‘I’m expressing a side of me no one’s heard for 20 years’: Il Divo star Sebastien Izambard on releasing his debut pop album

AS a member of the best-selling act Il Divo, Sebastien has sold more than 30 million classical albums worldwide.

He lives with his family in Malibu, California, and has written songs with many popular writers including Oscar-winning Brit, Don Black.

His debut solo pop album, We Came Here To Love, is released this weekend on Entertainment One Music.

If you could choose, where would you live?

In the UK. And if I could swap my French passport for a British one I would do it in an instant. I lived in England for nine years and I just loved it. In a perfect world I’ll tour the album in Britain soon.

How will Il Divo fans take to the new album?

I don’t know, and I’m a little bit scared. It would be good to get a new, younger audience without ignoring any older fans. I was in pop music before I joined Il Divo so I’m expressing a side of me no one’s heard for 20 years.

Did you find your feet with the new album quickly?

I trust my instincts, but it took me a while this time. I played some early stuff to friends and they said: “Hmm, it’s OK” which meant it wasn’t. I was trying to do a bearded, grey-haired One Direction, so that was ditched pretty quickly.

Who is your favourite pop artist?

So many. Chris Martin of Coldplay, Jeff Buckley, Ryan Tedder from OneRepublic.

And who inspires you?

People like the Dalai Lama, Mother Teresa, David Bowie and Prince.

How would others describe you?

I’d hope they’d say that I appreciate the fans, that I’m caring, and I’m the perfectly imperfect guy. I have character defects like everyone else, but I’m constantly growing.

What worries you?

I used to be absolutely terrified of death. But now I’m much more accepting of a higher being and whatever’s planned. I believe in the power of now, and live each day as if it’s my last.

Name one album you couldn’t live without?

The White Album by The Beatles. The first song I ever learned to play on the guitar was Blackbird, but there are so many other great songs on that record. The Beatles will be the best, for ever.

What specially annoys you?

A lot of things. Selfishness is the worst though. I just can’t find it in me to be selfish. Music has to be generous and from the heart.

You have 24 hours left to live. How do you spend it?

I’d spend the morning with my wife and the kids, have a big lunch with friends, do some flying in the afternoon, then come home, play games with the family, and say goodbye. I’ll be ready for the next adventure whatever it is.