Wanna know what's Paolo's favourite song ever, or what he wants for Christmas? Taking a break from his hectic touring schedule, Paolo logged on to the forum yesterday to answer your questions. Here's how it went down:
Lorine asks: Ciao Paolo! I would like to know what was the first record you ever bought?
Paolo: "I think it was Motown Vol. 5 or something - just a mix of Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder when I was about 10 or 11."
Kattywinkle asks: Hi Paolo. How are you doing? How are you coping with all the touring you've been doing - and still have to do? What are you asking Santa for this Christmas?
Paolo: "We're always coping, just getting a bit tired now and again. We're looking forward to doing the second half of the tour and chilling out a bit over Christmas and New Year. I think I've got my eye on a green Fender Jag for Christmas."
Marie Melancolie asks: Which song you've written are you most proud of? And what song do you most enjoy performing?
Paolo: "There's a song on the record called 'Autumn' and it's about my grandfather. That's the one I'm most proud of. It just reminds me of him. The song I most enjoy performing live is slowly becoming one of our new ones - 'Rainbows'. It's just got a good energy."
Paula asks: Hi Paolo! I hope the tour's going well! I would like to ask where is "Old Orchy" that you sing about in 'These Streets'? I have a question from Wee Maggie too - She'd like to know what's the best thing to happen to you in 2006?
Paolo: "Orchy is in Foxbar in Paisley. It's where I spend most of my time with my friends. Alright Maggie! The best thing had to have been getting the opportunity to play the Montreaux Jazz festival."
Clare asks: Just wanted to ask why you didn't include 'White Lies' in your set? Was it tricky to include the strings and piano in a live gig? Was gutted as I adore that track! Was still an amazing night though.
Paolo: "I just feel like the song would miss the strings and it just gave us a new opportunity to play some new songs but we wanna start playing the song live so we might have to cut our losses."
Juju asks: I liked much when you were in Taratata in France, you have a splendid voice. What means your tattoos with stars?
Paolo: "I got the stars in Texas, I believe they're Texas nautical stars but to be honest I got them because I was drinking Lonestar beer the whole trip and it was in my mind."
Missieminx asks: What's your favourite song? And what advice would you give to a young girl trying to make a music career for herself?
Paolo: "My favourite song changes by the day but at the moment I think it's 'Mercy Mercy Me' by Marvin Gaye. You'll find it on 'What's Goin' On?' Enjoy. As for advice, I would just be yourself all the time don't force things because it will become apparent eventually. Just have a good time. All the time."
Paolo's Baby Moma asks: Your sudden rise to fame must have come as a surprise to even you, even to the point of being quite overwhelming. How well do you think you’ve handled the onslaught of fame and its associated demands?
Paolo: "Firstly, is it a girl or a boy? :-) You're right... overwhelming is a good word for it. It's the fact that so many people know my name that's starting to freak me out a little, but it's been worth it to get to the amount of touring we've been able to do. You guys' support has been wicked."
F2j asks: Hi Paolo, my question is: Do you have a ritual when you compose/write songs? I mean, do you have habits which are necessary to you so you can compose?
Paolo: "The most important thing in my opinion is just to have some kind of recording device on you. Because most ideas come when you're not looking for them. Even if you just use your phone to record it. As long as you have something."
Martina asks: Ciao! My name is Martina and I came from Italy! I read that you are a supporter of Celtic and I am also a huge fan of this team even though I'm Italian, so I want to know what you think about Italian football?
Paolo: "Yes I'm a Celtic fan - glad to hear that you are too. I've always liked my Italian football. My first World Cup as a kid was in 94 and I idolised Baggio. Loved the guy. Ever since, I've always supported them, that is unless they are playing Scotland."
Pinknatsy asks: At the Forum gig you covered the beginning of Franz Ferdinand's 'Take Me Out', out of all your Scottish counterparts, who would you say would be your favourite?
Paolo: "Yeah, we slip that in at the beginning of 'Jenny Don't Be Hasty'. It's a great tune and they're a solid band. As I said, I like Franz and I quite like the Fratellis' record. The Delgados are good also but my favourite Scottish singer has to be John Martyn. If you've not heard of him, then I suggest you get an album of his called 'Solid Air'. The man sounds like he's been touched by an angel."
Jacq asks: Is there any singer/songwriter you were blown away to find out they were a fan?!
Paolo: "I've found out a few names through reading a few interviews. Rod Stewart came to the Forum show and partied with us backstage. He was ace. I couldn't believe how sound he was. Ben E King and Solomon Burke were into it too, so is Brandon Flowers I heard. Wicked."
With a plane on the tarmac waiting to whisk him off to his next gig, it was then time for Paolo to say his goodbyes:
Paolo: "Guys... I'm off, so take it easy and thanks for taking the time to post on the site. Your support's keeping it going. Nice One."