They're the most talked about new band of '99, but what exactly have Westlife got in store for us?
Westlife's plans for 1999...
Mark - We're aiming to release a few singles and hoping they're going to do well in the charts. Shane- We want to establish a foundation, and hopefully travel to the U.S. and Australia. Nicky- We've got our album written already, so that could be released, too. Do we play any instruments on the album? Nah, we just sing.
The popstar hairdo's...
Bryan- We've all had our hair cut since we got signed. Mark - And we've got a stylist who sorts out all our clothes - He's Kenny Ho, the Spice Girls' stylist.I'd never have thought I'd be wearing what I wear now! Kian - The only thing I really hate is when we have to wear make-up for shoots.It feels really weird - I can't stand it!
Their music...
Mark - It's pop. Some of it's slushy, but we've also got some uptempo tunes up our sleeves! Shane- It's more mature than pop. We've got our own distinctive sound, but I wouldn't say it's typically Irish.
Being Irish...
Nicky- I suppose we've got some of that cheecky Irish sparkle! Kian - We don't really think about it - It's just what we are. I can't see us doing any traditional irish music, although I loved that little bit in 'C'est la vie' - you know, that bit with the Irish fiddle! Mark - Some fans asked us the other day to say something so they could hear our accents. I mean, how can they like our accents? We sound like farmers (all crease up)!!
Boyzone comparisons...
Bryan- If we're compared to boyzone, well, that's an honour. It's like people comparing BSB and 'N Sync. Kian - We do get compared to boyzone - obviously 'cos we're managed by Ronan and Louis Walsh, and we're releasing a ballad as our first single whereas most groups release uptempo songs. Plus we don't dance... Shane- Boyzone were our heroes when we were growing up. They opened the way for us. Nicky- Maybe our vocals sound a bit like them...although I think Ronan's got a unique voice.
Their friends and family...
Shane- It was my mum who got the deal for us, really. She kept ringing Louis Walsh without telling us and eventually she got hold of him. When she told us she'd arranged a meeting with him, we didn't believe her! Kian - Our families are all right behind us and so are our friends. Bryan- I think they're more excited than we are!
Their mission...
Nicky- We don't want to change pop, we want to add to it. Five and B*Witched have already changed it a lot in the past year. Mark - It'd be great to be able to look back and think we'd made our mark on the history of pop...