Good morning everybody. How are we all doing this morning. Well it's great to swing by pre-flight tomorrow to see how you're all doing and have a little chat. I've answered a couple of questions already, here they come, some nice ones.
Sister asks:
How is the album coming along and what is the proposed schedule date of release.
So far the album is going really well. It’s early days and we won’t start recording until abot January, after that hopefully a release near end April. You never know these things change a lot
Roxy asks:
Are you able to elaborate further about the article regarding you writing with The Potbelleez?
Myself and Ilan are really good mates so we have written a few songs together which are pretty cool.
We've been told that Darryn is coming back to Oz to play drums for you? Is this a one off thing? ie: will this be for the rest of the tour or some other project down the track perhaps?
So far he’s thinking of coming over here for a year and seeing how he likes living here.
Is Kevin Kelly still on the cards to be playing with you guys at the NSW gigs?
At this stage, it would be great to have him on stage but probably it won’t happen.
Princess asks:
Do you have any idea when a single will be released, will it be a lead up to the new album?
Not sure yet, things change so much that it would be wrong to say anything now.
Houndsy asks:
1. Damien, do you have a fear of anything? Mine is definately spiders and needles!!
I used to hate needles also but I’ve kind of got over that now which is nice. No other real fears as such.
2. What are some of your fave movies, do you like to be scared with horror, or do you watch the old musicals and sing along to them?
I like all kinds of movies and I watch quite a few too. I like a good thriller and at the same time, a great comedy.
3. If I was to cook you dinner what would be on the menu your fave meal?
I always say Indian food but I’m not really a food person at all – there isn’t one thing that I say, wow I love that dish. I’ve never really put much into food and often skip meals
4. Can you rollerskate?
Yes I can
5. Who would you be all fan(boyie) over if you ever met them?
Bill Murray
Sister asks:
Will you have your piano with you for the rest of the tour?
Yes hopefully, my keyboard is still smashed up so I have to get it fixed, very upset about that.
Winterlong asks:
I have a little hypothetical for you:
If you had competed on Idol THIS year, what would your song choices have been?
Just in case you are not watching, themes that weren't in the 2006 year are/were:
Idol's Idol
Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley
Abba
Fernando
Motown
I’ve been loving you
The Rolling Stones
Angie
Womby asks:
1. Is there a particular artist/genre you would like to see the Idols tackle?
Original songs should come back in.
2. What would you sing for Michael Jackson week this Sunday?
Billie Jean
Tarapanda asks:
What are the chances of a DVD next year. TWJ is nearly worn out
They cost so much to make that they actually end up replacing an album release so it’s risky business unless you have something that will definitely make back the cost of production.
Princess asks:
I know you're very busy - but, would you ever consider doing a cd of calming lullaby's for babies? and grown ups
Not top of the list but never rule out anything.
Michele asks:
How are you feeling?So many shows all over Australia and not to mention other function you do.Enjoy your holiday and looking forward to seeing you at the Gaels show.
I’m feeling good, definitely a bit tired but loving the response to this years shows, it’s been very positive.
Shimmery asks:
Do you have any thoughts yet as to what sort of tours/gigs you might be planning for next year to go with the new album?
Not sure yet, there will be a tour but probably won’t be until about June.
How is your next book coming along?
The book still has quite a bit of work to do so it’s busy right now trying to finish everything.
Smiley asks:
My question.... when you go to private functions eg BBQ's/birthday parties, are you often asked to sing.... and do you?
We know you "bring a song" instead of a present!
Sometimes I’m asked to sing and for friends, it’s just normal but if it’s people I don’t know, I’m hesitant, it’s important to unwind and forget about work when I’m off with my family.
.....and on that note, Second question... have you tried to sing Cold Cold Beer yet?
Ha not yet, I better give it a go.
Kazzababe asks:
My Question is.............
You Guessed it have you learnt Without You so you can sing it at the Gaels Club if not thats okay, you can have another month and sing it to me everybody at Rooty Hill or Parra.
NO PRESSURE AT ALL.
Ha. I’m sorry I haven’t learned it and I’ve got to be honest, I probably won’t get to learn it either. Because I’m doing this original album I’m trying to get my mind off cover songs.
Trilly asks:
Have you finalised the track list yet for the new album?
No, not even close – the track listing and song choice is the longest and hardest process of the album.
Does it have a title already? and is there anything more you can tell us about it?
No title yet but the songs are a major progression from Where we Land – it sounds like a much more mature album than that.
and lastly
Do you remember mentioning doing a Damienite gig at some stage? We do ! bwah
Closer to the time, let’s chat and try to make a plan.
Krissy asks:
My questions are....
One of your new songs that you sang at the Palms, I'll Be There, will that definitely be on the new album?. Cause i'm just in love with that song from the moment i heard you sing it!.
Ah I love that song and actually if anyone has a copy of me playing it live can you get it to me because I’d love to hear it back.. I hope this will be on the album but no guarantees yet.
Also, did you enjoy yourself at the arias?
, did you party afterwards haha?, and who did you hang out with?. Loved the suit btw, you should wear it at the Ballarat show
haha.
The Arias was a lot of fun and we most certainly partied afterwards – met loads of people but mainly hung out with Kate Miller Heidke and Kattie Noonan
JJ asks:
How come "Shine like the sun" & "Beautiful" never got to radio, and why do you hardly play SLTS (your best song)
live? and do you think you will 'up the tempo' with your next albumn?, hopefully (originals only).
SLTS is one of my favorites but it just doesn’t work without the full band. The idea is that the next album will be more upbeat but time will tell.
Tina asks:
Which TV competition do you think you would be most likely to win and why? Here are your choices: Dancing with the Stars, Ready Steady Cook, Are you Smarter than a 5th Grader, or Search for a Supermodel!!
Definitely search for a Super Model ha
What was the last concert you went to, and did you get to go backstage?
We get a lot of tickets but I can’t get to go to much – Eileen normally goes. Last thing she saw was Justin Timberlake.
Do you get sick of answering questions, and do you have any questions for us?
Never sick of them and no questions from me, all cool.
Dmac/Dawn asks:
1. Is there any news in relation to your band yet, will it happen? Any clues as to members?
No news, it will have Darren, Eric and Indi and we need to get a few others. Hey thanks for your help with Parammata show, nice one.
2. What will come first: the novel? the single ? the album? the DVD? or the damienite only special ?
The Single.
3. Will the ABC be selling 'Damien Leith Live at the Basement'? would make a nice Christmas present.
No, they unfortunately don’t have the rights and I don’t think the record company will.
4. Will Billy be getting "dogsat" while you're away? [image] [image] [image] ? Do you need a volunteer ? I love dogs
Ha, Eileens brother Rob has taken on the task, he loves him. He’s a great little dog but we still need to train him a bit.
Spud asks:
Have you started recording songs for the album yet or are you still writing?
Compiling things and always still writing, some of the best stuff on WWL happened while redcording.
And another one: If you got offered a role in a movie, would you take it?
It would depend on the movie, I’m always pretty picky with things like that.
Astrokath asks:
1. You mentioned you were collaborating with Aine and Darren - how is that going and are any of those songs likely to make it to the album?
They won’t make this album but we might do something separate next year.
2. Are you still trying to finish the novel by the end of the year, and have HarperCollins got an idea of a publication time?
Yea, it’s all go right now, loads of work to do. No publication date yet.
3. Once the book is out, if I beg, plead and grovel [image] , might you consider a signing in Dymocks Adelaide?
(Don't even think about Borders or A&R over here!!)
Ha I’ll put in a bid for it. I have very little say.
Krissy asks:
Just wondering... Do you know anything about you being on Video Hits Up-late?.
It's says your on in the TV Guide, and we all stay up to watch only to find you don't come on. It's happened quiet a few times, so yeah just wondering if you do?.
No, I’ve done nothing with them in a while so it must be a typo.
Carla asks:
1. We know you love Indian food, but what's your favourite fast food/take away?
Ogalo burgers and chips. Simple pleasures.
2. If you could choose a place for a holiday with the family, (no work involved) where would you go?
South America.
3. We hear the December concerts are going to have a slight Christmas theme, do you already know what Carols you will be singing? If not, are you open to requests?
I have a rough idea what I will be doing, it’ll only be a few and the starting point is WWL Christmas Edition. A new version of This Christmas has been recording for the Myer Christmas Album.
4.What is your favourite cocktail?
Strawberry Daquereeeee – I can’t spell.