Summary Online Chat with Damien - 1.11.08
Nov 1, 2008 19:45:20 GMT 10
Post by Roxy on Nov 1, 2008 19:45:20 GMT 10
Here is a summary of this mornings Chat with Damien. You can read it in all it's glory Here
A big thank you to Damien from all the DLO members for giving up some of your Saturday morning to be here with us to answer some of our questions.
Damien:
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:
Q. How is the album coming along and what is the proposed schedule date of release.
A. 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
Q. Will you have your piano with you for the rest of the tour?
A. Yes hopefully, my keyboard is still smashed up so I have to get it fixed, very upset about that.
Roxy:
Q. Are you able to elaborate further about the article regarding you writing with The Potbelleez?
A. Myself and Ilan are really good mates so we have written a few songs together which are pretty cool.
Q. 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?
A. So far he’s thinking of coming over here for a year and seeing how he likes living here.
Q. Is Kevin Kelly still on the cards to be playing with you guys at the NSW gigs?
A. At this stage, it would be great to have him on stage but probably it won’t happen.
Q. Will Eric and Indi be on this next album?
A.Roxy - they will indeed.
Houndsy:
Q. Damien, do you have a fear of anything? Mine is definately spiders and needles!!
A. I used to hate needles also but I’ve kind of got over that now which is nice. No other real fears as such.
Q. 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?
A. 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.
Q. If I was to cook you dinner what would be on the menu your fave meal?
A. 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
Q. Can you rollerskate?
A. Yes I can
Q. Who would you be all fan(boyie) over if you ever met them?
A. Bill Murray
Winterlong:
Q. 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
A. Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley
Abba
A. Fernando
Motown
A. I’ve been loving you
The Rolling Stones
A. Angie
Womby:
Q. Is there a particular artist/genre you would like to see the Idols tackle?
A. Original songs should come back in.
Q. What would you sing for Michael Jackson week this Sunday?
A. Billie Jean
Q. is this you? (re Abba Musical)
A. Ha Womby, those Abba days were fun, ha, I dressed in all that gear but that was not me.
Q. : do you have any photos of those days you can share with us?
A. thankfully there are no photos ha I looked pretty rough!!!
Q. How;s Eric's fingers Damien? Is he staying out of trouble?
A. Womby, his fingers are fine thankfully - I've never seen somebody climb into a car the way that he does - the poor guy
Q. Will he and Indi be at the Vanguard with you in December?
A. Womby, absolutely, those two are now very much part of the band.
Q. Are you all packed or does Eils take care of that?
Do you always take too many clothes (like most of us) and come home with a heap of stuff you never wore?
A. Womby, we oth do it - I'm somebody who needs to be pretty organised so I always get involved.
Tarapanda:
Q. What are the chances of a DVD next year. TWJ is nearly worn out
A. 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:
Q. I know you're very busy - but, would you ever consider doing a cd of calming lullaby's for babies? and grown ups
A. Not top of the list but never rule out anything.
Q. Damien, Do you sometimes get sick of all the travelling you have to do to get from place to place to perform? (It must be very tiring)
A. Princess - moving from place to place can be tough but I am well used to it and so is Eileen and the boys. No particular favourite place, they're all great.
Shimmery:
Q. 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?
A. Not sure yet, there will be a tour but probably won’t be until about June.
Q. How is your next book coming along?
A. The book still has quite a bit of work to do so it’s busy right now trying to finish everything.
Q. did you get a funny feeling last week that someone you knew was in the stand right behind you when you were singing at the tattoo last Saturday night?
A. Hey Shims, ha, I was wondering if anyone was there - wow it was a different sort of gig ha
Q. Wow you had a great "up close and personal view of the firewworks" there
A. Shims, I actually ducked when the fireworks went off, I've never been that close to fireworks before - bit of a shock
Smiley:
Q. when you go to private functions eg BBQ's/birthday parties, are you often asked to sing.... and do you?
A. 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.
Q. .....and on that note, Second question... have you tried to sing Cold Cold Beer yet?
A. Ha not yet, I better give it a go.
SMILEY, NICE ONE
Q. Damien, It's my birthday tomorrow...will you sing me Happy Birthday?
A. Happy Birthday to you Smiley....
Q. Damien- should I put a bet on an Irish horse in the Melbourne Cup ridden by someone called Damien? Think the luck of the Irish will help? Do you have a pick? (as you're going away I'm guessing not!! )
A. Hey Smiley - no pick for the melbourne cup, I'm terrible with things like that, I never win - although I do think you should bank on the Irish horse ha
Kazzababe:
Q. 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.
A. 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:
Q. Have you finalised the track list yet for the new album?
A. No, not even close – the track listing and song choice is the longest and hardest process of the album.
Q. Does it have a title already? and is there anything more you can tell us about it?
A. No title yet but the songs are a major progression from Where we Land – it sounds like a much more mature album than that.
Q. Do you remember mentioning doing a Damienite gig at some stage? We do ! bwah
A. Closer to the time, let’s chat and try to make a plan.
Q. Damien, in regard to you fame, are people usually polite about recognising you or do you get interrupted in your private time much? I hope not.
A. Trilly - People have been great to me and my family, never a problem although last night for Halloween we had about 100 people coming to the house looking for photos ha
Q. are you a sweet -tooth and what's your fave chocolate bar?
A. Trilly - I Have a major sweet tooth, i didn't always have one but over the last while Ive changed. I like bounty's
Morgaine:
Q. Damien...Do you do all. or mostly all, your arrangements?
A. Morgaie - for the tour, I normally instigate ideas like the Irish section in Wicked Game etc. but with people like Eric and Indi, they take those ideas and bring them to a whole new level, they're great for improvising with.
Krislovesdamien:
Q. 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!.
A. 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.
Q. 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.
A. 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
Q. 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?.
A. No, I’ve done nothing with them in a while so it must be a typo.
Q. Damien, Us Melbourne girls have got I'll Be There on video, we could send it too you if you like!
A. Hey Kris, that would be cool, I would just like to hear how it was just played on the piano. The new songs are I think some of the best I've ever written and on top of that, I have written with a few good friends and resulted in some nice tues also.
Q. Whats some things you Love about Melbourne Damien?
A. Kris,
The main thing for me about Melbourne is that it has loads of narrow streets and close proximity buildings so it has a European feeling which is nice when I get pangs of homesickness.
Q. : whats the craziest costume you've ever worn?
A. Kris - it was a bit crazy but everyone was nice. The best costume I ever wore was a pirate one - I've never real dressed up as anything frightening
Starsis:
Q. Have you ever played Aussie Rules or Gaelic football - and have you been watching any of the International Rules series? Ireland is doing too well !
A. Starsis - I did play Gaelic fotball as a kid but I was terrible - Ireland are doing so well which is fabulous.
JJ:
Q. 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).
A. 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:
Q. 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!!
A. Definitely search for a Super Model ha
Q. What was the last concert you went to, and did you get to go backstage?
A. 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.
Q. Do you get sick of answering questions, and do you have any questions for us?
A. Never sick of them and no questions from me, all cool.
Q.Damien, this 2008 series of idol for me is just petering out to nothing once again (I'm sure others disagree), do you have a copy of the whole 2006 series you could lend me??
A.Tina, I don't have a copy of the whole series, I think my mam does
Q. I see Leonard Cohen is coming to town... will you go to see him perform? (and perhaps offer to sing a Hallelujah duet with him!!)
A. Tina that would be great but I think Paul Kelly got in there before me. I'll go see him though.
Q. are you wearing your pyjamas? (like some of the rest of us ..... well, we are two hours behind here!! )
A. Tina - no PJs, I have a gig tonight in the Entertainment centre and a friends wedding to go to before and after the gig, along with our trip tomorrow so we've been up very early and dressed already ha
Q. : Have you ever been out and heard yourself as a ringtone on someones phone?
A. I heard Night of my LIfe on somebodies phone one day ha strange
Dmac/Dawn:
Q. Is there any news in relation to your band yet, will it happen? Any clues as to members?
A. 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.
Q. What will come first: the novel? the single ? the album? the DVD? or the damienite only special ?
A. The Single.
Q. Will the ABC be selling 'Damien Leith Live at the Basement'? would make a nice Christmas present.
A. No, they unfortunately don’t have the rights and I don’t think the record company will.
Q. Will Billy be getting "dogsat" while you're away? [image] [image] [image] ? Do you need a volunteer ? I love dogs
A. 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:
Q. Have you started recording songs for the album yet or are you still writing?
A. Compiling things and always still writing, some of the best stuff on WWL happened while redcording.
Q. And another one: If you got offered a role in a movie, would you take it?
A, It would depend on the movie, I’m always pretty picky with things like that.
Q. At your gigs, when you tell those stories before and after songs, have you already planned them while you were rehearsing, or do you make them up on the spot and then retell any good ones you think of?
A. Spud, normally I make all that up and if anything sounds like fun, I do it again ha
Regarding the first single, i think there will be lots of notice.
Q. Did you like school? What were your favourite subjects?
A. No, I never liked going to school but there was a few subjects I did love mainly history and French
Q. Have you ever tried to surf?
A. Yes but I was unfortunately hung over and it wasn't a great feeling being out at sea that day.
Q. Do people ever ring you (like telemarketers) and suddenly recognise your voice and get really excited?
A. Sometimes, it's lovely.
Astrokath:
Q. 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?
A. They won’t make this album but we might do something separate next year.
Q. Are you still trying to finish the novel by the end of the year, and have HarperCollins got an idea of a publication time?
A. Yea, it’s all go right now, loads of work to do. No publication date yet.
Q. 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!!)
A. Ha I’ll put in a bid for it. I have very little say.
Q. Damien, do you have a time set aside for writing music, or do you need to just stop what you are doing when an idea comes to you?
A. Astro - normally I have to write as soon as an idea arrives. The writing process for me is an all day sort of thing, I'm always doing it.
Q. Damien, how does it feel when you come on here and see all those photos of yourself - does it seem a bit weird?
A. Astro - ha, it's definitely strange but very nice and more over for me, I find it quite amazing what everybody does with the pictures, I'm going to have to learn how to do that some day.
Carla:
Q. We know you love Indian food, but what's your favourite fast food/take away?
A. Ogalo burgers and chips. Simple pleasures.
Q. If you could choose a place for a holiday with the family, (no work involved) where would you go?
A. South America.
Q. 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?
A. 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.
Q. What is your favourite cocktail?
A. Strawberry Daquereeeee – I can’t spell.
Q. Damien.....like myself, you have young children so are "forced" haha...to watch a lot of childrens movies and TV shows. Do you have a favourite childrens movie or TV show?
A. Hey Carla - I'm a big kid at heart, I love all the kids movies and it amazes me how I can watch them so many times and still like them - my favourite is Robin Hood
Maggiemay:
Q. You have indicated that the songs on Catch The Wind were chosen for particular reasons and I wonder what the story, if any, was behind including “Time in a Bottle”?
A.Hey there Maggie and SJ, good to see you both. Time in a bottle is just a beautiful tune that I always remember listening to as a child, it had that distinctive sound which always satyed in my head. I really like it.
SJ:
Q. I just have one question... The song you wrote with Mark Wilkinson is absolutely fantastic – Do you think either of you will ever record it? Or even better, would you ever consider recording it with Mark?
A. SJ, actually, has anyone got a copy of that song, I haven't heard it in a while so I'm not sure how it even goes, I'll have to listen to it again. The think with co-writing i that normally one of the other decide to make it there own and I know Mark likes layig t so I'll leave it to him.
Q. D, do you get asked to speak Irish often? If you do, do you say "An bhfuil cead agam dul go dtí an leithreas?"
A. Hey SJ - I do actually and becasue I lived over seas for a long time, I don't really know any Irish except swear words ha
Q. And to add to Starsis's question... Are you a Kildare supporter?!
A. SJ - You bet I do. My brother Darren is a great Gaelic football player.
Di:
Q. Someone was looking for a version of Waiting On An Angel, to play at a funeral the other week and we relized that the only one we have is when you sang it on Idol, with all the screaming and cheering. It is a gorgeous song for a wedding or funeral. Do you think that one day we can get a recording of it??
A. Hey Di, I don't think I'll be recording that song again, it's beautiful though
Michelle:
Q.Michelle: Hi just wondering is Billie your typical puppy still does he rip clothes off the line chew the shoes totally destroy the yard or is he a good puppy.
A. Michelle - Billy is typical, he eats everything ha
Q. What a lovely scene kids are amazing arent they which is why im 10 weeks pregnant and having another one.
A. Michelle, congrats on 10 weeks, thats fantastic - they're amazing, hard work at times but wow, best change to any life.
Damien:
I'm sitting here at my computer with Jagger asleep behind me and Rubber Soul by the Beatles playing in the background - just thought I'd set the scene.
Already Rubber Soul is finished so I'm going to play Tim Christneson Honeyburst
Eileen just walked by and said a big hello - it's raining here now in Sydney and I think the soothing sound is helping Jagger sleep for longer because he's not much of a day sleeper.
Alright Guys, I think it's getting close to me hitting the road and getting prepared for this wedding. I just want to add as alwasy how thankful I am for all of your support over the last while and I'll try to give you sneak prefiews of some of the new demo's for the album.
Actually before I go - Braffy asked a while back about the Vanguard show and was it defnitely cancelled. Unfortunately I had to cancel that one because of other commitments that I couldn't get out of. Sorry if it's messed people around. Also, I cancelled the Mean Fiddler for various reasons but it also now means that I have Eileens birthday off.
Alright everybody, I better go. Thanks so much for coming on and please pass on a hello to everybody who couldn't make it. I hope you guys all have a great weekend and please take care of yourselves.
Lots of love
Damien xx X
If I've forgotton any or there are any mistakes can you please pm me and I'll fix it up. ;D
A big thank you to Damien from all the DLO members for giving up some of your Saturday morning to be here with us to answer some of our questions.
Damien:
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:
Q. How is the album coming along and what is the proposed schedule date of release.
A. 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
Q. Will you have your piano with you for the rest of the tour?
A. Yes hopefully, my keyboard is still smashed up so I have to get it fixed, very upset about that.
Roxy:
Q. Are you able to elaborate further about the article regarding you writing with The Potbelleez?
A. Myself and Ilan are really good mates so we have written a few songs together which are pretty cool.
Q. 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?
A. So far he’s thinking of coming over here for a year and seeing how he likes living here.
Q. Is Kevin Kelly still on the cards to be playing with you guys at the NSW gigs?
A. At this stage, it would be great to have him on stage but probably it won’t happen.
Q. Will Eric and Indi be on this next album?
A.Roxy - they will indeed.
Houndsy:
Q. Damien, do you have a fear of anything? Mine is definately spiders and needles!!
A. I used to hate needles also but I’ve kind of got over that now which is nice. No other real fears as such.
Q. 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?
A. 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.
Q. If I was to cook you dinner what would be on the menu your fave meal?
A. 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
Q. Can you rollerskate?
A. Yes I can
Q. Who would you be all fan(boyie) over if you ever met them?
A. Bill Murray
Winterlong:
Q. 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
A. Hallelujah by Jeff Buckley
Abba
A. Fernando
Motown
A. I’ve been loving you
The Rolling Stones
A. Angie
Womby:
Q. Is there a particular artist/genre you would like to see the Idols tackle?
A. Original songs should come back in.
Q. What would you sing for Michael Jackson week this Sunday?
A. Billie Jean
Q. is this you? (re Abba Musical)
A. Ha Womby, those Abba days were fun, ha, I dressed in all that gear but that was not me.
Q. : do you have any photos of those days you can share with us?
A. thankfully there are no photos ha I looked pretty rough!!!
Q. How;s Eric's fingers Damien? Is he staying out of trouble?
A. Womby, his fingers are fine thankfully - I've never seen somebody climb into a car the way that he does - the poor guy
Q. Will he and Indi be at the Vanguard with you in December?
A. Womby, absolutely, those two are now very much part of the band.
Q. Are you all packed or does Eils take care of that?
Do you always take too many clothes (like most of us) and come home with a heap of stuff you never wore?
A. Womby, we oth do it - I'm somebody who needs to be pretty organised so I always get involved.
Tarapanda:
Q. What are the chances of a DVD next year. TWJ is nearly worn out
A. 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:
Q. I know you're very busy - but, would you ever consider doing a cd of calming lullaby's for babies? and grown ups
A. Not top of the list but never rule out anything.
Q. Damien, Do you sometimes get sick of all the travelling you have to do to get from place to place to perform? (It must be very tiring)
A. Princess - moving from place to place can be tough but I am well used to it and so is Eileen and the boys. No particular favourite place, they're all great.
Shimmery:
Q. 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?
A. Not sure yet, there will be a tour but probably won’t be until about June.
Q. How is your next book coming along?
A. The book still has quite a bit of work to do so it’s busy right now trying to finish everything.
Q. did you get a funny feeling last week that someone you knew was in the stand right behind you when you were singing at the tattoo last Saturday night?
A. Hey Shims, ha, I was wondering if anyone was there - wow it was a different sort of gig ha
Q. Wow you had a great "up close and personal view of the firewworks" there
A. Shims, I actually ducked when the fireworks went off, I've never been that close to fireworks before - bit of a shock
Smiley:
Q. when you go to private functions eg BBQ's/birthday parties, are you often asked to sing.... and do you?
A. 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.
Q. .....and on that note, Second question... have you tried to sing Cold Cold Beer yet?
A. Ha not yet, I better give it a go.
SMILEY, NICE ONE
Q. Damien, It's my birthday tomorrow...will you sing me Happy Birthday?
A. Happy Birthday to you Smiley....
Q. Damien- should I put a bet on an Irish horse in the Melbourne Cup ridden by someone called Damien? Think the luck of the Irish will help? Do you have a pick? (as you're going away I'm guessing not!! )
A. Hey Smiley - no pick for the melbourne cup, I'm terrible with things like that, I never win - although I do think you should bank on the Irish horse ha
Kazzababe:
Q. 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.
A. 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:
Q. Have you finalised the track list yet for the new album?
A. No, not even close – the track listing and song choice is the longest and hardest process of the album.
Q. Does it have a title already? and is there anything more you can tell us about it?
A. No title yet but the songs are a major progression from Where we Land – it sounds like a much more mature album than that.
Q. Do you remember mentioning doing a Damienite gig at some stage? We do ! bwah
A. Closer to the time, let’s chat and try to make a plan.
Q. Damien, in regard to you fame, are people usually polite about recognising you or do you get interrupted in your private time much? I hope not.
A. Trilly - People have been great to me and my family, never a problem although last night for Halloween we had about 100 people coming to the house looking for photos ha
Q. are you a sweet -tooth and what's your fave chocolate bar?
A. Trilly - I Have a major sweet tooth, i didn't always have one but over the last while Ive changed. I like bounty's
Morgaine:
Q. Damien...Do you do all. or mostly all, your arrangements?
A. Morgaie - for the tour, I normally instigate ideas like the Irish section in Wicked Game etc. but with people like Eric and Indi, they take those ideas and bring them to a whole new level, they're great for improvising with.
Krislovesdamien:
Q. 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!.
A. 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.
Q. 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.
A. 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
Q. 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?.
A. No, I’ve done nothing with them in a while so it must be a typo.
Q. Damien, Us Melbourne girls have got I'll Be There on video, we could send it too you if you like!
A. Hey Kris, that would be cool, I would just like to hear how it was just played on the piano. The new songs are I think some of the best I've ever written and on top of that, I have written with a few good friends and resulted in some nice tues also.
Q. Whats some things you Love about Melbourne Damien?
A. Kris,
The main thing for me about Melbourne is that it has loads of narrow streets and close proximity buildings so it has a European feeling which is nice when I get pangs of homesickness.
Q. : whats the craziest costume you've ever worn?
A. Kris - it was a bit crazy but everyone was nice. The best costume I ever wore was a pirate one - I've never real dressed up as anything frightening
Starsis:
Q. Have you ever played Aussie Rules or Gaelic football - and have you been watching any of the International Rules series? Ireland is doing too well !
A. Starsis - I did play Gaelic fotball as a kid but I was terrible - Ireland are doing so well which is fabulous.
JJ:
Q. 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).
A. 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:
Q. 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!!
A. Definitely search for a Super Model ha
Q. What was the last concert you went to, and did you get to go backstage?
A. 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.
Q. Do you get sick of answering questions, and do you have any questions for us?
A. Never sick of them and no questions from me, all cool.
Q.Damien, this 2008 series of idol for me is just petering out to nothing once again (I'm sure others disagree), do you have a copy of the whole 2006 series you could lend me??
A.Tina, I don't have a copy of the whole series, I think my mam does
Q. I see Leonard Cohen is coming to town... will you go to see him perform? (and perhaps offer to sing a Hallelujah duet with him!!)
A. Tina that would be great but I think Paul Kelly got in there before me. I'll go see him though.
Q. are you wearing your pyjamas? (like some of the rest of us ..... well, we are two hours behind here!! )
A. Tina - no PJs, I have a gig tonight in the Entertainment centre and a friends wedding to go to before and after the gig, along with our trip tomorrow so we've been up very early and dressed already ha
Q. : Have you ever been out and heard yourself as a ringtone on someones phone?
A. I heard Night of my LIfe on somebodies phone one day ha strange
Dmac/Dawn:
Q. Is there any news in relation to your band yet, will it happen? Any clues as to members?
A. 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.
Q. What will come first: the novel? the single ? the album? the DVD? or the damienite only special ?
A. The Single.
Q. Will the ABC be selling 'Damien Leith Live at the Basement'? would make a nice Christmas present.
A. No, they unfortunately don’t have the rights and I don’t think the record company will.
Q. Will Billy be getting "dogsat" while you're away? [image] [image] [image] ? Do you need a volunteer ? I love dogs
A. 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:
Q. Have you started recording songs for the album yet or are you still writing?
A. Compiling things and always still writing, some of the best stuff on WWL happened while redcording.
Q. And another one: If you got offered a role in a movie, would you take it?
A, It would depend on the movie, I’m always pretty picky with things like that.
Q. At your gigs, when you tell those stories before and after songs, have you already planned them while you were rehearsing, or do you make them up on the spot and then retell any good ones you think of?
A. Spud, normally I make all that up and if anything sounds like fun, I do it again ha
Regarding the first single, i think there will be lots of notice.
Q. Did you like school? What were your favourite subjects?
A. No, I never liked going to school but there was a few subjects I did love mainly history and French
Q. Have you ever tried to surf?
A. Yes but I was unfortunately hung over and it wasn't a great feeling being out at sea that day.
Q. Do people ever ring you (like telemarketers) and suddenly recognise your voice and get really excited?
A. Sometimes, it's lovely.
Astrokath:
Q. 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?
A. They won’t make this album but we might do something separate next year.
Q. Are you still trying to finish the novel by the end of the year, and have HarperCollins got an idea of a publication time?
A. Yea, it’s all go right now, loads of work to do. No publication date yet.
Q. 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!!)
A. Ha I’ll put in a bid for it. I have very little say.
Q. Damien, do you have a time set aside for writing music, or do you need to just stop what you are doing when an idea comes to you?
A. Astro - normally I have to write as soon as an idea arrives. The writing process for me is an all day sort of thing, I'm always doing it.
Q. Damien, how does it feel when you come on here and see all those photos of yourself - does it seem a bit weird?
A. Astro - ha, it's definitely strange but very nice and more over for me, I find it quite amazing what everybody does with the pictures, I'm going to have to learn how to do that some day.
Carla:
Q. We know you love Indian food, but what's your favourite fast food/take away?
A. Ogalo burgers and chips. Simple pleasures.
Q. If you could choose a place for a holiday with the family, (no work involved) where would you go?
A. South America.
Q. 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?
A. 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.
Q. What is your favourite cocktail?
A. Strawberry Daquereeeee – I can’t spell.
Q. Damien.....like myself, you have young children so are "forced" haha...to watch a lot of childrens movies and TV shows. Do you have a favourite childrens movie or TV show?
A. Hey Carla - I'm a big kid at heart, I love all the kids movies and it amazes me how I can watch them so many times and still like them - my favourite is Robin Hood
Maggiemay:
Q. You have indicated that the songs on Catch The Wind were chosen for particular reasons and I wonder what the story, if any, was behind including “Time in a Bottle”?
A.Hey there Maggie and SJ, good to see you both. Time in a bottle is just a beautiful tune that I always remember listening to as a child, it had that distinctive sound which always satyed in my head. I really like it.
SJ:
Q. I just have one question... The song you wrote with Mark Wilkinson is absolutely fantastic – Do you think either of you will ever record it? Or even better, would you ever consider recording it with Mark?
A. SJ, actually, has anyone got a copy of that song, I haven't heard it in a while so I'm not sure how it even goes, I'll have to listen to it again. The think with co-writing i that normally one of the other decide to make it there own and I know Mark likes layig t so I'll leave it to him.
Q. D, do you get asked to speak Irish often? If you do, do you say "An bhfuil cead agam dul go dtí an leithreas?"
A. Hey SJ - I do actually and becasue I lived over seas for a long time, I don't really know any Irish except swear words ha
Q. And to add to Starsis's question... Are you a Kildare supporter?!
A. SJ - You bet I do. My brother Darren is a great Gaelic football player.
Di:
Q. Someone was looking for a version of Waiting On An Angel, to play at a funeral the other week and we relized that the only one we have is when you sang it on Idol, with all the screaming and cheering. It is a gorgeous song for a wedding or funeral. Do you think that one day we can get a recording of it??
A. Hey Di, I don't think I'll be recording that song again, it's beautiful though
Michelle:
Q.Michelle: Hi just wondering is Billie your typical puppy still does he rip clothes off the line chew the shoes totally destroy the yard or is he a good puppy.
A. Michelle - Billy is typical, he eats everything ha
Q. What a lovely scene kids are amazing arent they which is why im 10 weeks pregnant and having another one.
A. Michelle, congrats on 10 weeks, thats fantastic - they're amazing, hard work at times but wow, best change to any life.
Damien:
I'm sitting here at my computer with Jagger asleep behind me and Rubber Soul by the Beatles playing in the background - just thought I'd set the scene.
Already Rubber Soul is finished so I'm going to play Tim Christneson Honeyburst
Eileen just walked by and said a big hello - it's raining here now in Sydney and I think the soothing sound is helping Jagger sleep for longer because he's not much of a day sleeper.
Alright Guys, I think it's getting close to me hitting the road and getting prepared for this wedding. I just want to add as alwasy how thankful I am for all of your support over the last while and I'll try to give you sneak prefiews of some of the new demo's for the album.
Actually before I go - Braffy asked a while back about the Vanguard show and was it defnitely cancelled. Unfortunately I had to cancel that one because of other commitments that I couldn't get out of. Sorry if it's messed people around. Also, I cancelled the Mean Fiddler for various reasons but it also now means that I have Eileens birthday off.
Alright everybody, I better go. Thanks so much for coming on and please pass on a hello to everybody who couldn't make it. I hope you guys all have a great weekend and please take care of yourselves.
Lots of love
Damien xx X
If I've forgotton any or there are any mistakes can you please pm me and I'll fix it up. ;D