SINGER Andrew Roachford could be forgiven for feeling a little schizophrenic when it comes to his career.

For as well as being a hugely successful solo artist with hits such as Cuddly Toy, Andrew is also an established member of Mike and the Mechanics who come to the Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, on Wednesday as part of a UK tour.

And if that wasn’t confusing enough, Andrew is also one of two vocalists in the band, sharing duties with Canadian-born Tim Howar.

“On paper it sounds weird but when people come to gigs they say we just complement each other so well,” said Andrew.

Although singers can be known for having something of an ego, Andrew says there are no problems fitting two vocalists into Mike and the Mechanics.

“Tim and I are mates,” he said. “We always go out together before and after gigs and get on really well. I love what he does.

“We are different singers so we don’t get in each other’s way.

“The Mechanics have always had two vocalists, they started with Paul Young and Paul Carrack. So the band have always had those two distinctly different voices and it just works.”

Formed by Genesis guitarist Mike Rutherford back in 1985, the band have a new album, their eighth – Let Me Fly – out next month.

It comes six years after the release of The Road which was the first to feature Andrew and Tim on vocals.

“I think with the first album we did together we were still trying to get to know each other’s strengths and weaknesses, so there was a lot more feeling around in the dark,” said Andrew. “Whereas with Let Me Fly, we really know each other and it really represents who we are as a band.

“I was involved in co-writing on the previous album, but not as much as this. I know what Mike doesn’t like and don’t waste time coming up with ideas that won’t fly. But we are all delighted with the results.”

Andrew is clearly revelling in his dual career.

“It’s almost like you are using a different part of your brain for each role,” he said. “But I think that’s good for me - it’s a new challenge and I think you should always present yourself with that.

“Artists can have a very narrow idea when they’ve had a couple of albums that that is what they are and they never stray from that which I think can be a dangerous thing.

“Working with Mike has definitely impacted my songwriting in my own music and I think that’s a good thing.”

The show will feature songs from the new album and Andrew is delighted how well they have been received on the dates so far.

“They are going down well,” he said,

Classics such as The Living Years will also feature in the set alongside some Genesis songs.

“We do a few Genesis numbers as a nod to Mike Rutherford’s school band as we call it,” laughed Andrew.

“Normally Tim sings that and he does a great job with I Can’t Dance and Land of Confusion. That’s the rock side of things so he tends to take care of that. I think my job is to add the soul.

“But these guys are like my brother and we have so much fun together.”

Mike and the Mechanics, Bridgewater Hall, Manchester, Wednesday, March 15. Details from 0161 907 9000. Let Me Fly is released on April 7 on BMG