Apart from being a super talented music man, Royseven’s lead singer Paul Walsh is quite the stylish gent and always looks the part. We sat down with the Clonmel man to get the low down on his personal style>…
As front man of Royseven, your appearance is very important. Do you ever feel pressure to look the part?
I do feel that appearance is important, especially when it comes to uniting the look of the group. But actually I enjoy it- it’s not something that causes me pressure- unless my favourite performance clothes are unwashed and I have to scramble to pull something together. I’ve been trying as much as possible lately to integrate my band clothes into my private life clothes so that I just have a look that’s ongoing rather than feeling like I’m “working” or “off” depending on my attire.
You travel a lot what’s your must-have item when on the road?
It’s my black hoodie- as uncool and cheap as it clearly sounds, it’s like a comfort blanket to me. I take it off before going onstage and throw it back on when I get off. If I’m stuck on a tour bus for hours, it keeps me warm and I can put up the hood when my hair is laughably bad or I look knackered. Win-win!
Great style to me means…?
Choosing clothes that compliment what you have naturally- your body shape, colouring and features- emphasising the good, and taking attention away from the things you don’t like. Equally important would be to wear clothes that make you feel comfortable and confident.
One item everyman should own?
A black V-neck thin-knit jumper. They work in loads of situations-you could wear nothing underneath it with jeans, a t-shirt underneath it, or with a formal shirt and trousers. I have several V-neck jumpers of different colours to throw on when needed. They’re also convenient when you don’t want to have to think about what to wear on a given day.
Who do you consider to be a super stylish gent?
We just came off tour with One Republic in Germany, and their lead singer, Ryan, had some really great clothes. Nothing that distracted the eye, just a lot of basic items and accessories that, when combined cleverly, complimented his appearance. His trademark trilby hat, and a low cut t-shirt with a waistcoat over it looked pretty cool to me anyway!
Where do you get your clothes?
Second hand stores around the city, I look for military influence items- nothing too obvious though, just hints of the military. I also shop in high street stores like Zara/H&M etc. I like to visit these shops when touring overseas too as often the stock is quite different depending on the country you’re in. I was lucky enough to have clothes bought for me by the record label stylist, which saved me a lot of hassle and walking around. I have red-green colour blindness (35% of men do), so I often prefer to have someone else buy my clothes! Fancy the job, Darren?
What makes a stylish man in your opinion?
A stylish man is one who is aware of the changing trends in fashion and dresses accordingly, without being a slave to them. A stylish man wouldn’t allow himself to wear an outfit that forgets to compliment all the features given to him by God/Allah/Superman (delete as appropriate), just because it’s in vogue- he knows his limitations and his assets.
Any words of wisdom for any up & coming bands?
Concentrate on the music! It’s all about the music. Don’t be intimidated or concerned about bands that you think look smarter/cooler than you, no record company will judge a band on their look over their music. When things start to take off you can focus on styling the band, but for now, be comfortable in your choice of clothes and enjoy every minute of it!
