10 Questions with ... Paul Colman

NAME:Paul Colman TITLE:Musician WEB:www.paulcolman.com

Label:
Inpop Records

Discography:
History (2009)
Let It Go (2005)

1) Can you offer a brief rundown of your career?

Is this OK to say -- it might be easier to go to www.paulcolman.com and look at the 'About' section.

2) What is the story behind the single "If I Was Jesus"?

I've always loved that song. It happened in a few hours in the studio and the label decided it was the first single. It was quite a shock to me but you have to trust at some point. It is a very true, funny and clever song. Some religious people will hate it, I guess, because they think it may be flippant. To me it is not at all. It is totally biblical and very clever.

3) How is 2009 shaping up for you?

I'm getting about 10 e-mails a week to do singing and speaking performances. So the year is getting full. I guess having no agent and no manager seems to be working out ok. [Smile] I still have some dates left, so feel free to e-mail me at my website and I will come and visit you wherever you are.

4) Does a songwriter have to be a good people watcher? What might be your favorite story that turned into a song?

I think it helps to watch people. For me songs come first as an idea or an impression. They can be triggered by someone's words, a thought, a sound or a piece of music. I think I like "My Brother Jack" from my "Let It Go" record. It's funny, true and it packs a punch.

5) Any interesting or funny stories from radio station visits over the years that you can share with us?

I've always enjoyed visiting radio stations. Christian radio people have great hearts. They don't get paid a lot and without them, I would not have a job. Not a lot of funny things have gone on with radio visits really.

6) Which do you enjoy more the process or the performance?

Definitely performing. Having said that, writing then recording your own music is such a wonderful privilege.

7) What's your favorite song to perform live?

"The One Thing." It has four chords that repeat for five minutes and relies on dynamics and passion to make it work.

8) How do you know when you've written a good song? What or who is your barometer?

My wife will tell me. [Smile] I also rely on other friends and songwriters and trying them out live. After recording about 150 of my songs, I can pretty much tell if it's not great.

9) Was it bitter or sweet to step away from newsboys earlier this year?

Neither. God blessed the whole transition. I am very excited for the band and for my new path as well.

10) If you could imagine life without working in music, what might you try your hand at?

Sales, marketing, preaching, teaching or professional golfer (the latter would see me broke and without any sponsors). [Smile]

1) Who would be a dream artist to record with (any genre)?

Neil Finn

2) What is your favorite city to visit?

Wherever my wife is.

3) What is your favorite road meal?

In N Out Burger

4) Do you have any musical guilty pleasures?

AC/DC "Back in Black"

5) If you could join any band, past or present, which one would you join and why?

Midnight Oil. Because they are the best!