Hey guys! Time for an interview. I've had the big opportunity to ask Australian-based artist Barry Conrad some questions and now you can check them out. Here he explains his name change, his inspirations, his musical theatre debut, and much more. Don't forget to get his brand new single Anywhere We Go, out now!

What inspired you to pursue a music career?
- Growing up, music was around 24/7. My dad played and sang guitar and my mom sang on a church choir album recording. I started writing poetry first, which became songs. I made all kinds of excuses at first to not pursue it, but deep down knew I had to.

What are your musical inspirations/influences?
- So many people and life experiences inspire me. If we're talking early influences, I have to go to people like Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Richard Marx, Brian McKnight.

Let’s talk about your latest single Anywhere We Go. How was the working process behind it? What inspired you to create this beautiful tune?
- First off, thanks for the compliment! I wrote this song without a musical instrument at first, then added the bridge during the production phase with a super-talented producer, Leon Seenandan. I was inspired write a song about escape, that had a cinematic vibe that paints a picture when they hear it.


Can I ask what made you change your name from Barry Southgate to Barry Conrad?
- It was a process that started a couple years back, around my time on The X-Factor. I was on the show, lost my second mom, Audrey Phillips, to cancer, and it was a pretty overwhelming time in every way. Something broke inside me that really needed to though. Things began to change: not just myself as an artist, but the way I saw life and what I believed about myself. The name change was really just natural progression from there. A lot of baggage is attached to my last name, Southgate. Barry actually means "sharp, spear" and Conrad (my real middle name) means "brave, wise". Those are qualities I want to take forward in life.

I’ve heard you’re making your musical theatre debut. Can you tell us a bit about that?
- Yeah, I'm so excited. As an actor, I've trained in film/TV, but I've never done musical theatre before. As soon as 'Violet' came my way though, it wasn't a hard decision. The director, Mitchel Butel, and the whole cast are pretty incredible, and there's something real special about this story. As my first show, I'm pretty blessed to be part of it. I also really look up to Hugh Jackman, who got his start in theatre.

Out of the songs you’ve already released/written which means the most to you and why?
- I would say right now, probably the new single. Not that there's anything deep or inspirational about it lyrically, but more because it's the beginning of a new chapter for me. I have some others I love equally that I haven't recorded yet though, that I can't wait for you to hear.

Can we expect a full length LP any time soon?
- There's definitely more music coming!

Are you planning any collaboration? Is there an artist/act that you would absolutely love to work with and why?
- Of course. This question is way too hard though! So many artists I'd love to collaborate with.

If you were given the chance to pick one artist/band to tour with which one would it be and why?
- Right now, probably Justin Timberlake or Beyonce, because they're just at the top of their game on every level and I've been a fan forever.

Is there a song out there that you wish you’d written?
- There are way too many, we'd be here all day! Almost everyday I hear a song and think that. What about you?
[Caesar: I'd love to have written Adele's new hit single Hello, such a brillian tune]

Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
- Doing what I'm doing, but hopefully on a greater scale. And most importantly, being happy.

Name five things you can’t live without.
- Family, faith, music, women, food :p.

If you could be a superhero, what would your superpowers be?
- Wolverine, hands-down! I'm the biggest Marvel fan ever haha.

If you could change into an animal which one would it be and why?
- An eagle or a lion. I've just always loved them.

What’s your favourite song of 2015 so far?
- Adele's 'Hello'. Love it.

Thank YOU so much for taking time to answer these questions so we can know you a bit better.
- Thanks for having me!