
Who or what would go in your Room 101?
Cycling on the pavement and cynicism. Cynicism is important, but it’s damaging when people become too cynical, especially about art. Everyone making art should be encouraged.
Tell us a secret.
I’ve never enjoyed brushing my teeth so I brush them in the shower. I fifind it’s a much more pleasant experience.
What is the biggest misconception about you?
That I’m very introverted. But I actually think I’m the opposite; I’m a lot more open than my music suggests.
Who do you miss the most?
My grandmother Edna. She died last year and it came as great shock. The fifirst concert I did after she died was really tough, she was always front row. She was very proud.
What is your biggest life lesson?
Don’t lock yourself in your room or sit around and imagine what could have been: go out, get hurt, have joy, say what you think and get yourself in trouble. And read a few good books. Listen to Absolute Radio on 18 August from 9.30pm to hear highlights of Tom’s show at Manchester Town Hall