Trouble catches up with…

Stephen Gately!

Last autumn, Trouble was lucky enough to get chatting to Stephen Gately, well-loved member of Boyzone and developing solo artist.

Last week, we caught up with the man himself again, now on the eve of his third solo single release, Stay. Here, we bring you the exclusive interview low-down, including details of the latest happenings in this talented guy's career…

Trouble: Since we last spoke, you've continued to work as a solo artist and in Boyzone. Has it been tricky juggling the two?
Stephen G: Well, I haven't really done much stuff with Boyzone - I've mainly been concentrating on my solo career, plus taking time out to get to know myself again. Lots of meditation, shopping, you know…! I have two dogs so I spend a lot of time looking after them - one's a Shitzsu, called Joey after Joey in Friends, and one's an American Cocker Spaniel, called Woody after Woody in Toy Story.
Trouble: Very cute!

Trouble: Do you still find time to see friends and just generally chill?
Stephen G: Yeah, I have to spend a lot of time with my friends and family. Singing is my life but you always have to take time out to chill.

Trouble: Does it ever feel like people aren't taking your solo stuff seriously because you're in such a successful band?
Stephen G: No, not really. Boyzone have been really successful so people will always take them seriously. I'm very serious about my work - I have to be, it's my job. I'm always careful about who I work with, producers and so on.
(Trouble: Definitely the sussed type, but is he still down-to-earth? We asked him…)

Trouble: You've said in the past that fame wouldn't go to your head. Do you still feel that's the case?
Stephen G: Definitely - you can't let it. I won't change just because I'm famous - I prefer to be myself.
(Trouble: Cool.)

Trouble : You've got a reputation as a gentle, modest person. Did that make it hard in the early days to succeed in such a tough music business?
Stephen G: This is a fickle business - you're only as good as your last hit, you know, so you just have to enjoy it, make the most of it but just be yourself.

Trouble: Are there times when you pinch yourself to make sure all the fame is real?
Stephen G: No, because I know it's real. I've worked really hard to get where I am - each member of Boyzone has - so I never really think it's not real. I work too hard for that.

Trouble: The second single from your New Beginning album, I Believe, was taken from the Billy Elliot film soundtrack. What inspired you to record it?
Stephen G: Well, I saw the movie and I could relate to it, coming from a poor background and wanting to go the opposite direction that everyone around me wanted me to go in. In the film, Billy's family wanted him to do something he didn't want and it's the same kinda thing, you know.

Trouble: For the TV version of Watership Down, as well as the soundtrack, you were asked to be the voice of one of the characters. Did the experience tempt you to do more TV roles?
Stephen G: Yeah, I'd love a part in EastEnders!
(Trouble: Look out for him on the Square, then!)

Trouble: Last year you had fabulous solo success touring Asia. Do you have any major tours lined up for 2001?
Stephen G: Yeah, I'd like to do a big one again - maybe early next year or something. I like touring as it allows you to please your fans.

Trouble: Tell us more about your soon-to-be-released single, Stay.
Stephen G: Well, it's a pop song - Britney Spears, Backstreet Boys, that sort of thing. I tried a ballad and I tried various other things, but ended up returning to pop. The dance routine is really heavy - the moves are really hard, so it's been keeping me fit!

Trouble: Have you got any advice for any budding popstars out there.
Stephen G: With the music biz, the best thing to do is to get to know your voice, and get it in tune. When you're ready, record a demo and send as many copies as you can to the A&R department of all record companies. Make sure you send it in to the A&R department, as so many people send their demos to different departments and they just end up getting lost.
(Trouble: There, a practical tip from the top for all you budding singers out there!)

Ciao and a huge 'ta' to you, Stephen Gately.

Such a gifted fella – and he's even polite to interviewers… Trouble fans everywhere wish you glittering success with Stay, out on April 30th.

You can find out more info about Stephen by clicking onto his website: www.stephengately.com.