thanks to Debz and boots

Our Idol

Guy Sebastian dishes the dirt on his recent mugging at knifepoint, working with John Mayer and cracking the US market.

You're currently living in New York City. How are you finding it?
I've only just arrived from LA, so I don't really know yet, but I do know it's freezing! I'm in Manhattan, so it's pretty intense and has full-on energy. Everywhere you go, the whole place is buzzing. I don't know if it's possible to compare anything to the fresh air and beautiful beaches of Sydney, but NYC is an insanely cool city - the people are so friendly. I'm really looking forward to spending time here!

You were mugged at knifepoint in LA recently. How did that occur?
I had just finished a late-night recording session and was getting some dinner at a Subway restaurant about 3am. On my way out, two guys were waiting for me with knives and wanted my wallet and phone! I had some money on me, so I just tossed it in the air. When they grasped for it, I took off... I don't feel unsafe in LA. I was probably just in the wrong place at the wrong time! Most people in LA are really cool and most of the time it's very safe. But, I might be a little more cautious next time!

We heard you recently played at an Academy Awards after-party in LA. What was it like?
It was great fun. Unfortunately, that day though, I came down with one of the worst flus I've ever had, so I don't think my performance was 100 per cent! But, it was a good experience and I met some interesting people.

You're coming home soon for your Live & by Request tour. Why did you decide to do request shows?
I'm only doing four shows in Australia in 2009, so I wanted to make them special and give my fans the opportunity to choose the songs they want to hear me play. I've recorded over 60 songs and written hundreds in the past five years, but probably only ever perform 20 of them in my normal show set. So, there are about 40 songs that people never get to hear live. I'll also be doing a set at the beginning of the show where I'll be performing new songs off my next album. It will be a world premiere and the first time anyone other than me will hear them, so I'm pretty excited to see how they are received!

You worked with John Mayer on your upcoming fifth album. Tell us about Mayer.

John was very involved in the recording session. He played and did vocals on four of the songs. He was incredible and is an idol of mine, so it was amazing to have him in the studio. I couldn't say a bad word about him! He's one of the nicest people you'll meet and an absolute musical genius. Seeing him play songs I wrote was definitely one of the high points of my life.

You just got a tattoo. What's it of? Did it hurt?
That's a secret, but, yes, it did hurt a bit. It's not my first, so I knew what to expect, but it didn't tickle.

What are you looking forward to in 2009?
I'm really looking forward to coming back [to Australia] and playing shows, but I'm also really looking forward to having the opportunity to release an album in the US. It's a huge place and I'm starting from scratch, so it will be a great challenge. If it's successful, that will be a bonus. But, I'm really just thankful to have the opportunity. Not many artists ever get that chance - and I'm very aware of that.

5 quickies
Vegemite or peanut butter? Peanut butter
Blondes or brunettes? Blondes or whatever hue [wife] Jules wants to be!
Clubs or pubs? Both
Cats or dogs? Dogs
Walk or drive? Walk

Guy Sebastian will play at Theatre Royal on April 3. Tickets available via Ticketek

Was a great interview , can't wait till the 28th . :D

Am really excited about this :)