SUMMARY OF LIVE CHAT WITH DAMIEN 17/08/08
Aug 18, 2008 3:12:07 GMT 10
Post by thebraff (Braffy) on Aug 18, 2008 3:12:07 GMT 10
This is a summary of the live online chat with Damien. Replies to various posts are not here, they are in the original thread.
All questions from each member are listed with the answers under their name.
Hey there guys,
How are you all doing. It’s been a while since I was last online, sorry for taking so long to come back – it’s been pretty hectic over the last while. The latest news is that little Billy is fully settled into the house now and is starting to behave himself – ha. Jarvis and Jagger are happy as larry these days and getting bigger every time I see them – they’re just gorgeous, I’m biased. As for Eileen and I, we’re doing really well, it’s been great to have a little bit of a break lately.
Anyway, lets start chatting
Damien
CHRISTYL
1. How is the book coming along?
Christyl, The book is moving along well although I have to admit, the deadline of Christmas could be tight as I’m trying to finish my album writing for then also. Fingers crossed
2. Has Billy learnt any tricks yet?
Billy has learnt how to sit and sometimes to give his paw. He’s a lovely little thing and I think he didn’t know what he was getting himself in for when he joined our family of two little boys – the pull and drag on him all the time.
3. Tell us about your most embarrassing moment (but only if you want to )
Ah, I’ve got one really embarrassing moment but only Eileen and a class of drama students know – it makes me laugh every time I think about it but I couldn’t tell the story – too embarrassing
1. Damien, whats the best joke you have heard lately?
(we hope its not us... )
Christyl – ha not in a million years, I heard a rude joke last night on a tv show, I couldn’t relate here.. ha… funny even thinking about it now.
What do you think are your biggest "highs" from the last year? Your best moments?? (since Jagger's birth, that is )
Christyl i think my biggest highs since last year have been 'Saving Kids', playing world youth day, managing to get two albums out since Jaggers birth... it's been an amazing crazy and hectic time.]
Damien, it is SO AWESOME!!! to hear your originals being used as music scores, etc....even some of the way they have been used on YouTube is amazing. Have you been approached at all about any music scores for a movie at all?
ASTROKATH
1. When you record, do you have the music and lyrics in front of you, or do you sing and play from memory?
Hey Astro, when I record I try to make sure that the band and I know all the music and lyrics for the songs, that we’re fully practiced. It makes it much easier to record and sounds more together. The exceptions are when working on an album like ‘Catch the Wind’, with so many songs we needed music sometimes.
2. When you write (books, not songs this time) do you write in a linear fashion, or write various scenes and then go back and link them up? And do you find your characters dictate what they do? (I have heard another author say what her characters do often seems out of her hands and entirely in theirs )
For me, I think the characters are still very much in my hands – I never get enough time to get so engrossed in the story that the characters take on a life of their own – it would be nice. I do find though that the plot often takes on it’s on life (as such).
Damien is there any chance of you getting to SA in this second leg? *begs*
Hey Astrokath, I would love to go back to SA for the second phase and we really tried but unfortunately the available dates in each venue didn't match up with our available dates. It's a real pity but next year we'll make sure to play in the theatre again and give you guys a big show.
Damien, do you have any idea at this stage how long the new book will be? I seem to remember you saying it was quite a bit bigger than One More Time.
Hey Astrokath,
At this stage the new book is much longer than the last one, twice the length at least - the only thing is that once the publishers get at it, it could be drastically reduced, you never know.
Damien, how much difference does it make to have a responsive audience?
Damien, you're so busy all the time - are you one of those people who gets by on not much sleep?
Dmac
I'd like to ask D if he and the family are going to have a break this year and if they'll have a chance to all get across to Ireland.
Hey Dmac, Eils, the boys and I are definitely having a holiday this year but probably not to Ireland, heading to Qatar this year.
Also, can we see a photo of Billy please.
I’m working on the picture of Billy, we’ll have one soon.
And...........doesn't he think he needs the DLCC to tour with him for those little emergencies like misplaced shoes, slamed fingers or sick performers and unauthorised people who fiddle with his hair
Ha poor old Eric he had so many accidents on tour.
This is a reply to being told by Womby that Damien is lucky because he managed to get Dawn out of bed before 2 pm
Good morning Dawn ha.
D have there been any approaches re the Saving Kids Show for 2009?
Dmac, there has been talk about Saving Kids 2 but unfortunately it's still early days, they have to see how Saving Babies goes.
Will the new album be all your originals?
SMILEY
Would love to see you on Rove soon- interview AND singing also Spicks & Specks, and guest performances when all the new shows start up again eg Dancing With the Stars, Idol etc (just in case you were sitting around with nothing to do! )
..here's a question..do you have to wait to be asked or can going on these shows instigated by the artist/their management?
Smiley, I would love to perform on Rove soon myself. Normally the way it works with all shows is, the record company pitch for TV and it’s more often than not linked to the release of a new album or single. We can pitch when it’s linked to a tour but in those situations it’s not easy to get on to a show.
How did it feel playing at the World Youth Day concert, and what did it mean to you?
Smiley. It was the most amazing feeling playing during world youth day. Looking out onto the crowd and seeing so many people was just overwhelming.
Brissie is early in this second phase but we're hoping beyond hope to hear one of your new songs (for the next album) Any chance?
Smiley, on this leg of the tour, the main aim is to start playing the new material. The only thing I'd say is that, if anyone really likes a song they hear, I can't guarentee that it'll make the final album. That said, we'll definitely be playing some of the songs in Brissie.
Damien...Do you have any "special" tour demands? ... like Van Halen's "a large bowl of M & M's with all the brown one's removed" or this one of Barry Manilow's..that I really think you should consider .... "that your fan club shows up at 11am to decorate your dressing room"
Smiley, I'm the worst actually, I've no demands at all - I don't really like to eat or drink before I go on stage. the band however, they have loads of demands - Pedro Xamenz, vodkas, the lot..
PRINCESS
My question: We know the new album is coming out next year, (and we can't wait for that) will there be a single released before hand to tempt us all?
Hey Princess, You bet we’ll have a single out before hand, I can’t wait. It won’t be until early new year though. I’ll be trying out songs during my next tour phase which may/or may not make the final album.
Are you all ready for the next phase of the tour Damien, will you be touring with Eric & Indy again?
Hey there, All set for the next phase of the tour - it's a tough phase because we don't have the album release to back it up but hopefully it goes well.
So your doing another tour next year as well!,
Princess, the tour next year hasn't been planned yet but I think we'll definitely do one after the new album, it could be mid to late next year.
SPUD
My question: What was the name of the song that was going to be on Where We Land but was replaced by Danny Boy? Will it be on your next album?
Hey Spud. The song that didn’t make ‘Where we Land’ was ‘Bigger Plan’. I love that song, it may or may not make the next album but could be a bonus track somewhere.And: When you first came to Australia, how did you get gigs when no one knew who you were?
When I first came to Australia, getting gigs was hard but thankfully for me, I had a few lucky breaks and some people who heard me singing, told their friends and it kind of went like that.
Q: Do you think any of your LEAF (or ReLeaf) songs are good enough for you to record for any of your future albums? I've heard a lot of the songs are pretty good
Somebody asked about Leaf - well Darren, Aine and I have been working on some songs lately, via internet, sounding good so far. Nothing more than just playing songs but you never know where that can lead to.
I was actually referring to the old Leaf songs that you used to sing and wondering whether you would release any of those.
But new stuff is also great.
Spud - the problem with alot of the old Leaf songs is that I wrote them for Aine so alot of them are female songs which don't really suit me. There's a few like These Days, Fallen, Fool which could work.
I just opened the newspaper and apparently next week they are giving out a free Australian Idol CD with your music on it.
How cool!
Did you know about that?
Spud - I knew about the cd, it has one of my songs, "Shine like the sun".
MICHELE
Hi Damien my question is was Billy named after someone famous.
Michelle, good to chat with you. No Billy isn’t named after anyone, Jarvis gave him that name. We kept asking him what we should call our new dog and finally he said, ‘Billy’. My 9 year old son Joshua wants to know when he can see a Damien show.So he asks when will there be a show for all the family.
Michele. It would be great to see your son on some of my shows. To be honest, I’m not sure which shows are over 18 and which are not but as far as I know, there are quite a few that are all ages. The Harrigans shows are out doors, picnic like.
Im excited sorry just had to say that.Damien will your next lot of shows still be very up close and intimate MICHELE
Michele, the next leg of tour dates will still be intimate as before - this run oif dates is really just an extension of the last run. We'll be changing the set and adding a few nice things in but other than that, the format will be the same.
HYPERRUNE
1. Does Eileen do any backing vocals on Catch the Wind? (we thought we heard her on a few songs)
Hey Hyp,
No unfortunately there’s no backing vocals by Eileen on ‘Catch the Wind’ but you never know what could happen on the new album.
2. Will you ever do another covers album? If you do, what would you like the theme to be?
Covers albums are fun to make but they can really typecast you, main priority for me is the original material and after that we’ll see what happens.
3. Will we ever see a return of your early songs, ones like These Days and Bigger Plan and Fool that we still love, and Baby Jane on a subsequent originals albums?
Some of the older originals may surface again but to be honest, those decisions are not often in my hands, generally I have to fight for what makes the albums.Damien, just how much did Alex Lloyd make you change that song?
(referring to Beautiful)
Hype, nice question. The whole co-writing business is tricky, no one can force you to change anything but sometimes you definitely have ito trust in the experience of the other writing. Alex is a great wrter. The changes are very subtle and I own the majority on the song publishing. He had a major input in the chorus.
what I'd like to know is, will Paul be making a return? He's lots of fun
Unfortunately Paul won't be involved in this leg of the tour as it's a continuation of the last, still acoustic - also I hope to play more piano along the way.
We were wondering about the instrumentals and dance music you've been playing - are they traditional Irish songs?
Hey Hype, The instrumentals have been traditional but also some classical sounding.
Yeeeessss These Days, please!!!
That song means a lot to me, I really love the line:
"Like a fallen tree cast along the road,
I'm just lying here, waiting for the fall"
I think everyone has felt like that sometimes
Hyp - I love those lyrics too, I pushed hard for that song on the last album but I couldn't get it on there, maybe this time I'll have more luck.
KRISSY (KLD)
Damien....will you come with me to my formal in November?
Kidding
Hey Krissy,
Thanks for the offer – I’m sure you’ll have a great time.
1. What did you honestly think of the Certified Hottie/Sexiest body award certificates?
Certified hottie is great, not warranted but great ha
2. What Australian singers/bands do you like?
No reply
3. Beautiful is one of my absolute favourite songs!, and the version on Where We Land is just amazing! . But i was wondering, do you ever miss playing the original version of Beautiful?, or wish that version was on the album instead?
I love beautiful and not long after ‘where we land’ came out I did miss not hearing the old version but I have to say I love this version and with Erics intro during the live version, I really adore it.
4. And last but not least...WILL YOU COME TO MY FORMAL IN NOVEMBER!?!? haha!
Krissy, ah I’m sure there are some handsome young men who are just hoping you’ll ask them to your formal.
i was wondering, if you have time to answer, what do you like about Melbourne most? and what was your favourite Melb show in the first phase of the tour?, or what crowd or venue did you like best?
Hey Kris, for me I think my favourite melbourne show to date has to be in Capers - the shows in palms are great but Capers had such a great sound int he room and I just felt that the energy on stage was fabulous.
Hey Damien since you will be using the paino a lot more, does that mean you can squeeze in Never Tear Us Apart somewhere in the song list?
We so love it when you sing that!
Never tear us apart might make the set list on special occasions.You never know.
Damien, i'm currently listening to Catch The Wind and was wondering if you will possibly ever or would like to do a live performance somewhere with the Choir Of Hard Knocks and Sing Old Man or Only Love Can Break Your Heart?
KAZZABABE
Could you please sing Without You at the Gaels club gig you will have plenty of time to rehearse before then I think it would be absolutely stunning coming from you
Kazza, how are you doing. Which song is ‘Without you’?
Okay seeing as how Krissy would like you to take her to her formal how would you like to come to my 50th it's still about 18 months away I could even invite all the DLO lovelies over
Kazzababe, it would be lovely but I really couldn’t commit to anything –
sorry.
Damien is there a totally different vibe when you play at an Irish venue such as the Gaels Club
Via Astrokath
Damien, the song 'Without You' that Kazza and I would both love to hear you sing is the Harry Nilsson one.
Astro - you that trhat song is my mam and dad's song - I'll have to learn it, it's great.
BRAFFY
1. Did you like the spider you were given and what has happened to it?
Braffy, good to chat. We love the spider, to be honest, it’s Billy’s favourite toy - he chases and chews it – sorry.
2. Do you know how many songs are going to be on the next album?
Regarding the next album, I’m not sure how many songs will be on it, I’d like to think more than twelve.
3. Any chance members of DLO can be on your next video? After all, we are more than capable of throwing a bucket or two of water all over you or walking around holding up an aeroplane or sign
Not sure about the video, I would love to have you guys there but as always, most of these things are not in my control. We’ll see.
TINA
1. Damien did you know that some of your songs have been played during the Olympic telecast?! It was a wonderful surprise!!
Tina, It’s great that the songs have been played during the Olympics, it just gives more confidence towards the original material – it’s brilliant.
2. Did you watch the episode of Domestic Blitz when a lovely Irish lady was surprised by having Bryan McFadden come to sing in her backyard, and she was very disappointed that it wasn't you? It was lovely free advertising for you!! If you did, have you since gone and visited her??
I didn’t see the episode of domestic blitz but I heard all about it- I have been meaning to contact the lady on the episode but I haven’t managed to get her details yet3. Do you tell all the crowds that they are the best singers, or are there definite differences between the states?
Regarding the singing, to be honest I don’t tell every audience they’re the best, in fact some weren’t so good ha… I’ll keep their names a secret ha.4. Damien can you go to Krissy's formal, that would be so cute!!
(answer given to Krissy)
Do you think Channel 10 would ever do an Idol Allstars (ie: best performers from each season) and would you consider doing it?
Hey Tina. I’m not sure if ten will do an Idol all stars. If they did, I not sure how I’d feel about performing on it. I love Idol and performing on the main show but an all stars show wouldn’t be something I’d be keen on.
Damien, I have heard that you are going to be bringing a piano with you on the next leg of your tour.... is it coming all the way to WA??? I would love to hear you play the piano and sing live, but it's a long way to bring a piano!!!
Tina, the plan with the piano is for me to get an electric one that isn't too heavy - the weight is always an issue. Tomorrow I'm looking at a nord keyboard which is meant to be really good. If it works then it'll be coming to WA
Damien, do you get a laugh out of some of the funny siggy's online, such as Womby's "Blame it on the Boodgie"? That one always makes me smile!!
Tina, i love the sig lines, they always give me a laugh - some of them are so creative aswell, wow, really.
Hey Damien, just wondering, do you ever wear the bloomers I made for you!??
Hey Tina, James really wanted to wear the Bloomers so I leant them to him.
One last request.... Please, please, please sing Creep when you come back to Cafe Bouvard in October!!
Tina - you got it, you have to remind me though.
Damien.... would you ever consider doing a one off special gig just for Damienites??? I would fly to Sydney for that one!!
We would all behave, honestly!!!
Hey there, I would certainly do a one off Damienites gig, maybe close to the release of the next album.
ROXY
Q. What happened to the Leopard print Thong? *I was dared to ask this!*
Hey Roxy, ha the leopard skin thong, well I’m wearing it of course ha… Jimmy has it, I think he’s wearing it.
Q. Do you do Requests for songs at the concerts?
I definitely do song requests but given the time limit that we have at each venue, I can normally only sneak in one or max two per show. I always play way over our time limit per venue.
Q. If so, how is the best way to ask/request them?
Best bet is to just shout the songs out and if there’s time and I know the song I might give it a go.
Do you have a favourite holiday destination?
TRILLY
1. Hi Damien. I'd like to ask if you are a disciplined writer and have a regular routine and time to write (like when the boys are in bed) or do you write when the Muse inspires you?
Hey Trilly, how are you. I don’t have dedicated writing time, actually quite the opposite, I have so little spare time that I write when ever I can and that could mean anytime of the day.
2.How is having a definite deadline for your novel this time around changing the writing experience?
Working to a deadline is tough but I’m trying not to think about it.
3.Are you in the demo stage of the originals album and if you are, how many tracks do you submit before the final selection?
Lots of the new songs are at demo stage but I’m not rushing this album, it’s important to take my time with this one.
So happy to hear you are taking your time with the originals ,D. I'm really looking forward to it.
aww, Billy sounds so cute. If you need an "official"portait taken ,just let me know,OK?
Trilly, yea It's really important to me to make sure that the next album is the best I can make it.
Damien, I'd love to hear you do more Radiohead or some Muse. Your falsetto is so suited toThom Yorke or Matthew Bellamy's music. Any chance in the future? Not recorded, just sung.
Trilly - the problem with adding too many covers is it limits the amount of original material I can do. Most shows have set times that we have to be on and off the stage and because of that we write the set list to suit the audience, squeezing in some extra things where we can.
STARSUZ
Do you have a song (one that you've sung, or otherwise) that is your absolute favourite? If so, what makes it the favourite?
Hey Starsuz, my all time favourite song is Hallelujah. I think what makes this a favourite for me is the melody more than the words, it’s great to song.
NUFFY
1. Since 2006, you've probably been exercising and extending your vocal chords more often (I'm assuming?)
(a) What difference has it made to your vocal fitness for performing/recording?
Nuffy, You know I find that these days my voice is getting stronger and higher which is great, it gives me so much more scope for picking harder songs.(b)
Has it changed what you expect of your abilities when you write songs or choose covers to do?... or has your style stayed consistent with the past?
2. How many songs are you producing personally on the new album?... or co-producing?
Regarding the new album, I am executive producing all my songs which is cool, I’ll be very involved this time and also, you never know
3. Are there any guest collaborators on any of the new songs, as with the Choir of Hard Knocks?
, there could be one or two collaborations. I’ve written with a few people but whether the songs make the final cut, time will tell.
We're all set for the Basement gig showing on ABC on the 28th. Have you seen it yet yourself?
Damien, (please correct me if I'm wrong) you said the Official Site will be getting a facelift. Does that include the Official Forum too and will it be soon? Just wondering if they're going to keep the old posts, or lose them?
Hey Nuffy,
The website is meant to get a face lift but at this stage that still looks to be a long way away. The forum, even if it gets changed, should remain intact overall.
Doesn't singing your favourites so many times over a just few months ruin them for you? ... (any examples?)
btw How great were the 2nd anniversary/birthday banners? You must have had a hard choice.
Nuffy - Sometimes singing songs alot that you really like can spoil them a bit but I have to say that I often try to change them a little bit to keep them interesting and with songs like Hallelujah, the song is so strong that it's hard to get tired of it.
SELESTIAL
Your live performances this tour have been outstanding; Indi’s violin and Eric’s guitar varying the arrangements of your songs adds dimension and I feel a wonderful musical unity.
The Mix 106.5 Limelight performance the other day was superb and too good to disappear “into the ether”, so I wish an official live collection CD is released very soon.
Hey Selestial, I hope the live recordings don't vanish also, although next year I will be doing a live DVD with the new album
WOMBY
Damien do you have any idea when we will be seeing the show that was recorded at the Basement
How do you explain the amazing rapport that you and Eric have on stage together?
What was the last CD you bought Damien?
The last album I bought was the 'Beautiful Mind' film soundtrack.
Yes thanks again Damien for coming online You're so good to us But do you ever get sick of being told what to sing, what to wear........
MORGAINE
Damien...How much input do you get in the arrangements and production of the songs you record? Do you have the arrangement in mind when writing?
??
What does January 26th mean to you?
It means so much to me, it's the day I settled officially in my new home of Oz.
MYSTERRI
1. What is your favourite cuisine?
I love Indian
2. Do you read all of the messages we post here on DLO or do you only read specific threads?
I skim over things so I only have bits of the nitty griity stuff.
3. Do you prefer city or country living?
I prefer city life.
SJ
1. What do you miss most about Ireland? (Besides your family and friends of course!)
Believe it or not, the weather!
2. Do you have any plans to release any of your future albums here, or come back and do concerts or anything like that?
Yes, I hope to release the new originals album.3. (Keeping with the theme...) Have you written any songs about places in Ireland or any aspect of Irish life?
Not really - although bigger plan was about leaving Ireland.Thanks in advance for answering all of these questions, Damien - You're the best!!
Hey Guys, Unfortunately I'm going to have to go now. The kids have just returned home from the park and we're off to Bondi markets. it was great chatting and I hope I answreed most peoples questions. Thanks a million again for all your hgelp with everything, you guys are amazing. If you can continue to get the word out there about new shows etc that would be brilliant. Coming up in the next few weeks I'll be on The Suzie show and State Focus show - both on the Win network.
Anyway, take care everyone and have a wonderful afternoon.
All the best
Damien
All questions from each member are listed with the answers under their name.
ONLINE CHAT WITH DAMIEN 17/08/2008
Hey there guys,
How are you all doing. It’s been a while since I was last online, sorry for taking so long to come back – it’s been pretty hectic over the last while. The latest news is that little Billy is fully settled into the house now and is starting to behave himself – ha. Jarvis and Jagger are happy as larry these days and getting bigger every time I see them – they’re just gorgeous, I’m biased. As for Eileen and I, we’re doing really well, it’s been great to have a little bit of a break lately.
Anyway, lets start chatting
Damien
CHRISTYL
1. How is the book coming along?
Christyl, The book is moving along well although I have to admit, the deadline of Christmas could be tight as I’m trying to finish my album writing for then also. Fingers crossed
2. Has Billy learnt any tricks yet?
Billy has learnt how to sit and sometimes to give his paw. He’s a lovely little thing and I think he didn’t know what he was getting himself in for when he joined our family of two little boys – the pull and drag on him all the time.
3. Tell us about your most embarrassing moment (but only if you want to )
Ah, I’ve got one really embarrassing moment but only Eileen and a class of drama students know – it makes me laugh every time I think about it but I couldn’t tell the story – too embarrassing
1. Damien, whats the best joke you have heard lately?
(we hope its not us... )
Christyl – ha not in a million years, I heard a rude joke last night on a tv show, I couldn’t relate here.. ha… funny even thinking about it now.
What do you think are your biggest "highs" from the last year? Your best moments?? (since Jagger's birth, that is )
Christyl i think my biggest highs since last year have been 'Saving Kids', playing world youth day, managing to get two albums out since Jaggers birth... it's been an amazing crazy and hectic time.]
Damien, it is SO AWESOME!!! to hear your originals being used as music scores, etc....even some of the way they have been used on YouTube is amazing. Have you been approached at all about any music scores for a movie at all?
ASTROKATH
1. When you record, do you have the music and lyrics in front of you, or do you sing and play from memory?
Hey Astro, when I record I try to make sure that the band and I know all the music and lyrics for the songs, that we’re fully practiced. It makes it much easier to record and sounds more together. The exceptions are when working on an album like ‘Catch the Wind’, with so many songs we needed music sometimes.
2. When you write (books, not songs this time) do you write in a linear fashion, or write various scenes and then go back and link them up? And do you find your characters dictate what they do? (I have heard another author say what her characters do often seems out of her hands and entirely in theirs )
For me, I think the characters are still very much in my hands – I never get enough time to get so engrossed in the story that the characters take on a life of their own – it would be nice. I do find though that the plot often takes on it’s on life (as such).
Damien is there any chance of you getting to SA in this second leg? *begs*
Hey Astrokath, I would love to go back to SA for the second phase and we really tried but unfortunately the available dates in each venue didn't match up with our available dates. It's a real pity but next year we'll make sure to play in the theatre again and give you guys a big show.
Damien, do you have any idea at this stage how long the new book will be? I seem to remember you saying it was quite a bit bigger than One More Time.
Hey Astrokath,
At this stage the new book is much longer than the last one, twice the length at least - the only thing is that once the publishers get at it, it could be drastically reduced, you never know.
Damien, how much difference does it make to have a responsive audience?
Damien, you're so busy all the time - are you one of those people who gets by on not much sleep?
Dmac
I'd like to ask D if he and the family are going to have a break this year and if they'll have a chance to all get across to Ireland.
Hey Dmac, Eils, the boys and I are definitely having a holiday this year but probably not to Ireland, heading to Qatar this year.
Also, can we see a photo of Billy please.
I’m working on the picture of Billy, we’ll have one soon.
And...........doesn't he think he needs the DLCC to tour with him for those little emergencies like misplaced shoes, slamed fingers or sick performers and unauthorised people who fiddle with his hair
Ha poor old Eric he had so many accidents on tour.
This is a reply to being told by Womby that Damien is lucky because he managed to get Dawn out of bed before 2 pm
Good morning Dawn ha.
D have there been any approaches re the Saving Kids Show for 2009?
Dmac, there has been talk about Saving Kids 2 but unfortunately it's still early days, they have to see how Saving Babies goes.
Will the new album be all your originals?
SMILEY
Would love to see you on Rove soon- interview AND singing also Spicks & Specks, and guest performances when all the new shows start up again eg Dancing With the Stars, Idol etc (just in case you were sitting around with nothing to do! )
..here's a question..do you have to wait to be asked or can going on these shows instigated by the artist/their management?
Smiley, I would love to perform on Rove soon myself. Normally the way it works with all shows is, the record company pitch for TV and it’s more often than not linked to the release of a new album or single. We can pitch when it’s linked to a tour but in those situations it’s not easy to get on to a show.
How did it feel playing at the World Youth Day concert, and what did it mean to you?
Smiley. It was the most amazing feeling playing during world youth day. Looking out onto the crowd and seeing so many people was just overwhelming.
Brissie is early in this second phase but we're hoping beyond hope to hear one of your new songs (for the next album) Any chance?
Smiley, on this leg of the tour, the main aim is to start playing the new material. The only thing I'd say is that, if anyone really likes a song they hear, I can't guarentee that it'll make the final album. That said, we'll definitely be playing some of the songs in Brissie.
Damien...Do you have any "special" tour demands? ... like Van Halen's "a large bowl of M & M's with all the brown one's removed" or this one of Barry Manilow's..that I really think you should consider .... "that your fan club shows up at 11am to decorate your dressing room"
Smiley, I'm the worst actually, I've no demands at all - I don't really like to eat or drink before I go on stage. the band however, they have loads of demands - Pedro Xamenz, vodkas, the lot..
PRINCESS
My question: We know the new album is coming out next year, (and we can't wait for that) will there be a single released before hand to tempt us all?
Hey Princess, You bet we’ll have a single out before hand, I can’t wait. It won’t be until early new year though. I’ll be trying out songs during my next tour phase which may/or may not make the final album.
Are you all ready for the next phase of the tour Damien, will you be touring with Eric & Indy again?
Hey there, All set for the next phase of the tour - it's a tough phase because we don't have the album release to back it up but hopefully it goes well.
So your doing another tour next year as well!,
Princess, the tour next year hasn't been planned yet but I think we'll definitely do one after the new album, it could be mid to late next year.
SPUD
My question: What was the name of the song that was going to be on Where We Land but was replaced by Danny Boy? Will it be on your next album?
Hey Spud. The song that didn’t make ‘Where we Land’ was ‘Bigger Plan’. I love that song, it may or may not make the next album but could be a bonus track somewhere.And: When you first came to Australia, how did you get gigs when no one knew who you were?
When I first came to Australia, getting gigs was hard but thankfully for me, I had a few lucky breaks and some people who heard me singing, told their friends and it kind of went like that.
Q: Do you think any of your LEAF (or ReLeaf) songs are good enough for you to record for any of your future albums? I've heard a lot of the songs are pretty good
Somebody asked about Leaf - well Darren, Aine and I have been working on some songs lately, via internet, sounding good so far. Nothing more than just playing songs but you never know where that can lead to.
I was actually referring to the old Leaf songs that you used to sing and wondering whether you would release any of those.
But new stuff is also great.
Spud - the problem with alot of the old Leaf songs is that I wrote them for Aine so alot of them are female songs which don't really suit me. There's a few like These Days, Fallen, Fool which could work.
I just opened the newspaper and apparently next week they are giving out a free Australian Idol CD with your music on it.
How cool!
Did you know about that?
Spud - I knew about the cd, it has one of my songs, "Shine like the sun".
MICHELE
Hi Damien my question is was Billy named after someone famous.
Michelle, good to chat with you. No Billy isn’t named after anyone, Jarvis gave him that name. We kept asking him what we should call our new dog and finally he said, ‘Billy’. My 9 year old son Joshua wants to know when he can see a Damien show.So he asks when will there be a show for all the family.
Michele. It would be great to see your son on some of my shows. To be honest, I’m not sure which shows are over 18 and which are not but as far as I know, there are quite a few that are all ages. The Harrigans shows are out doors, picnic like.
Im excited sorry just had to say that.Damien will your next lot of shows still be very up close and intimate MICHELE
Michele, the next leg of tour dates will still be intimate as before - this run oif dates is really just an extension of the last run. We'll be changing the set and adding a few nice things in but other than that, the format will be the same.
HYPERRUNE
1. Does Eileen do any backing vocals on Catch the Wind? (we thought we heard her on a few songs)
Hey Hyp,
No unfortunately there’s no backing vocals by Eileen on ‘Catch the Wind’ but you never know what could happen on the new album.
2. Will you ever do another covers album? If you do, what would you like the theme to be?
Covers albums are fun to make but they can really typecast you, main priority for me is the original material and after that we’ll see what happens.
3. Will we ever see a return of your early songs, ones like These Days and Bigger Plan and Fool that we still love, and Baby Jane on a subsequent originals albums?
Some of the older originals may surface again but to be honest, those decisions are not often in my hands, generally I have to fight for what makes the albums.Damien, just how much did Alex Lloyd make you change that song?
(referring to Beautiful)
Hype, nice question. The whole co-writing business is tricky, no one can force you to change anything but sometimes you definitely have ito trust in the experience of the other writing. Alex is a great wrter. The changes are very subtle and I own the majority on the song publishing. He had a major input in the chorus.
what I'd like to know is, will Paul be making a return? He's lots of fun
Unfortunately Paul won't be involved in this leg of the tour as it's a continuation of the last, still acoustic - also I hope to play more piano along the way.
We were wondering about the instrumentals and dance music you've been playing - are they traditional Irish songs?
Hey Hype, The instrumentals have been traditional but also some classical sounding.
Yeeeessss These Days, please!!!
That song means a lot to me, I really love the line:
"Like a fallen tree cast along the road,
I'm just lying here, waiting for the fall"
I think everyone has felt like that sometimes
Hyp - I love those lyrics too, I pushed hard for that song on the last album but I couldn't get it on there, maybe this time I'll have more luck.
KRISSY (KLD)
Damien....will you come with me to my formal in November?
Kidding
Hey Krissy,
Thanks for the offer – I’m sure you’ll have a great time.
1. What did you honestly think of the Certified Hottie/Sexiest body award certificates?
Certified hottie is great, not warranted but great ha
2. What Australian singers/bands do you like?
No reply
3. Beautiful is one of my absolute favourite songs!, and the version on Where We Land is just amazing! . But i was wondering, do you ever miss playing the original version of Beautiful?, or wish that version was on the album instead?
I love beautiful and not long after ‘where we land’ came out I did miss not hearing the old version but I have to say I love this version and with Erics intro during the live version, I really adore it.
4. And last but not least...WILL YOU COME TO MY FORMAL IN NOVEMBER!?!? haha!
Krissy, ah I’m sure there are some handsome young men who are just hoping you’ll ask them to your formal.
i was wondering, if you have time to answer, what do you like about Melbourne most? and what was your favourite Melb show in the first phase of the tour?, or what crowd or venue did you like best?
Hey Kris, for me I think my favourite melbourne show to date has to be in Capers - the shows in palms are great but Capers had such a great sound int he room and I just felt that the energy on stage was fabulous.
Hey Damien since you will be using the paino a lot more, does that mean you can squeeze in Never Tear Us Apart somewhere in the song list?
We so love it when you sing that!
Never tear us apart might make the set list on special occasions.You never know.
Damien, i'm currently listening to Catch The Wind and was wondering if you will possibly ever or would like to do a live performance somewhere with the Choir Of Hard Knocks and Sing Old Man or Only Love Can Break Your Heart?
KAZZABABE
Could you please sing Without You at the Gaels club gig you will have plenty of time to rehearse before then I think it would be absolutely stunning coming from you
Kazza, how are you doing. Which song is ‘Without you’?
Okay seeing as how Krissy would like you to take her to her formal how would you like to come to my 50th it's still about 18 months away I could even invite all the DLO lovelies over
Kazzababe, it would be lovely but I really couldn’t commit to anything –
sorry.
Damien is there a totally different vibe when you play at an Irish venue such as the Gaels Club
Via Astrokath
Damien, the song 'Without You' that Kazza and I would both love to hear you sing is the Harry Nilsson one.
Astro - you that trhat song is my mam and dad's song - I'll have to learn it, it's great.
BRAFFY
1. Did you like the spider you were given and what has happened to it?
Braffy, good to chat. We love the spider, to be honest, it’s Billy’s favourite toy - he chases and chews it – sorry.
2. Do you know how many songs are going to be on the next album?
Regarding the next album, I’m not sure how many songs will be on it, I’d like to think more than twelve.
3. Any chance members of DLO can be on your next video? After all, we are more than capable of throwing a bucket or two of water all over you or walking around holding up an aeroplane or sign
Not sure about the video, I would love to have you guys there but as always, most of these things are not in my control. We’ll see.
TINA
1. Damien did you know that some of your songs have been played during the Olympic telecast?! It was a wonderful surprise!!
Tina, It’s great that the songs have been played during the Olympics, it just gives more confidence towards the original material – it’s brilliant.
2. Did you watch the episode of Domestic Blitz when a lovely Irish lady was surprised by having Bryan McFadden come to sing in her backyard, and she was very disappointed that it wasn't you? It was lovely free advertising for you!! If you did, have you since gone and visited her??
I didn’t see the episode of domestic blitz but I heard all about it- I have been meaning to contact the lady on the episode but I haven’t managed to get her details yet3. Do you tell all the crowds that they are the best singers, or are there definite differences between the states?
Regarding the singing, to be honest I don’t tell every audience they’re the best, in fact some weren’t so good ha… I’ll keep their names a secret ha.4. Damien can you go to Krissy's formal, that would be so cute!!
(answer given to Krissy)
Do you think Channel 10 would ever do an Idol Allstars (ie: best performers from each season) and would you consider doing it?
Hey Tina. I’m not sure if ten will do an Idol all stars. If they did, I not sure how I’d feel about performing on it. I love Idol and performing on the main show but an all stars show wouldn’t be something I’d be keen on.
Damien, I have heard that you are going to be bringing a piano with you on the next leg of your tour.... is it coming all the way to WA??? I would love to hear you play the piano and sing live, but it's a long way to bring a piano!!!
Tina, the plan with the piano is for me to get an electric one that isn't too heavy - the weight is always an issue. Tomorrow I'm looking at a nord keyboard which is meant to be really good. If it works then it'll be coming to WA
Damien, do you get a laugh out of some of the funny siggy's online, such as Womby's "Blame it on the Boodgie"? That one always makes me smile!!
Tina, i love the sig lines, they always give me a laugh - some of them are so creative aswell, wow, really.
Hey Damien, just wondering, do you ever wear the bloomers I made for you!??
Hey Tina, James really wanted to wear the Bloomers so I leant them to him.
One last request.... Please, please, please sing Creep when you come back to Cafe Bouvard in October!!
Tina - you got it, you have to remind me though.
Damien.... would you ever consider doing a one off special gig just for Damienites??? I would fly to Sydney for that one!!
We would all behave, honestly!!!
Hey there, I would certainly do a one off Damienites gig, maybe close to the release of the next album.
ROXY
Q. What happened to the Leopard print Thong? *I was dared to ask this!*
Hey Roxy, ha the leopard skin thong, well I’m wearing it of course ha… Jimmy has it, I think he’s wearing it.
Q. Do you do Requests for songs at the concerts?
I definitely do song requests but given the time limit that we have at each venue, I can normally only sneak in one or max two per show. I always play way over our time limit per venue.
Q. If so, how is the best way to ask/request them?
Best bet is to just shout the songs out and if there’s time and I know the song I might give it a go.
Do you have a favourite holiday destination?
TRILLY
1. Hi Damien. I'd like to ask if you are a disciplined writer and have a regular routine and time to write (like when the boys are in bed) or do you write when the Muse inspires you?
Hey Trilly, how are you. I don’t have dedicated writing time, actually quite the opposite, I have so little spare time that I write when ever I can and that could mean anytime of the day.
2.How is having a definite deadline for your novel this time around changing the writing experience?
Working to a deadline is tough but I’m trying not to think about it.
3.Are you in the demo stage of the originals album and if you are, how many tracks do you submit before the final selection?
Lots of the new songs are at demo stage but I’m not rushing this album, it’s important to take my time with this one.
So happy to hear you are taking your time with the originals ,D. I'm really looking forward to it.
aww, Billy sounds so cute. If you need an "official"portait taken ,just let me know,OK?
Trilly, yea It's really important to me to make sure that the next album is the best I can make it.
Damien, I'd love to hear you do more Radiohead or some Muse. Your falsetto is so suited toThom Yorke or Matthew Bellamy's music. Any chance in the future? Not recorded, just sung.
Trilly - the problem with adding too many covers is it limits the amount of original material I can do. Most shows have set times that we have to be on and off the stage and because of that we write the set list to suit the audience, squeezing in some extra things where we can.
STARSUZ
Do you have a song (one that you've sung, or otherwise) that is your absolute favourite? If so, what makes it the favourite?
Hey Starsuz, my all time favourite song is Hallelujah. I think what makes this a favourite for me is the melody more than the words, it’s great to song.
NUFFY
1. Since 2006, you've probably been exercising and extending your vocal chords more often (I'm assuming?)
(a) What difference has it made to your vocal fitness for performing/recording?
Nuffy, You know I find that these days my voice is getting stronger and higher which is great, it gives me so much more scope for picking harder songs.(b)
Has it changed what you expect of your abilities when you write songs or choose covers to do?... or has your style stayed consistent with the past?
2. How many songs are you producing personally on the new album?... or co-producing?
Regarding the new album, I am executive producing all my songs which is cool, I’ll be very involved this time and also, you never know
3. Are there any guest collaborators on any of the new songs, as with the Choir of Hard Knocks?
, there could be one or two collaborations. I’ve written with a few people but whether the songs make the final cut, time will tell.
We're all set for the Basement gig showing on ABC on the 28th. Have you seen it yet yourself?
Damien, (please correct me if I'm wrong) you said the Official Site will be getting a facelift. Does that include the Official Forum too and will it be soon? Just wondering if they're going to keep the old posts, or lose them?
Hey Nuffy,
The website is meant to get a face lift but at this stage that still looks to be a long way away. The forum, even if it gets changed, should remain intact overall.
Doesn't singing your favourites so many times over a just few months ruin them for you? ... (any examples?)
btw How great were the 2nd anniversary/birthday banners? You must have had a hard choice.
Nuffy - Sometimes singing songs alot that you really like can spoil them a bit but I have to say that I often try to change them a little bit to keep them interesting and with songs like Hallelujah, the song is so strong that it's hard to get tired of it.
SELESTIAL
Your live performances this tour have been outstanding; Indi’s violin and Eric’s guitar varying the arrangements of your songs adds dimension and I feel a wonderful musical unity.
The Mix 106.5 Limelight performance the other day was superb and too good to disappear “into the ether”, so I wish an official live collection CD is released very soon.
Hey Selestial, I hope the live recordings don't vanish also, although next year I will be doing a live DVD with the new album
WOMBY
Damien do you have any idea when we will be seeing the show that was recorded at the Basement
How do you explain the amazing rapport that you and Eric have on stage together?
What was the last CD you bought Damien?
The last album I bought was the 'Beautiful Mind' film soundtrack.
Yes thanks again Damien for coming online You're so good to us But do you ever get sick of being told what to sing, what to wear........
MORGAINE
Damien...How much input do you get in the arrangements and production of the songs you record? Do you have the arrangement in mind when writing?
??
What does January 26th mean to you?
It means so much to me, it's the day I settled officially in my new home of Oz.
MYSTERRI
1. What is your favourite cuisine?
I love Indian
2. Do you read all of the messages we post here on DLO or do you only read specific threads?
I skim over things so I only have bits of the nitty griity stuff.
3. Do you prefer city or country living?
I prefer city life.
SJ
1. What do you miss most about Ireland? (Besides your family and friends of course!)
Believe it or not, the weather!
2. Do you have any plans to release any of your future albums here, or come back and do concerts or anything like that?
Yes, I hope to release the new originals album.3. (Keeping with the theme...) Have you written any songs about places in Ireland or any aspect of Irish life?
Not really - although bigger plan was about leaving Ireland.Thanks in advance for answering all of these questions, Damien - You're the best!!
Hey Guys, Unfortunately I'm going to have to go now. The kids have just returned home from the park and we're off to Bondi markets. it was great chatting and I hope I answreed most peoples questions. Thanks a million again for all your hgelp with everything, you guys are amazing. If you can continue to get the word out there about new shows etc that would be brilliant. Coming up in the next few weeks I'll be on The Suzie show and State Focus show - both on the Win network.
Anyway, take care everyone and have a wonderful afternoon.
All the best
Damien