THE SECRETS OF THEIR SUCCESS

I know – I know: it’s been weeks since we’ve had an instalment in the Defining Success chapter but, in my defence, I’ve been busy with guests. Anyway, you don’t mind – what, you think I’m too wrapped up in my own thoughts to know that really, it’s their words you want to hear more than mine? It’s okay, you can admit it.

Nevertheless – you needn’t think I am about to cease and desist: my interpretations of success will continue because truly, I swear I have something to say on the matter!

To that end, onto last night and another first for me. While I’ve interviewed a host of personalities either on the path to success or else steeped in it, yesterday evening I was afforded the privilege of being a part of it. An at-the-scene witness, at least.

Miel de Botton is a singer possessing that rare quality of a voice both soft and powerful, a paradox some might say; others, versatile. She is able to do justice to the most emotive and tender reminiscences of life’s hurt and heartbreak, just as she can belt out a reggae-flavoured, upbeat interpretation of Edith Piaf’s Non, je ne regrette rien. When I interviewed Miel last year, she had already teamed up with revered producer Andy Wright, who’s worked with the likes of Simply Red, Eurythmics, Simple Minds – to name but a few. So to recognise her potential was no great insight on my part, but in any case, however promising she was as a new artist, I could hardly pass myself off as an on-hand witness to her rise to prominence. I just asked a few questions, right?

Last night though I had the great honour of attending Miel’s intimate performance at the Southbank Centre to herald the release of Magnetic, her debut album, and what a show it was. Success, in its various guises, was all around: I sipped champagne with Helena Bonham-Carter*, ate canapés with Janet Ellis**, listened to Miel’s brother, the celebrated writer, presenter and philosopher Alain de Botton, as he justifiably praised the talents of his sister. This was witnessing success in the making – perhaps even made, because as Miel herself said, singing and performing – doing what she loves – is now her job. I was there, and for the first time I got to feel the atmosphere of success. And that’s just it: while success, as a concept, has been variously defined by my guests as contentment, leaving the world a better place than you found it, achievement of goals and a host of other interpretations, all correct, it is also that intangible quantity somewhat trickier to delineate. It’s a feeling, an entity almost. Some kind of unseen but omnipresent manifestation. I certainly can’t put my finger on it, and I won’t try, but I think it’s borne from appreciation in others. In which form it was well represented last night, evident in the unending applause, spontaneous dancing, and a roomful of guests having a good time because of one person.

At the end of the evening there was an open bar (why, oh why, is there always an open bar when I have to make the last train?) But you know what? That’s not what people stayed for. They stayed to wait for Miel and the chance to talk to her, to absorb a bit more of that energy and buzz that only comes from a successful event. Nobody wanted to leave. I wouldn’t have, had it not been for the last train (and Miel, you needn’t be offended that I prioritised my transport needs – I also left behind the free bar, did I mention that?). Nobody was there because they felt they ought to show face or because it was some variation to their usual Tuesday night. They were there because it felt good. Because they felt success.

And really I must conclude there, because if I attempt to come up with something palpable, to lay down in words my own definition of success, I’ll surely be left wanting. I’ve given my account of a successful evening and doubtless there are different ways to interpret and understand it. But as I always say: I just ask the questions, right? Answers, I am sure, are best left to others.

My thanks to the supremely talented Miel de Botton for including me in her success, of which last night was doubtless the beginning of a long and happy road. Thanks also to the brilliant Sara French of Republic Media for organising my place at a truly memorable evening. I’m pleased to say I headed back to Euston station clutching a copy of Magnetic and it’s been playing all morning. If you’d like a copy it is available for pre-order here:

Finally, for all the latest news and events involving Miel de Botton go to www.mielmusic.co.uk

*The charming and accommodating Helena Bonham-Carter attended the show. In saying ‘I sipped champagne with Helena Bonham-Carter’ I really just mean I drank champagne in the same room as her. She was, however, happy to indulge in a selfie and chat with my wife, paying her a compliment which made her day!

**Janet Ellis, former Blue Peter presenter (sorry Janet but as you say yourself, let’s not fight it!) and mother to Sophie Ellis-Bextor, may or may not have consumed any of the excellent canapés on offer but, dammit, she would have been offered them at least!