For the last year, almost to the day I've been roaming around the southern states of America. Arkansas, Mississippi, Kentucky and Tennasee. I went to the studio where I recorded the album, just getting to know a lot of the songs and musicians who recorded the album.

It's a brilliant way of listening to a whole lot of new music. Getting into that atmosphere and then figuring out you're lost and then finding yourself again.

I don't know. I just like the slow pace of cruising around these backstreets, and happening upon odd cafes and bookstores. And listening to all sorts of old Americana music Emy Lou and the Grand Parson's anthology. Just being able to listen to that stuff in that sort of environment.

Well personally I don't see it as that far a cry, the melodies are still there and the lyrics are still important to me. The big difference is the approach and the instruments. I've kept it rough. It's a live album so you get a lot of that studio atmosphere. I didn't want a polished sound with lots of layers like what you hear on the radio. I didn't want to do that.

No. It would be easier not to put any more albums out but I just being in the studio, and writing songs and singing on those songs. It's just a natural thing. It wasn't as if I felt I had to prove anything, this album is the most natural one I've done and I think it says more about me than anything I've done. I've had a really nice reaction from this album too so that's...extra beautiful.

Well we had a great time on the road...but I have a great band now. I'm still in touch with the guys and I think we're all quite happy doing our own thing.

I think the biggest pleasure was having an easy decision on which songs would make it into the album, instead of having to please lots of different people.

Not really [laughs]. I'm enjoying all of this stuff for the album and then I've got a tour coming in June. So as long as I stay healthy then she's coming along too, she's got no choice. I'll worry about the practicalities a bit closer to my due date.

Erm... Good Charlotte and the Cheeky Girls. Just joking. I've no idea really. We'll see.

Did she? Aww. Maybe I should call my baby Dougie. She's worked hard. She was brought up near me in Mumbles. My mother had the same hairdresser as her mum you know!?