New book on Theo Tams gives fans an inside look
Canadian Idol fans can now get to know their winner even better with new book "Theo Tams: Inside the Music."
Ironically enough, Tams learned a few things from it as well.
"My first read through of the book was just so, so eye-opening. I really had no idea that these people knew me so well," Tams says with a laugh.
With interviews and rich colour commentary from the Idol judges, fellow competitiors and host Ben Mulroney, among others, the book features personal stories and insights from some of the people who knew Tams best during his Idol journey.
Vocal coach Debra Byrd, in particular, talks about how Tams went from the shy kid who played piano with his head down, much like "Schroeder" from the Peanuts comic strip, to the confident performer he became.
"I really didn't think I'd gone through such a transformation, this big transformation that they're talking about, but even now, when I watch it back I'm like, 'Oh, I came a ways.' It's just so strange. It was just kind of common knowledge to all these judges and producers," says Tams.
Many of his fellow competitors, as well as judges Jake Gold and Zack Werner, make reference to things like Tams' sweaty armpits during his first audition and how he blew everyone away during the Top 200 week with his performance of Sarah McLachlan's "Angel."
"It's just so bizarre (that so many people mention that) because for me, that was a turning point as well. Zack kind of mentions it the best way I think. He says in between my first audition and that 'Angel' performance I really had to do a gut check and really decide just how much I wanted this and how hard I was willing to work for it."
As well as a behind-the-scenes look at his time on Canadian Idol, the book features a moving write-up from Tams about volunteering for an orphanage in India, along with photos and candid journal entries.
"I just really wanted my fans, and even friends and family, who have never heard about what I did there, to just read it and hopefully feel inspired by it and get to know me, get to know why I went and why it was so much bigger than just a trip."
The book also features a number of personal photos, courtesy of his mom Margaret.
And like any childhood photos, there are a few that Tams would've rather kept tucked away in the family album.
"There's some in there that I'm just like, 'Uhhhh...Mom, why did you choose them?'" he says with a groan. "But my mom's always been like that, she's always saved every single picture, she has drawers and drawers full so if those were the ones she chose I'll let her have that."
Editor Craig McConnell of Inside Music Books said he wanted Tams' book to capture all sides of him.
"I just wanted to get the maximum amount of information I could, which is tough when you're dealing with a new star who doesn't have a couple of years of touring behind him and all the stories that come with that so yeah, you absolutely have to dig and try to look at the story from every angle," says McConnell.
McConnell adds fans love to get their hands on something tangible - especially Canadian Idol fans.
"The types of fans who follow Canadian Idol are really the types of fans who would enjoy a product like this because they're basically among the most enthusiastic and open-minded music fans I think that you're going to find anywhere."
Tams said he was interested in doing the book because it would help him create an identity for himself beyond the show and give fans a closer look at who he is.
"It was almost like a capsule and this book kind of carried the last year with it and it's just so nice that that's part of my life now and also that I'm able to share that with people," he says.
Tams will soon be releasing the second single off his debut album "Give it all Away" and is getting ready for a cross-country tour this fall, which will kick off in his hometown of Lethbridge, Alta., in August.
He plans on taking the book out on the road with him and suspects it could be a popular autograph item.
"It's cheaper than a T-shirt," he jokes.
"Theo Tams: Inside the Music" is available at Chapters bookstores across the country or online at maplemusic.com
source: ctv.ca
Ironically enough, Tams learned a few things from it as well.
"My first read through of the book was just so, so eye-opening. I really had no idea that these people knew me so well," Tams says with a laugh.
With interviews and rich colour commentary from the Idol judges, fellow competitiors and host Ben Mulroney, among others, the book features personal stories and insights from some of the people who knew Tams best during his Idol journey.
Vocal coach Debra Byrd, in particular, talks about how Tams went from the shy kid who played piano with his head down, much like "Schroeder" from the Peanuts comic strip, to the confident performer he became.
"I really didn't think I'd gone through such a transformation, this big transformation that they're talking about, but even now, when I watch it back I'm like, 'Oh, I came a ways.' It's just so strange. It was just kind of common knowledge to all these judges and producers," says Tams.
Many of his fellow competitors, as well as judges Jake Gold and Zack Werner, make reference to things like Tams' sweaty armpits during his first audition and how he blew everyone away during the Top 200 week with his performance of Sarah McLachlan's "Angel."
"It's just so bizarre (that so many people mention that) because for me, that was a turning point as well. Zack kind of mentions it the best way I think. He says in between my first audition and that 'Angel' performance I really had to do a gut check and really decide just how much I wanted this and how hard I was willing to work for it."
As well as a behind-the-scenes look at his time on Canadian Idol, the book features a moving write-up from Tams about volunteering for an orphanage in India, along with photos and candid journal entries.
"I just really wanted my fans, and even friends and family, who have never heard about what I did there, to just read it and hopefully feel inspired by it and get to know me, get to know why I went and why it was so much bigger than just a trip."
The book also features a number of personal photos, courtesy of his mom Margaret.
And like any childhood photos, there are a few that Tams would've rather kept tucked away in the family album.
"There's some in there that I'm just like, 'Uhhhh...Mom, why did you choose them?'" he says with a groan. "But my mom's always been like that, she's always saved every single picture, she has drawers and drawers full so if those were the ones she chose I'll let her have that."
Editor Craig McConnell of Inside Music Books said he wanted Tams' book to capture all sides of him.
"I just wanted to get the maximum amount of information I could, which is tough when you're dealing with a new star who doesn't have a couple of years of touring behind him and all the stories that come with that so yeah, you absolutely have to dig and try to look at the story from every angle," says McConnell.
McConnell adds fans love to get their hands on something tangible - especially Canadian Idol fans.
"The types of fans who follow Canadian Idol are really the types of fans who would enjoy a product like this because they're basically among the most enthusiastic and open-minded music fans I think that you're going to find anywhere."
Tams said he was interested in doing the book because it would help him create an identity for himself beyond the show and give fans a closer look at who he is.
"It was almost like a capsule and this book kind of carried the last year with it and it's just so nice that that's part of my life now and also that I'm able to share that with people," he says.
Tams will soon be releasing the second single off his debut album "Give it all Away" and is getting ready for a cross-country tour this fall, which will kick off in his hometown of Lethbridge, Alta., in August.
He plans on taking the book out on the road with him and suspects it could be a popular autograph item.
"It's cheaper than a T-shirt," he jokes.
"Theo Tams: Inside the Music" is available at Chapters bookstores across the country or online at maplemusic.com
source: ctv.ca
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