Damien Leith

Damien: (on what people can expect from his second album, "22 Steps") I've held onto the acoustic sound. Everything was in place to play the songs with a real band, so some of the tracks on the album are live recordings of us all playing at the same time. Style-wise, it's hard to pin down. I suppose all the influences are there that I've always had, like Crowded House, Radiohead, Jeff Buckley… all of them. But I still think it sounds like me, which is the main thing.

Damien: (on the birth of his second son, Jagger) It's absolutely the best thing that could have happened for us. It brought everything back down to earth just at the right time. Although, I tell you… we're only barely getting used to the sleepless nights. We forgot all about them after (our first son) Jarvis grew out of it!

Damien: (on being slammed for his looks on "Australian Idol") If I was getting criticism about my voice, then I'd think about it, but with looks... I am who I am and I'm not going to change. It's brilliant the public have all got behind me and I am really happy about that.

Damien: (on the message he'd most like to stand up for) I'm a big believer in people being who they are and doing the best with what they've got. Everybody's got something, do whatever you can and believe in it as well.

Damien: (on his new-found fame) It's hard. You don't know how long it will last. It's really cool, but I think it's a short-lived thing and I'll enjoy it while it lasts.

Damien: (on his female fans' reactions during his concerts) No knicker tossing, but I have had a few people yell out, 'Take your clothes off!' I wouldn't put anyone through that! I've also been getting a few flowers and things like that sent backstage.