Good afternoon, Australia! It's Paul here and I've still got a mountain of new tracks to play and we've also got a great little competition coming up so stay tuned for that. Later on when Lisa takes over, she'll be having an exclusive track with Australia's very own boyband, ELMNT, and we're hoping they'll give us some details about their debut record which is highly anticipated for us here at 92.2 Perth radio. I just played you 'Lock Away And Hide' by the lovely Jennifer Armstrong and before that you heard 'Red Wine' by Glamazon which I still have to form an opinion on. You know I love Glama but the track isn't really doing it for me at the moment but we'll see, we'll see. Anyway, enough of the chit-chat because I have a very special interview lined up right now. It's nearly five in the morning back over in Britain but we've got Riley Hamilton patiently waiting on the other end of the phone to talk to us about Weekend's plans for the year. We originally scheduled Oscar for he interview but apparently he's fallen asleep and some of the others are tied up at the moment too so instead, we've got the fourth best member of Weekend. Riley are you there!?(Chuckling) "I'm here, I'm here! Finding it hard to keep my eyes opened but yeah, I'm here, don't worry."
Before we start the interview, I'm just trying to find you on Twitter so I can give you a follow, mate. What's your username? I only follow the talented members so far."Sure, it's @RealRiHamilton. The icon is a picture of me wearing a fluffy hat thing."
Ah I can see your profile now, just give you a follow there. You've got 17,401,123 followers, that's pretty impressive although Oscar has 28 million. You've got a TV show and you're in a high profile relationship and you still aren't as popular as Oscar, that must hurt.(Laughing) "Nah, it's not a popularity contest. I'm not too bothered about the amount of followers I have. Plus 17 million followers is still quite a lot and I adore each and every one of my followers so I'm not too fussed if Oz has more than me."
Come on, not even a little envious? You don't want to knock that cat off his head."Someone's feeling a little violent aren't they? (Chuckles) But to answer your question, no I'm not envious and I wouldn't compare Oz's hair to a cat because he's really defensive when it comes to those curls, they're his pride and joy so I wouldn't insult the hair. He might turn violent."
Oscar doesn't scare me at all. You want to know which member I'm scared of? Dustyn. I have no idea what he's saying and he's a little disturbed."Aw, Dustyn's amazing, be nice to him. He wouldn't harm a fly and he's great fun to talk to and to hang around with."
Still think he's a little odd but he's still one of the most talented. I could see him going on to have quite a bit of solo success whilst you work in McDonald's alongside Scott. That reminds me, do you have back up plans because it seems like Weekend will be splitting up soon. Oscar's going solo, Scott's moved to the USA and you guys haven't been pictured altogether in months. What is the deal? Where are Weekend?"I'd much rather work in a florist (laughs), you know I'm not really fond of McDonald's. We aren't splitting up despite what may be printed in magazines and what's circulating around Twitter. We were supposed to have a new album out already but personal issues within the band means that it has to be pushed back. We canceled the lead single as well and might just release it as a free download soon. I'm not sure when new music will be out but the band will be together to do interviews and we've got a few other exciting projects which will bring all five of us together again. So, no we aren't splitting up but we aren't exactly sure when new music will be released."
When you say 'personal issues', is that code for saying that Billy and Oscar are at each other's throats again? Honestly buddy, it wouldn't be a surprise. The posh boy from a private school and the rough kid from the streets isn't exactly a match made in heaven."Oscar and Billy are getting on so there's nothing to worry about. They've sorted everything out and are actually closer than ever so everything's good, the band actually feels united again and everything's a lot calmer now. We used to be stressed out with each other like literally 24/7 but it feels like we've all matured over the past few months. It's a really great feeling actually."
So what is meant by 'personal issues'? Is Dustyn back on the nose candy?"No, no, he's learned from his mistakes and I highly doubt he'll ever touch the stuff again. There are a few reasons why an album won't materialise for a while but I'm not going to delve into them on the radio because it's not my place and I respect their privacy. Of course, there are other reasons which you know all about. Three of us have kids now, I'm going to become a father, both Oscar and I are planning weddings, Oscar has been offered the chance to do a solo album and I'm filming a few new things so our schedules are pretty hectic. I've also suffered from a loss as you know and that's made me lose my enthusiasm for bouncing around in a recording studio.
So 'Weekend' take a break.....that's going to leave a huge gap in the market for other boy bands. You are currently the biggest boy band on the planet and also the biggest pop group. If you rest and relax now do you worry that your fans will grow impatient and instead buy records from The Zone, The Stat Nerds and ELMNT? I've got an eight year old niece who is constantly saying 'Weekend this', 'Weekend that', and she's desperate for a new record from you guys. Do you feel pressured to stay relevant?"Well our Weekenders are extremely loyal. They've supported us from day one and I doubt that they will lose interest at the drop of a hat. Not trying to sound arrogant but I do think we have some of the best fans in the world. The amount of dedication they put in is unbelievable and I don't think that people who are willing to camp out in the pouring rain just to get a look at us are just going to ditch us in a heartbeat. Whilst we're away though it will be nice to see some of the other bands shine. The Zone are already doing great, The Stat Nerds are really talented and I'm sure that ELMNT's material will be amazing too."
So you don't have any 'beef' with other boy bands?"Well I certainly don't. (Laughs) I actually want to see fellow boy bands become successful and enjoy what they're doing. I'm loving every second of being a pop star and it's a wonderful experience that I'd love to share with everyone. If the other bands are living out their dreams and are content then why should I be jealous and try to rain on their parade?"
So where did all this rivalry come from? (Laughs) "Oh you'd have to ask some of my other band mates and the other groups themselves. I don't believe in having a rivalry with another group because it doesn't do anybody any good and it can ruin a lot of reputations. I know that Billy and AJ from ELMNT clashed last year and I think that's the main reason that people see our bands as 'enemies' but I've met a few of the boys from ELMNT and they are great guys. With The Stat Nerds, Oscar and one of their members don't see eye to eye but again that doesn't mean that Weekend 'hate' The Stat Nerds. I think they are superbly talented guys and I'll be one of the first in line to buy their album when it's released."
Sure....Anyway, since we planned to have the lead singer on, we have questions here asking him about his solo career but since we have you instead we'll just have to improvise to fill the time. Not that many people are interested but how are things with you and Michelle?"Things are wonderful between us. We're both in such a happy place at the moment and everything just feels right, you know? We've got a busy year ahead of us but we're looking forward to it and ready to take on what life throws at us. Michelle and I are even thinking about moving out of the Weekend Complex and getting like some sort of farmhouse. That would be dream come true."
Farmhouse? A celebrity in a farmhouse? Shouldn't you be living in like multi-story mansions with hundreds of staff running after you?"Nah, that's certainly not the life for me and Michelle. We prefer the simple things in life. I couldn't have staff anyway, I'd feel so guilty for telling them what to do. I couldn't really boss a person around, that's just not me. I'm too easygoing. I'd be the one doing all the work in the house and telling all the staff he rest and put their feet up."
Ri, you need to learn to embrace the celebrity lifestyle! However, you are following some of the celebrity trends rather well at the moment, I must say. We all know that the latest must have accessory is a baby and we know that you and Michelle are expecting. Congratulations buddy. How does it feel to know you're going to be a dad?"Thanks, Paul. I can't really put it down in words that well....um, I'm actually a lot cooler and calm about it than I thought I would be but I know that nearer the time I'll start freaking out and worrying that I might be a useless dad. I hope I'm not though, I doubt I will be. I hate seeing all these children of celebrities paraded around like they are a fashion item. I actually want a real family were we keep things behind closed doors and not taking part in all these magazine and TV deals."
So, do you have a name for the little one yet? Paul, maybe?"Haha, you wish! We've decided on two names already. If it's a boy we're going to call him Orson and if it's a girl we're going to call her Georgie. No matter what the gender is, we're going to use the middle name 'McKenzie' because we just think it's so adorable. I thought picking baby names would be a lot more stressful and harder but Michelle and I think quite alike so it was rather quick and we came to a decision almost immediately."
No offense but those names are horrible. Here was me thinking that 'Roo' was terrible! Just go with Riley or Michelle Junior. Anyway, when is the wedding happening. Do you have anything special planned?"Well we've been thinking about it for quite some time and we've been bouncing idea off of one another, we've decided th..."
Sorry, can I stop you right there? Nearly died of boredom."Oh..um....OK....sorry, Paul."
Let's get onto something more exciting! Let's talk about Diary Of An Escort. Now only the first three episodes have aired and the rest of the series isn't being broadcast for a while. Why is that? It's a hit show so what's going on behind the scenes?"Well one episode had to be edited again literally two days before it was intended to broadcast as one or two of the scenes were a little risque, so that's the reason for its initial delay. However, I can't really get into this legally and I honestly don't know the ins and outs of it but I'm sure there is a problem going on with the rights to the show or the characters. The characters are based on real people as this show itself came from an actual book written by a male escort and I'm pretty sure one of the people now longer wish to be associated with the show....I don't know, I can't really tell you much more to be honest."
The show is known for its explicit nature and we've seen your backside more times than we care to remember BUT according to insiders, the episodes....if they ever air...are only going to get more and more raunchier. Now you're known as the 'golden boy' of the band and we don't want to see that title being dragged through the mud. I'm also sure that your mother wouldn't want you to be stripping off on TV either, she'll be turning in her grave!"Um....pardon?...I...I..."
Just saying that since you've lost your mother, father and brother recently shouldn't you be toning things down out of respect? If my mother died, the last thing on my mind would be the wear leather bondage and pretend I'm an escort.
"I...I-I...do have respect".
(Riley clears his throat and it's obvious that he is now holding back tears). "Can we..can we talk about something else now...please?"
Riley, I'm the interviewer here. You don't get to decide the questions buddy."I'm sorry....I..I just don't see how my mum...h-h-ha-as...."
(Riley suddenly breaks down in tears and the host cuts off the call).
Oh dear, it seems like one of the Weekend boys is striving for attention again which is not surprising. I only asked a few simple questions and he failed to answer but hey, he's a celebrity, he thinks he's better than us DJ's. Now we know who we won't be inviting back to the show. Sorry for all the listeners out there who had to experience Mr. Hamilton's over emotional behaviour. To cheer you all up, here's 'Love Thriller' by Lyrica Ocha!