The ex-Boyzone singer tells Pratim D. Gupta that attitude is the key
For you will still be here tomorrow/ But your dreams may not…
Just like the words of the Cat Stevens classic Father and son, which is the
highlight of Ronan Keating’s new album, the ex-Boyzone frontman is living his
dreams to the fullest. The melody man spoke to Good life about yesterday, today
and tomorrow.
Your latest release is called 10 Years of Hits. How have you evolved as a
singer in these 10 years?
When
I started out at the age of 16, I was a child. I was brand new to the business.
I had no idea where I was going. No one knows where he is getting to at that
stage. I was eager, hungry and passionate. In these 10 years I have grown up and
matured. I feel I have become a better singer and a better songwriter.
Don’t you think it was too early for a “greatest hits” album?
It’s not a “greatest hits” album as such. It just features the hits of my first
10 years in music. I just hope I can come out with a similar album after another
10 years and yet another one after the next 10.
You have sung the famous Cat Stevens number Father and son with him.
How did it happen and what was it like?
It was an incredible experience. He is a genius, a legend. He has always been a
big hero of mine. He came out after 27 years to sing this song with me. I had
sung the same song when I had auditioned for Boyzone 11 years back. We had
become friends, too, and had stayed in touch all these years. When I was
planning this album, I told him that this was the most important song of the
collection. He said he’ll do it.
You have sung solo versions of the Boyzone hits Words and Baby Can I Hold
You. How different was the recording experience?
Kind of bizarre. It’s not that I wasn’t used to being alone in the studio. But
it was different. Singing the songs with Boyzone was another feeling altogether.
Looking back, would you have preferred a solo musical career right from the
start?
No. I had a great time in Boyzone. I have never taken the band for granted. I am
here today just for them. Boyzone couldn’t last forever and had a short life
span.
How difficult was it to come out of a successful boyband and establish
yourself as a solo artiste?
It wasn’t difficult for me. Once I started writing the songs and recording them,
I knew I was on. People make mistakes by trying to be different people. I just
tried to be me, the same person from Boyzone. I sang the records people
wanted to listen to.
How do you approach your solo albums as opposed to the way you worked with
Boyzone?
I just sit back and write my songs and then record them in the studios. I try to
choose the right songs. It’s a long process but I feel relaxed.
We have a lot of boybands here in Calcutta. What is the right recipe for a
successful boyband?
Boybands need to co-ordinate within the groups, sing the right songs, have the
right look and, most importantly, have the right attitude. There are a lot of
factors that need to come together. We were at the right place at the right
time. These days, the scenario has changed a lot but I believe the concept of
boybands can still work.
What are your memories of the India tour?
Oh! I remember the India tour so well. In Mumbai, the streets were all lined up
with people. It was an incredible experience in Bangalore, too. I would love to
come back to India in the next couple of months. I am doing a fundraising
show for the tsunami survivors on the Phuket beaches at the end of this month.
Maybe we can plan an India tour after that.
What is your take on Indian music?
I haven’t heard much. But I am making a new record and if I do come to India, I
am sure I’ll be influenced by the colours, flavours and people and use them in
my album.
Who have been your greatest musical influences?
I think everybody that I have loved listening to. Bryan Adams, Sting, Elvis
Presley, Frank Sinatra, Cat Stevens, everybody.
You got married at 21. Has your wife been an inspiration?
She’s been my rock. I wouldn’t be here without her. She’s guided me through
every up and down.
What plans for 2005?
I am doing a couple of Europe shows. Last year was really hectic with a whole
lot of shows. This year I want to take it slow.
When
I started out at the age of 16, I was a child. I was brand new to the business.
I had no idea where I was going. No one knows where he is getting to at that
stage. I was eager, hungry and passionate. In these 10 years I have grown up and
matured. I feel I have become a better singer and a better songwriter.