In the first season of Australian Idol, Guy Sebastian blew away the competition and within a few days of his win, the singer found himself recording his debut album, Just As I Am. Since then, success has never been too far behind.
Recently, in the category of Urban Work of the Year, Guy Sebastian and songwriting partner Eve Jeffers have received the APRA Award for ‘Who’s That Girl.’ The single marks the Australian Idol winner’s fifth number one single and was the second highest selling Australian artist single in 2010. Pretty impressive, to say the least!
Of course, music isn’t all that Guy has been doing, and it’s certainly not the only place he’s found success. In a reversal of roles, Guy can also be seen alongside fellow judges Natalie Imbruglia, Ronan Keating and Kyle Sandilands on Australia’s X-Factor.
I recently had the chance to chat with Guy about that role reversal, along with his musical inspiration and new album in the works…
STELLA: Your music is composed of elements from different musical genres, who are or have been some of your biggest influences?
GUY: I’ve always loved artists like Otis Redding, Sam Cooke and The Beatles. I think they are amazing songwriters and musicians. I also get a lot of influence from Brian McKnight. Obviously I will always sound different to them though, as their hits were very soul and blues based, whereas mine are more modern and pop based.
STELLA: Tell me about being a judge on the X Factor…
GUY: I love it, It’s my chance to mentor amazing new talent and teach them what I have learnt in my 8 odd years in the industry. I also know how they are feeling, as I started off as a contestant on Australian Idol, I can sympathize with their nerves and emotions.
STELLA: You’ve performed with artists like Lionel Richie and Olivia Newton John… Of those that you’ve performed with, do you have a favorite? Is there someone you’d like to perform with that you haven’t?
GUY: I couldn’t pick a favorite, as they are both such different people and artists. I had so much fun on the Lionel Richie Tour, as did I with Olivia some years back now.
STELLA: ”Who’s That Girl” became your fifth No. 1 single, making you the only Australian Idol winner to achieve that feat. Congratulations! Is there a 6th in your future?
GUY: Hopefully! I am in the process of writing for my new album now. I feel truly blessed every time one of my songs makes it to number 1. I don’t expect it, but I certainly do hope for it!
STELLA: You’re a phenomenal songwriter, tell me a little about the process and what inspires you?
GUY: I love writing by myself, in the moment of an emotion. Emotions for me are truly the best inspiration, something that has happened in my life that has affected me on a deep level, whether it’s happiness, love or sadness. When I write with other artists or songwriters, it’s a bit different but still a lot of fun.
STELLA: So, what’s next?
GUY: Next for me is just building up a good fan base in the US, I’m working hard on that now doing radio tours and promoting my song Who’s That Girl feat’ Eve. So I would love to be able to break into the US market, which would allow me to have a career somewhere other than Australia.
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To stay up to date on all things Guy Sebastian, be sure to check out his website HERE. You can also find him HERE on Twitter and HERE on Facebook. And if you haven’t already, you should check out his single “Who’s That Girl” featuring Eve on iTunes now!
Photo via WireImage
