The New Single |
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Since the release of his debut solo album Spin, former Savage Garden mouthpiece Darren Hayes has enjoyed success on his own terms. The worldwide charting prowess of “Insatiable”, “Strange Relationship” and “Crush (1980Me)” has proved critics wrong. On the release of his new single “I Miss You” – remixed by Dallas Austin and backed by the Madonna-sampled “Crush on Holiday” – Darren has come a long way, baby, since flying the Savage Garden coop to feather his own project. Now, based in San Francisco, Darren continues to enjoy life as a natural blond in a city that prides itself on acceptance and versatility. “Well, you know what, “ he says, “When I first moved to America it wasn’t meant to be permanent. I think I was just running from fame, my personal life as well as my career. “San Francisco has provided me with a space to breathe for a second so I don’t feel like such a freak. In [my hometown] Brisbane, for example, it was getting difficult to walk down the street to do all the things I wanted to do. I don’t want to be Madonna; I just want to be able to go to the mall or a restaurant with my family. Besides, a lot of the attention you get because you’re on television is not always good. Sometimes, people want to take the piss out of you; other people have an attitude or problem with you. For me, moving overseas was about being a little more inconspicuous. Plus, San Francisco reminds me of Australia: It’s a healthy lifestyle I’m living so it’s been great.” Typically, the newie “I Miss You” tugs at the heartstrings with words of love and adoration. It comes as no surprise to discover Darren is an old fashioned guy at heart. “I’m someone who’s extremely faithful, actually,” he says. “I really do believe in fidelity…if you have a real relationship, the bond you share should answer any question of trust. Any relationship is a contract between two people. The terms of my contract are that you can’t sleep with anyone else! “Am I black or white? I’m changing as I get older but I think being monogamous is the only thing you can control. I am such a romantic so sex is sacred. When I’m not in a relationship, absolutely, I’ve had a one-night stand; I don’t know how great I’ve felt about it at the end of the day but we’ve all done it. I’d much rather make love to someone I’m in love with than have a one-night stand.” When it comes to life partners, would-be suitors had better hide their Savage Garden records towards the back of the closet if they want to last the distance with Darren. “As a general rule of thumb, I’ve never had a relationship with anyone who knew what I did for a living. It was always, ‘oh, by the way, I don’t know how you’re going to handle this but, see that gold record on the wall, that’s what I do’. It’s always been that way because it takes away the mystery of working out someone’s motivation. Am I in love at the moment? Who cares?” Unwilling to divulge any further details regarding his love life, Darren admits his songs are not as autobiographical as they used to be. “It has changed over time,” he muses. “My lyrics used to be completely literal but then I got annoyed with people who assumed they knew everything about me. So, with the songs on Spin, I’ve weaved in and out of fantasy and reality even though the fantasies are based on real desire.” Words: Shane Robert Cooper |
