News flash: Newsboy talks about music, life and koalas

By Liz Barry
The News & Advance
Published: February 20, 2008

Ready. Set. GO! Christian pop band the Newsboys are coming to town Feb. 15, a show that’s part of the second leg of their nationwide “GO” Tour.
They’re playing at 7:30 p.m. at Liberty University’s Vines Center.
Two decades ago, the Newsboys got their start playing in bars and nightclubs in Australia. The Christian pop pioneers have since gained recognition worldwide for their message and catchy tunes.
Last week, I had a phone interview with Paul Colman, the newest Newsboy. Two years ago, Colman replaced main guitarist Bryan Olesen, who left to focus on his band, Casting Pearls. Before the Newsboys, Colman earned a name as a solo-artist in Christian music with his band, the Paul Colman Trio. Colman was born in London and moved to Australia with his family as a young boy. Now, he lives outside Nashville with his wife and two daughters. The following is a transcript of our conversation, edited for space.

So, what got you into music?
Probably my ego.

What do you mean by that?
Most musicians get into music for all the wrong reasons. You do it because you’re tying to do something that will make you popular. You think you’re cool. After a while, when that runs out, you have to find a bigger reason. For me, you find a faith that gives you a bigger reason for doing everything, including music.

What was it like transitioning from your solo career with the Paul Colman trio to the Newsboys?
It was a pretty welcome change because I really felt like I needed a change of scenery. I was going through a bit of soul searching, and I wanted to see what would happen if I left my last name behind for a while. It’s actually been a wonderful couple of years. It’ll be my 200th show in a couple of weeks, and I’ve had the time of my life playing with Newsboys. They’ve really truly taught me that it doesn’t matter if you’re the front guy or the side man, it doesn’t matter whether your name’s in it or not.

What’s your favorite song from the “GO” album?
It’s a toss-up between “Something Beautiful” and “Your Love Is Better Than Life.”

What’s the best part of being on tour? What’s the worst part?
The best part is that I love people and I love meeting people. The worst thing is that in order to do that I have to leave my family, and that’s very painful for me.

What does your tour bus look like inside?
Well, you have a front lounge that has a little mini-kitchen, really nice leather seats and a TV, DVD, all that stuff. The middle section has 12 bunks in it. Then you have a back lounge. We call it the stateroom. That has leather seats and a TV in it as well. You can chill out after a show back there, or sit and watch a movie, or just chat. The middle area’s strictly for sleeping. No noise allowed. I’m the one who cracks the whip on that. I hate people talking while I am trying to sleep.

What have you been listening to on you iPod these days?
I’ve been listening to some of the songs that we added to the show just to get the vocals right (laughs). I’ve been listening to a band that we’re on the road with called newworldson. I always listen to a bit of U2. I’ve been listening to some ’80s rock, like INXS and Simple Minds, because the new record that we’re writing right now has kinda leaned that way, and yet it has a really fresh Euro feel about it.

Whose your favorite person from the Bible other than Jesus?
(Laughs) It would have to be King David because he’s a bit of a scoundrel, and yet God loved him. I’m kind of clinging to that. A lot of the Bible characters had great hearts but were a bit rough around the edges. I’m definitely a little bit rough around the edges but, hopefully, I have a good heart. I haven’t committed adultery or murdered anyone yet, so I’m still one up on David.

You lived in Australia for a while. Do you prefer kangaroos or koalas?
That’s a toughie. I think I’m going to have to go with koalas because they really are cuter. But one pooed on me once, and that wasn’t a good experience.

If you could have a super power, what would it be?
Going back in time because then I could fix up all the stupid things I say to people, and they would never know (laughs). I’d be a time traveler. Mr. Time.

Can you tell me about your favorite thing to do when you’re not on the road?
You know, when I was younger and my sister got engaged, I remember her going for a whole day with her boyfriend somewhere. I remember saying to her, “Well, who else came?” She said, “Just the two of us.” And I just couldn’t get into my brain that you could just go with one person somewhere and have a good time. And then I met my wife and I understood that. We had our little family, and that’s the just the best thing in the world and I never understood it before.

Can you give me an idea of the flavor of the new album?
If it’s a casserole, these would be the ingredients: classic ’80s rock, classic ’80s pop, Euro dance music. Yea, I think that would be it. I mean Newsboys records have always been about beats and have always been about great melodies.

Anything else you would like to add?
What I’m proud of is the fact that I’ve invited atheist friends and I’ve invited hardcore evangelical Christians [to Newsboys shows], and all of them have enjoyed the Newsboys show. I think that’s quite an
achievement.

IF YOU’RE GOING:--WHAT: Newsboys ‘Go’ Tour, with Article One, newworldson and Rush of Fools
--WHEN: 7:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 15
--WHERE: Liberty University Vines Center
--TICKETS: $32 artist circle, $20 general admission, $18 groups of 15+
-- INFO: Call (800) 965-9324 or visit http://www.itickets.com