Olly Alexander reveals the unusual language behind his new album name 'Polari'
He'll be performing at Hits Radio Live Birmingham
Last updated 28th Oct 2024
The incredible singer Olly Alexander joined Sam Thompson on Hits Radio to talk about his newly announced album 'Polari' and what it's like being a solo artist, following his time with Years & Years.
Olly, who has just released his latest single 'Cupid's Bow' will be performing at Hits Radio Live Birmingham next month, joining the fantastic line-up which includes Tom Grennan, Leigh-Anne Pinnock, Sigala, Joel Corry, Ella Henderson, Tom Walker and Sugababes.
Get your tickets here for Friday 22nd November 2024 Hits Radio Live Birmingham at the bp pulse LIVE arena
Speaking to Sam, Olly explained that his new album name is actually an historic language, used by marginalised communities in the 19th century.
"This album is my first album under my own name." Olly explained. "So that feels like a big deal, you know? And so I really wanted it to be kind of different to what I've done before. This time, I wanted to just have it all come basically from me and one other person (Danny L Harle), if possible. So that was my collaborator, Danny.
"And that's how ‘Polari’ came about. And ‘Polari’, it's the name given to a kind of slang that was spoken in an historical Britain in the 19th century. It was spoken by marginalised communities like circus performers, people on ships, criminals, like it was a slang called Polari, and it was adopted by lots of gay men and became a kind of secret language of gay men."
The singer went on to reveal some of the language, saying: "How boner to vader your dolly old eek."
Which translates as: "It's lovely to see your beautiful face."
Olly then explained how several words used in present day English which are still being used today such as drag, trade, and naff.
The first song to be released from Olly's upcoming album is called 'Cupid's Bow', and the singer revealed why he chose to release it first.
"So the album is really inspired by music from the past, like the 80s, the 90s and kind of just imagining it into the future in a way and. I felt like ‘Cupid's Bow’, it sounds quite 80s, sounds like a club track from the 80s, but it sounds a little bit more up to date. So I felt like OK, this is a good song to go with first. 'Cupid's Bow’, it's about an arrow of love, a shot of desire. The album’s a lot about love, so that's why I went with that first."
During his chat with Sam Thompson, Olly also revealed what fans can expect from his Hits Radio Live performance. Confirming it will be the first time he has performed his new song live, Olly said: "It's quite nerve wracking because you know that people... well I feel like some of the fans are they're waiting for the first live performance, you know, so you want it to be a good one. It's cool too, the songs always feel a little bit extra special live.
"We do a little kind of warm up kind of dance, but I'm not doing like a sort of ‘5678’ routine or anything. I mean, I have been known to, but maybe not right now and yeah, then before I go on stage, I just like to hug everyone. We just have to have a hug."
Olly previously told us that he loves Hits Radio Live because: "You see so many different artists. The vibe backstage is always really fun, you're seeing a lot of people that you maybe bumped into a few times before, and then, yeah, you get to see everyone's hits."
Get your tickets here for Friday 22nd November 2024 Hits Radio Live Birmingham at the bp pulse LIVE arena
Take a look through who is on our Hits Radio Live line-up:
Leigh-Anne
Little Mix's Leigh-Anne will be performing at Hits Radio Live Birmingham on the 22nd November. It will be the first time the solo artist has performed in Birmingham AND her first time at Hits Radio Live. Make sure you don't miss out, get your tickets now!
Teddy Swims
The incredible Teddy Swims will be joining us in Manchester on the 23rd November at the Co-op Live Arena. He will be performing some of his hit tracks including the HUGE 'Lose Control'. Don't miss out on his first time performing at the new Co-op Live for Hits Radio Live Manchester!
Tom Grennan
Tom Grennan will be joining us in Birmingham on Friday 22nd November at bp pulse LIVE, and then in Manchester on the 23rd November. Tom Grennan comes to Hits Radio Live, straight off the back of his latest sold out headline show at Gunnersbury Park. He's sure to wow crowds at the Co-op Live Arena, don't miss out!
Joel Corry
You asked for a party, and we delivered. The unbelievable Joel Corry will be bringing the house down at the bp pulse LIVE Arena in Birmingham on the 22nd November. Get your tickets and your dancing shoes now!
Perrie
Perrie will be joining us for her very first Hits Radio Live as a solo artist. She'll be taking to the stage in Manchester at the Co-op Live Arena. She promises to bring the energy to the night, don't miss out!
Olly Alexander
Years & Years front man Olly Alexander will be joining us in Birmingham on the 22nd November. He'll be bringing the party along with the rest of the star-studded line-up at the bp pulse LIVE Arena! Get your tickets now!
Jax Jones
The unbelievable Jax Jones will be joining us at the Co-op Live Arena in Manchester on the 23rd November. He is known for putting on absolutely incredible shows and we cannot wait for him to return to Hits Radio Live later this year. Get your tickets NOW!
Rita Ora
Pop icon, Rita Ora, will be joining us in Manchester for an unbelievable set of her biggest hits. Want to see the 'Black Widow' and 'Hot Right Now' star? Then what are you waiting for? Get your tickets now...
Tom Walker
The 'Leave a Light On' and 'Just You and I' singer is back at Hits Radio Live this November in Birmingham. Tom Walker is known for his incredible performances and we can't wait to have him on the Hits Radio Live Stage!
Ella Henderson
Ella Henderson will be joining the party at this year's Hits Radio Live in Birmingham. Get your dancing hat on and ready to hear bangers like 'React' 'Ghost' and 'Crazy What Love Can Do'! Don't miss out...
Clean Bandit
Clean Bandit will be coming to Manchester to perform at the Co-op Live Arena on the 23rd November. They'll be back at Hits Radio Live playing some of their huge worldwide hits such as 'Rather Be' and 'Rockabye'. Don't miss out and make sure you get your tickets now!
Cian Ducrot
Cian Ducrot will be joining us at Hits Radio Live in Manchester on the 23rd November. He'll be wow-ing the crowds with his incredible hits 'I'll Be Waiting' and 'All For You'. You won't want to miss this. Get your tickets now!
KSI
The legend that is KSI will be joining the line-up in Manchester on the 23rd November. He'll be performing some of his top hits like 'Not Over Yet' and 'Holiday' for you at the Co-op Live Arena! Join us for a huge party... get your tickets now
Sugababes
We heard you and we've got you. Pop icons Sugababes will be joining the line-up in Birmingham for an incredible night of their biggest hits - you know the ones... Don't miss this, get your tickets now!
Sigala
Sigala will be raising the roof at the bp pulse LIVE Arena in Birmingham on the 22nd November! Don't miss out on this incredible party
Now read:
Olly Alexander reveals why he loves Hits Radio Live 🙌
Ella Henderson confirms she will have an EXCLUSIVE at Hits Radio Live Birmingham
Leigh-Anne reveals the trick to giving a flawless performance on stage 🎶