From Rolling Stone · Brian Hiatt · · 2m
Elvis Costello on Getting His Stage Name and Writing 'Alison'
Elvis Costello reveals how he chose his stage name and the origins of his iconic song 'Alison' from his debut album.
In brief
Elvis Costello reveals how he chose his stage name and the origins of his iconic song 'Alison' from his debut album. Elvis Costello explains how he wrote 'Alison' after meeting a supermarket checkout girl and chose his stage name to avoid glamour. Originally reported by Rolling Stone.
Elvis Costello's Stage Name
Elvis Costello chose his stage name to avoid glamour and sound like someone he knew from school.
“It didn’t sound like a glamour plate name, like Ava or something like that, or Grace, that carried too many other associations.”
Writing 'Alison'
Elvis Costello wrote 'Alison' after meeting a supermarket checkout girl who had disappointed eyes.
“I slightly romanticized this encounter with this supermarket checkout girl that just was somebody I thought, like sometimes like when you do a drawing, there’s sometimes a model.”
Debut Album Creation
Elvis Costello recorded his debut album in under 24 hours with minimal studio time.
“The total time in which this record was recorded was probably not much over 24 hours.”
Early Songwriting Style
Elvis Costello wrote songs with ragtime influences and vaudeville sounds for his debut album.
“I consciously tried to make them sound like they were found in a trunk, sometime in 1927.”
Song 'Alison' Meaning
Elvis Costello says 'Alison' is a romantic song about the need for friendship, not a murder ballad.
“It’s got this almost melodrama, but it’s about the need for friendship.”
Album Release Challenges
Elvis Costello faced challenges releasing his debut album in the US market due to lack of a US label.
“We at that point did not have an American label, so we were really only releasing it to the English market and maybe the Dutch.”
Songwriting Evolution
Elvis Costello evolved his songwriting style from early ragtime songs to more complex compositions.
“I had a go at writing like that for a while.”
Album Reissue Details
Elvis Costello's 104-track reissue of his debut album includes unheard songs and live performances.
“Elvis Costello’s 104-track look back at his debut album, My Aim is True, 49th Anniversary Edition, is easily one of the year’s best reissues.”
Early Music Career
Elvis Costello started his music career in Liverpool before moving to London in 1973.
“I began when I first came to London in 1973, trying to get booked.”
Song 'Alison' Inspiration
Elvis Costello was inspired to write 'Alison' by a supermarket checkout girl with disappointed eyes.
“I slightly romanticized this encounter with this supermarket checkout girl that just was somebody I thought, like sometimes like when you do a drawing, there’s sometimes a model.”
Album's Impact
Elvis Costello's debut album had a brief period where he and the Attractions were genuine pop stars in England.
“There was a brief period where the Attractions and I were genuine pop stars for about six months in England alone.”
Songwriting Process
Elvis Costello wrote 'Alison' after a brief period of songwriting that involved meeting a supermarket checkout girl.
“I was on my way to visit my mother, and the song came into my head.”
Debut Album Success
Elvis Costello's debut album was successful in England but not in the US market.
“We at that point did not have an American label, so we were really only releasing it to the English market and maybe the Dutch.”
Song 'Alison' Legacy
Elvis Costello's song 'Alison' has become an iconic song in his music career.
“It’s a really romantic song in many ways.”
Music Career Reflection
Elvis Costello reflects on his music career and the importance of learning through listening.
“Everything I’ve ever been able to achieve in music is because I learned through listening.”
Future Music Plans
Elvis Costello is working on a new production of 'A Face in the Crowd' with different writers.
“We have a new production which is now in development.”
Here's the gist
Elvis Costello explains how he wrote 'Alison' after meeting a supermarket checkout girl and chose his stage name to avoid glamour.
