Lead singer of Boyzone, The X Factor judge and philanthropist, Ronan Keating, speaks with Emily Garside about his new album and tour.
At the time of the interview, Ronan Keating was enjoying a last few days off before heading off on an extensive world tour. He spoke as enthusiastically about his 10km walk on the beaches of Cornwall with wife Storm and his dog, as he does about making music, being back on tour and the West End role that changed him as an artist.
Keating is an artist who has seen much change in the industry. Thinking about the industry across the time he’s been in it, Keating reflects that “Big and small things change. There’s a sense of things constantly changing and constantly having to adapt to them”. He goes on that “You can’t expect things to be the same or yourself to be the same, you have to be ready for change and have to adapt.” He’s keen to instil this in younger generations of musicians also saying they have to be “ready and willing to change and adapt, and they can’t expect not to in their career”.
He describes his new album, {The Time of My Life}, as “Very personal. It was a year in the making, happening around the kitchen table”. Having taken himself away to write in the past, Keating made the decision to write this at his home in London. This had the serendipitous effect of meaning his wife Storm would be involved, providing backing vocals to several of the songs. Knowing she could sing, and having her around in the writing process meant her involvement came about “very organically”, he says, and it’s clear Keating is thrilled to have her a part of the creative work. Comparing the way he worked on this album to previous ones, he describes it as “the most productive time writing an album”, something he also credits to his time performing in the West End in the leading role in {Once}.
Talking about the new album, he cites the role in {Once} as a key influence on him as an artist. He talks about seeing the show with his wife several months before taking the part and thinking “I can do that. Looking back, I wasn’t sure if I was trying to convince everyone else or just myself, but I could relate to the character in a very real way, and connect to the music. But I was worried about being asked to sing in a way that wasn’t my usual way”. He also knew it was a fantastic opportunity, talking about the director John Tiffany as “One of the greatest working today and when he asks you say yes”. Luckily for Ronan he did, as the experience has really shaped this next stage in his musical life, and one at times he has trouble shaking off. “I still walk around singing songs from it, even catch myself saying lines to myself”, he laughs.
“Writing the album was the most productive time of my career”, he continues, and he’s now keen to share it with fans. Thinking about the way different audiences react, Keating is pleased that his diverse audiences always embrace the new work, saying that “they just go with it”. He feels the reaction changes in different parts of the world rather than with age demographics, saying that “Different towns, different parts of the world you know the reaction will be different.” Asked if he has any highlights in terms of touring locations, “There’s something about the North” he reflects “I love the reaction in the North of England, Scotland and of course Ireland. And audiences in parts of Scandinavia are always brilliant.” Looking forward to the tour, he’s keen to get out and engage with audiences. “This tour is another level for me, and I’m just really excited about that” he says, continuing “I’m just really excited to get out there and share with audiences but also to talk to audiences around the world.”
Ronan Keating, Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff, Sat 10 Sept. Tickets: £41.30. Info: 029 2023 4500 / www.motorpointarenacardiff.co.uk