Leonie Interview

Getting to travel the world with a pop star who just happens to be her bestfriend, Leonie is fulfilling every Savage Garden fans dream. Personal Assistant to Darren Hayes - Leonie wouldn't swap this life for anything. How are you coping with your new found celebrity status? Leonie: I don't really feel like I have celebrity status ... I guess it's fun that the fans know who I am, but on one hand I find it very embarrassing. When they ask me for an autograph I feel very stupid and I never give it. (I've heard Alanis Morrisette never gives autographs either). What would be your dream job, regardless of qualifications and experience required? Or do you already have it? I think I have my dream job really ... I get to work with my best friend every day and conjure up the future with him. I love it. The only thing that could top it off would be to finally finish the screenplay Darren and I keep threatening to write together and see it made into a movie (with a cameo from me, of course. I think I'd just like one little scene where I'm wearing a pair of large sunglasses and a very fluffy coat). What has been your proudest moment while working with Savage Garden? There really have been so many. The pavarotti performance was definitely one that brought me to tears ... I was so so proud and excited. But, I've got to say, I think being at the ARIA Awards was probably the major highlight. Actually, I could go on and on and on ... but Darren is looking over my shoulder at the moment and telling me to wind it up. I keep trying to TELL HIM that these are my questions and this is my moment in the spotlight, but he is bored, so I'll stop. (Comment from Darren) I think your sentences are too long. Can you tell us about your previous jobs before landing 'the big one'? Just prior to this job I was the Publicity and Promotions manager for Roadshow Music, which is where I met the guys. I was there for three-and-a-half-years before being lured away for the current life I am leading as an international jetsetter. Before this, I was travelling for a few years and worked for EMI Records in London. My first job in the entertainment industry was in film production. What advice can you give to people wanting to work in t he entertainment industry? Work experience ... a real love for the industry. You cannot do it otherwise because it is not a job, it's a lifestyle choice. Be creative in your approach to landing that 'dream job'. Thinking outside the square is a definite plus. What are your future career plans? I'll be continuing on to work with Darren. We have plans to put together our own production company, and as I said, we keep threatening to write a screenplay together, which I am dying to see happen. I'll also be working a lot closer on the management side of his career. It's all exciting. Your favourite place to live? San Francisco. I have really created a great life there and, let's face it, living with a pop star certainly has its perks. Why just a few minutes ago we were discussing the top of the range flat screen TV/surround sound/complete audio visual refurbishment of his home because he was bored. The most I could ever wish for in the real world would be a crappy little VCR and a portable television. After working so closely with Savage Garden, do you have any deep down desire to become a 'rock star' yourself? Constantly. Just prior to showtime Darren hands me his microphone to hold and I just get this feeling in the pit of my stomach that I can't control and all I want to do is burt into song. Could you imagine if I actually had talent!!! My attitude would be OUT OF CONTROL!!! What's the best advice you have ever recieved? 1. When purchasing rings from an exclusive Amber dealer in Eastern Europe, don't start thinking you are part of the New York art scene. Although rings large enough to be mistaken for UFO landing pads may look good on Yoko Ono, they seem strangly miscast on a girl from Sydney. 2. Always let Darren choose your food. 3. Eight weeks of "testing" little bits of every selection of food on the catering menu, plus no exercise equals to floppy arms and thighs that rub together. 4. Always have a yoga mat and a bottle of water on hand when looking after a pop star in case of that spontaneous paparazzi shot on the high street in London. What was the first concert you ever attended? The Bay City Rollers ... I am ashamed to say. Three things you couldn't leave home without? My computer, my passport and my scarab good luck charm. What music are you listening to at the moment? The new U2 album ... various French disco CD's and a few little compositions my boyfriend programmed. What's the best, and worst thing about being on tour? The best thing is the people you meet and the places you see (and, of course, the catering) ... the worst is the result of loving the catering so much. And most of all missing the people I love. If someone were to give you $1000 to spend on yourself, how would you spend it? Definitely a day of beauty.