Thursday, June 16, 2011

Keeping In Touch

Where in the world is the year going? I cannot believe it is nearly July and I am getting ready to record my third album since 2005. After months of planning, negotiating, meetings and decisions, things are finally falling into place. I know an awful lot of you understand that it takes more than an idea and desire to put together an album. However it never seizes to amaze me how much time it takes to piece it all together.
Once in the studio, it all falls into place very easily, as thats when I am most comfortable....singing. 

At the moment, I have been spending the last couple of weeks working on the material for the album. There will be a mixture of originals and of course a few that you will all know, accompanied by one or two you may or may not have ever heard of before. I will tell you, it is not an all Irish album. There will of course be one or two, but not many. This is an album for everyone as I feel that my fan base has grown over the years to many more than just people of Irish decent. 

Saying that, there are already plans a foot for early next year and a more Irish type album then. In the meantime, we will go on a journey with this one. I have spent the last few days brushing up on my Italian, which thankfully is never much of a struggle. Spanish on the other hand, is a totally different kettle of fish. Trying to sing with the tongue behind the teeth on occasion is proving to be truly awful. Im trying to sing, but instead spitting! Hopefully I will get it under my belt as the song I am hoping to sing sounds so much better in Spanish than in English. I will keep working on it! 
Due to the fact that I am in studio with my producer and Musical Director Joe Csibi, on the 5th of July, I am being very well behaved. No drinking, no fast food, gym and steam room every day. Healthy mind leads to a healthy body, and also one that can hit a few top notes without wearing any of Damians tight jeans! 
This took a hitch last weekend though when Damian invited me into the premier of The Glee Project. I got to meet all the gang he has been working with and we ended up having a great night all together. I gotta say I was a bit nervous when I saw Damian in the bottom three, but sure, who could kick out a young boy from Derry who wants to be a girl!!! Its what Glee thrives on! So from now on, Damian will forever be Jessie's girl!! Needless to say, I am rooting for him 100%. The future is rosy for the boy, I hope! However, none of us will ever really know whats around the corner for any of us in the music business! 

What I do know is that the Paul Byrom Tour (yet to be named officially), is coming fast. I am aware you all want to know sooner than later, and I am bursting at the seams to tell you all what I know at this stage, but all I can tell you is that we are 80% there and hope to be able to make an announcement by the end of the month or early July. I am excited but nervous. Any gigs I did at home or before now were always with a full orchestra. I think its obvious that due to it being my first tour, I wont have the orchestra with me this time. I have to start almost from scratch here, and it really feels odd. Like Ive stepped back in time. Although my mother often reminds me that this time, I have large groups of friends following me now in America and Canada and that I shouldn't worry as much. I do hope she is right!! Anyway, I can tell you that the tickets will be reasonable and that there will be a chance for me to meet you all after the gig. I can also tell you that I have concerts both sides of America. As for my Canadian friends reading, I am pushing hard for some gigs up your way too, so hopefully they will fall in to place also. Its not for the want of getting to you all, its the means! 
With the concert itself, there will be a mixed bag of material in the show and certainly something, I hope, for everyone's taste. 

In the meantime, I am working away every day on my "homework", and also trying to run the office. When I lived in Ireland, I would have received a lot of help from my sister Amanda and often my mom too, but now I am running it all on my own. Dominique tries to help out, but has a job of her own to maintain, so her time is limited. Plus, its important to find time where work isn't an issue and we get to do things together, just for the sake of it! 

This brings me to my final point tonight, I have received so many wonderful gifts in my P.O. BOX(like the BYROM BABES COOK BOOK!!!)  and read so many touching letters, that it amazes me how much you all care. You have been so supportive since you became aware of my music in Celtic Thunder. Some of you have been on the journey from the start and some only jumping on board now. Either way, I appreciate you all. 
However, it is becoming increasingly difficult to maintain contact with you all on a regular basis, whether through facebook, twitter, myspace, my official website or by letter. This does not mean that I dont read everything, because I genuinely do. I enjoy reading the letters, messages and of course getting the generous gifts! Its just that I could actually spend 24hrs a day, on line or responding to post. I set aside time weekly to do this, but for some this may not be enough. My priority now is and always will be, making music for you to enjoy. All the rest sometimes has to take a back seat. If not, I wouldn't get any deals done and wouldnt learn any new songs or eventually get to record some. If you havn't heard from me on a certain site, I am most certainly not ignoring you. If you havn't received a response, it is most definitely nothing personal. I do post a lot on twitter as it is the easiest way. I am always aware you are out there and always aware of you support. I appreciate you all. I am utterly grateful to you all, for so much, so know, that the only way I can ever repay you all, is by making the best music I can. All the social websites are only a way of keeping in touch every now and again, its not what I do for a living. Singing is. I hope you understand, and for those who dont, all I can say is, hopefully I will get around to responding to you soon. 

I am now off to do some work on the album cover, as that is next on the to-do list! 
Thinking of ideas for that are also proving to be as difficult as the Spanish! I'll get there though eventually! 

Keep well 
My Loves 
My Doves
My Eggs 

Paul 
xxx 

13 comments:

  1. Thanks for the great blog, Paul! I am sure everyone understands that you cannot respond to all your fans. Those of us who were in the Pub from the start got a little spoiled, but we are there for you! Love your tweets and think it is a great way to keep in contact! Can't wait for the new album and the Fall Tour! I know it will be amazing! Keep it Swanky!
    Jeanne Smith

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  2. Dear paul,
    thanks so much for the update. It is always lovely of you to keep in touch via your blog. I for one appreciate all the time you do take to keep you fans in the loop and am often amazed when you respond to things you have obviously read from one of us. I can't wait to sees what your tour schedule holds for us. I'm fairly sure the show ticket may be the least of the cost to attend as I'm thinking there may well be airline tickets involved as well. No matter tho I've been saving up and wouldn't miss your solo show for the world. Thank you again and be well.
    Pat

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  3. Dear Paul, I was so happy reading through this blog seeing that your solo dreams are coming all together for you. If at all possible I will drive, fly, hitchhike, or walk to wherever you are performing to be there for you! :D No joke. I know that it is not possible to get responses always, but it doesn't stop me from continuing to write day after day because I do believe that you see it, and I know that all the support you get is valued. I have never doubted that from you. I anxiously and feverently await your album, and i'm sure you're espanol will be muy bueno! :D I can't wait to hear which Spanish song you picked! :D I wish you the best in these remaining stages before your tour and cd. I had to opportunity to meet you twice, and I will never forget what an honest wonderful gentleman you were. Thanks!
    Gayatri Penate (Dallas, TX)

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  4. I think you do a stand up job of making your fans feel special. You did this for me the day you tweeted me and offered your condolences and a sweet message when my grandfather died.

    For those reading this, I walked into my grandpa's apartment and found his body on the floor. It was the worst thing I ever experienced. I told Paul how much his music was helping me just soldier on and give me just a little peace for a few minutes. And that's when he responded.

    That day was a little better because you took the time. Thanks for being so great to us all.

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  5. Thanks, so much Paul! I love reading your blogs and tweets! They always make me laugh or at least smile.
    I was so excited to receive a reply to my letter. I understand how busy life can be, so it meant alot to get one. Once again, thanks; and as they say, "It's the thought that counts."
    You are a wonderful person and singer. Don't ever give up. We, your fans, are always behind you.

    Tiffiny H.

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  6. Paul thanks for such a lovely blog. We appreciate what you do, do for us! We also understand what all you have to do. What it entails of. Thanks again for taking out the time to update us on all that you are doing for us. As my nephew says "You are the Thunder in CT" lol and you will be missed, but at least we can enjoy you in a different way. We still get to hear you sing. :)

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  7. I think I say this each time I comment on your blog but it really is such a pleasure reading it! Makes me smile and laugh every time. I'm so happy to hear things are going so well for you. Can't wait for your new album and tour! Have a beautiful weekend, Paul and Dom! Until next time......

    Xoxo

    Lainey

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  8. Thanks for the blog Paul, I can't wait to see where you go on your tour, I'm really hoping there is somewhere near enough that I can go!
    Buena suerte para el espaƱol!

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  9. Paul,
    It is 3:00 am here in Fairless Hills, Pa and the thunder lighting and rain woke me up..I took notice that you wrote your blog..So here I am reading it.First I want to thank you for writing it and I really appreciate, I love reading them too. You know I love to tease you but I really do wish you the best in everything you do...I can wait for your album and your concert..and hope I get to meet you..You will learn the Spanish ..And for the Italian I'm glad you know and sing it ..I wish I learned it when my grandmother was alive ..She tried to teach me..She would tell me what kind of Italian are you if you can't speak it..Now, I'm sorry I didn't learn..
    Well, again Paul I wish the best for you..
    God bless you and Dom
    Take care always
    Charlotte

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  10. Thanks for all you do, Paul. The vast majority of us has no expectations of personal replies from you - and you should not feel pressure in any way to do that. We love your music and want you to devote your time to that - which is what gives all of us so much pleasure. Keep at it. :)

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  11. Paul,
    finally I found out why I couldn't post my comment, so new try.
    Thank you so much for keeping us posted. I always love to read your blogs. It makes me happy to read that your plans and dreams come true. I can't wait to hold your new CD in my hands!

    There is one thing I want you to know. You can be sure it's not only America and Canada you have friends and fans in. There will always be a German Byrom Babe following you!

    As for your tour. I don't dare to hope you will set up a gig in Germany, but I do hope you will put in a gig or two in Ireland. That would give us German fans the chance to hop over and hear you live too. Sorry, but a trip to the States just for a concert is too expensive for most of us.
    I wish you and Dom all the best!
    Take care love.
    Claudi from Germany

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  12. http://www.irishcentral.com/travel/New-Yorks-Top-10-Irish-historical-sites---SEE-PHOTOS-124559904.html?page=3

    10 Most important Irish site in NYC.

    Check these places out. Alabama Grammy
    I love visiting NYC and do so often...

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