Composer, Vocalist, Donald Stuart Hay released his LP album, titled, “What Can I Do”

Composer, Vocalist, Donald Stuart Hay released his LP album, titled, “What Can I Do,”

The record is comprised of 14 tracks for a total listening time that exceeds the standard 45 minutes. These songs are all NEW compositions with the exception of three inspirational classics.

Of the 14 tracks on Donalds CD seven are warm, natural and untrammeled vocal renditions. The remaining septet showcase his unsurpassed skill and tasteful keyboard playing, including Jazz numbers, Romantic melodies and an inspired original,

“The Afghan Soldiers Dream”

Q: When you decide it’s time to make a new record, is that more exciting or stressful?

It is a challenge which I find both hard work and satisfying

Q:  How do you shut things out?

I try to Concentrate on music to fill my head.

Q: How easily do songs tend to come to you?

As soon as I put my fingers on my Keyboards.

Q: What’s your motto or the advice you live by?

Feel grateful that you are alive and well in this world full of destruction and corruption

Q: What is you favorite song to belt out at the bar/in the car?

I CAN SEE CLEARLY NOW

Q: For our readers who have never heard your music, explain your sound in 5 words?

Easy listening and classical

Q: You write all of your own music; where do you draw inspiration from when you write songs and what’s your favorite part about the proccess?

From past experience of life

Q: At what age did you start singing?

10

Q:Who are your inspirations?

Johnny Mathis, Elvis Presley,

Q: If you could perform with anyone, in the future, who would it have to be?

Fillipa Giordano

Q:What is your favorite song to sing live?

Danny Boy

Q:Do you have any events coming up or recording going on right now?

No. I am in a semi retirement mode at the moment

Q:Do you have any advice for anyone wanting to sing as a career or just advice about careers in general?

If you want to sing do not sing through your throat. Learn to project you voice and put your heart & sole into your song

Q: If you had a soundtrack to your life what song/songs would have to be on it?

Unchained Melody, Misty, The Lost Chord

Q:How does the conversation go when someone pitches the performance to you?

good

Q:When and why did you start playing?

5 years. I performed at a School Concert

 Q:  Which instruments do you play?

Keyboards, guitar & bagpipes

 Q: What was the first tune(s) you learned?

Annie Laurie ( an old Scottish song )

 Q: Is your family musical?

no

Q:  Which famous musicians do you admire? Why?

Richard Clayderman. He has a great style of playing the piano

Q:  Which famous musicians have you learned from?

Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennet, Elvis presley

 Q:  Who was your first teacher? Other teachers?

School Music teacher

 Q:  Describe your first instrument. Other instruments.

Violin

 Q:  What are your fondest musical memories? In your house? In your neighborhood or town?

Having a sing song round the piano at my Grandmothers, house in Scotland

 Q:  Were you influenced by old records & tapes? Which ones?

Johnny Mathis & Elvis Presley

Q: Have you been in competitions? Fleadh’s? Any prizes?

Many, mainly back in Scotland when I was young and I was always first 2nd or 3rd

 Q:  Do you perform in public? Describe those occasions? Concerts, radio, TV?

Started out in Pubs & Clubs then perfected a Cabaret act which I did on Cruise Ships

 Q:  Do you play for dances? Step-dancers? Describe the differences.

no

 Q:  How do you handle mistakes during a performance?

Laugh it off and tell a joke

 Q:  Do you get nervous before a performance or a competition?

Always

 Q:  What advice would you give to beginners who are nervous?

Tell them its normal

 Q:  Do you attend sessions? What makes a good session?

no

 Q:  How often and for how long do you practice?

About 3 days a week

 Q: What do you practice – exercises, new tunes, hard tunes, etc.?

Mainly practice some of my old performances

 Q: Do you teach music?

no

 Q:  How do you balance your music with other obligations – mate, children, job?

evenly

 Thanks for taking time out of your day:)