Interview With Darren
From Savage Garden Offical Site
MSN Chat transcript with Darren Hayes of Savage Garden
Thursday, October 7, 1999
Digital Dish Diva says: Tonight we are very excited to welcome to MSN, Darren Hayes of Savage
Garden. Darren's new CD "Affirmation" premieres next month.
Digital Dish Diva says: Darren, welcome to MSN! Congratulations on your new single! It's fabulous!
Well, there are a lot of fans here, so let's get started!
Darren Hayes says: I'm thrilled out of my brain to be here. I'm more excited than you are!
Digital Dish Diva says: Cosette says: I'd like to ask if the worldwide release of "Affirmation" will
be enhanced or have an interview disk. Thanks!
Darren Hayes says: Cosette, Itıs only the Australian version that has CD Rom component and an extra
track. In Japan there is a small component plus a bonus track, but it's different than Australia.
Digital Dish Diva says: heather3 says: Can you tell us the mood of "Affirmations"? I LOVE YOU!
Darren Hayes says: Heather, thank you, I love you too. "Affirmation" is beautifully sad. It is about
relationships. It is very personal. It's an album about accepting that life presents you with
struggles. Sometimes we fall down but we get back up again and we're stronger for it.
Digital Dish Diva says: BJ says: When is "Affirmation" coming out?
Darren Hayes says: BJ, November 9 in the U.S. and October 25 I think in the rest of the world. It's
all on the website. I just make the art guys.
Digital Dish Diva says: mag4daz says: How do u feel like when you are on the stage and you see all
these people in front of you who love you so much?
Darren Hayes says: mag4daz, you know the first time around I didn't open my eyes a lot and I was
very shocked to see the support and the love. The last couple of years have amazing. Itıs been a bit
tough personally but fan letters and support and interest on the Internet has been such a warm
relief for me. I feel touched and honored and this time I'm making an effort to open my eyes and
take it all in.
Digital Dish Diva says: violetfly says: When discussing the debut album, you said that you felt your
sound would follow in the vein of "Carry on Dancing" and "Mine." Do you think "Affirmation" has done
that?
Darren Hayes says: Violetfly, its very moody and its a bit deceptive because the first songs are
quite poppy. I used to listen to the comments made on BBS about "I Knew I loved You" and many were
concerned it was a boy band record but the reality is "I Knew I Loved You" is the only song that
sounds like that. Itıs the only happy "up" naive love song that goes to a lot of dark places. If you
liked "Mine" you'll love "Gunning Down Romance"
Digital Dish Diva says: TMD says: Hi Darren! What has been different in writing "Affirmation" than
your first record?
Darren Hayes says: TMD, logistically Daniel and I were in two separate places. He'd send me disks
and I'd record lyrics to instrumentals. Itıs a more personal record than the first one and we had
more money and time to spend, which you can hear. It still sounds like Savage Garden with a sense of
melancholy and atmospheric.
Digital Dish Diva says: Ashley says: On the new album, which song means the most to you personally?
Darren Hayes says: Ashley, thatıs a tough one, it's such a personal record. I'd say my favorite
songs include "Affirmation," "I Don't Know You Anymore," and "The Lover After Me."
Digital Dish Diva says: Lil_Princess says: I loved the "Cherry Cola" song, how did you sing so fast?
Darren Hayes says: Lil_Princess, itıs called studio technology and I learned the hard way when we
went on tour for eight months. The key is lots of breathing. Do aerobics!
Digital Dish Diva says: daBomb says: When are you planning to do a tour of the States and Britain?
Darren Hayes says: daBomb: We won't be touring until summer 2000. We are just about to head out on
an endless promotion run which takes us everywhere. We'll have a short break for Christmas. We plan
to tour Australia in March and the rest of the world after.
Digital Dish Diva says: rainey says: What TV shows will you be appearing on?
Darren Hayes says: rainey, pretty much everyone you can imagine in America. We'll be on "MTV TRL"
tomorrow and in November "Rosie," "The View," "CNN Live," "Top of the Pops" in the UK, "Hit Machine"
in France, "Hey, Hey it's Saturday" You name it. We're booked on it.
Digital Dish Diva says: Ashley says: Do you read the bulletin board on your website? If so, some of
the posts must be quite funny to you :o).
Darren Hayes says: Ashley, sometimes I read the bulletin boards. I have to be honest guys, it's
kind of damaging to my self-esteem sometimes. I respect that itıs your world and you should be able
to say what you want to say but if you think you have a hair obsession. Iıve been questioning my
hair lately! The support on the website blows me away. I feel undeserving sometimes and can't wait
to go out on tour and thank everyone personally.
Digital Dish Diva says: Ultravioletsky says: I can't wait to see SG on Rosie on Nov 11 can you tell
us which song you're performing and if there will be an interview or not?
Darren Hayes says: Ultra, we will be performing "I Knew I Loved You" for Rosie and most likely we
will have a small chat because we love her and she loves us. I've recorded a Christmas song for
Rosieıs album and there's a special with me, Celine Dion, NSYNC, and I think Iım recording that
soon. Its a record for charity and its going to help children everywhere o you should really check
it out.
Digital Dish Diva says: This CD will be available in November from Sony.
Digital Dish Diva says: davids_lover says: How did you think of the name Savage Garden.
Darren Hayes says: davids lover, this is the oldest question. I think everybody knows. Anne Rice.
Digital Dish Diva says: sabraina_93021 says: What is the weirdest thing anyone has ever done to get
closer to you or meet you? What was your reaction? I LOVE YOU!
Darren Hayes says: sabraina, I think everyone knows. It was the fan in Singapore who sprayed me in
the face with a water pistol. That scared the hell out of me! I once had to sign the nipple of a
transvestite. Does that count?
Digital Dish Diva says: Amandabug says: Darren, are you guys booked for "Saturday Night Live"?
Darren Hayes says: Amandabug, Nina, our stylist works for "SNL," and I'm obsessed with the show. So
between the two of us I think that's going to happen pretty soon.
Digital Dish Diva says: Moon_owl says: Hey Darren! How long have you had your Darth Vader phone? I
love it!
Darren Hayes says: Moon, Darth Vader was a present from my manager Larry last year. I've just bought
my first home and I dusted off my phone from the attic and it takes pride and joy in my bedroom wing
and yes it is a wing, folks!
Digital Dish Diva says: karyn says: What's the weirdest thing that has ever been thrown on stage?
Darren Hayes says: karyn, I would say the weirdest things are harmful things like empty bottles. You
don't have to be Yoda to figure out a bottle hurts. Those chuppa chupps and those soft toys. Rather
than spend money on soft animals or toys. If you want to make me happy, donate those to hospitals or
throw a note on the stage telling me you've donated $1 charity and that would make me happier than
any gift you could give me.
Digital Dish Diva says: Tangodess says: Hi, Darren how hard has it been leaving your family for
months at a time. How do you survive?
Darren Hayes says: I adore my ex-wife and she will always be my soul mate but we're not married
anymore. We talk on the phone every other day and we have Oola and Obi. We share joint custody of
our cocker spaniels. I go to Brisbane more than you would know and I often fly my family out to see
me. My sister just left and my brother and sister in law and new baby will be out in November.
Digital Dish Diva says: Sherry30 says: Darren have you gotten the chance to visit Skywalker Ranch?
Darren Hayes says: Sherry, I am constantly six degrees of separation from Madonna, Michael Jackson
and Lucas. Let me explain. George Lucas is good friends with Walter, who produced our album. My
trainer is Lucas's trainer and recently Lucasıs daughter requested an audience with
Darren Hayes says: I saw the new "Star Wars" with Lucas, the first screening and I didnıt want to
overstay my welcome. I've been to the ranch a few times. Its about twenty minutes away, possibly why
I moved to San Francisco and George, if you're listening, I do want to audition for the second film.
Digital Dish Diva says: Savagebabe_23 says: Darren how could you describe the new album to us in
three words?
Darren Hayes says: Savagebabe, bittersweet, sad, beautiful.
Digital Dish Diva says: Utopia says: What is the voice in "I Want You" saying? Is it in Latin?
Darren Hayes says: Utopia it's in Latin and we have no idea. I suspect it was saying "Buy this
record now"
Digital Dish Diva says: kitten says: What do you like to do in your spare time when you have any?
Darren Hayes says: kitten, simple things I love going to restaurants, just relaxing. I really enjoy
fitness so I go to the gym a lot and I'm completely aware I don't look like Brad Pitt. Recently I've
taken up hiking. Iım also decorating my house. I've had fun buying furniture and making my own.
Digital Dish Diva says: TMD says: Hi Darren! What do you think about the new Star War movie? :)
Darren Hayes says: TMD, I loved it. I think like the first trilogy it will get better, but I'm
definitely a Jar Jar Binks supporter and I do a mean impression.
Digital Dish Diva says: Wendolyn says: Do people recognize you often in public, Darren? =)
Darren Hayes says: Wendolyn, I think around the time of "Truly Madly Deeply" going to #1 in America.
I got recognized a bit. I have no delusions about my level of celebrity. I'm not Michael Jackson.
Digital Dish Diva says: Anne says: Do you have an idol?
Darren Hayes says: Anne, Colby.
Digital Dish Diva says: TMD says: Hi Darren! Are you actively involved on the Internet?
Darren Hayes says: TMD: I used to be. Now I just use my laptop for checking email. I have this hell
cool Mac Powerbook with cola colored keys. It rocks! Sometimes I lurk on the website. I don't go to
MIRC anymore.
Digital Dish Diva says: hayesbabe says: Darren are you still vegetarian?
Darren Hayes says: hayesbabe, no I was a vegetarian for seven years. I stopped eating meat because
my body needed a break. but during tour last year I got thin and weak and when I started this album
a trainer suggested I start eating white meat again and I have to say, I feel a lot better for it.
Digital Dish Diva says: mariet says: Did you write your new video yourself?
Darren Hayes says: mariet: We worked in conjunction with the Director Kevin Bray, initially, I
wanted it to be a romantic piece of film and we were looking at people like Kirsten Dunst to play
the person on the train. It was loosely based on "Sliding Doors." I just love it actually.
Digital Dish Diva says: chowderhead says: Any advice for future artists and singers out there?
Darren Hayes says: chowderhead: I say this all the time. You have to ask if you really, really want
it because if you do you have to eat, breathe, sleep your dream. Itıs very competitive and itıs
mostly opportunity. Like most things in life. The reality is different than the dream. Itıs
exhaustive and I've definitely paid the price.
Digital Dish Diva says: Parisa says: What will you be doing on New Year's Eve?
Darren Hayes says: Parisa, we were playing in a live concert in Sydney until the cheapskates decided
they couldn't afford to pay us what we're worth. I'll probably be at home with my
family. I've never been into New Years Eve anyway. Itıs completely overrated. I also have a minor
fear that it might all simultaneously explode.
Digital Dish Diva says: Azrielle says: Hello Darren, if you could pick one favorite character from
the Vampire Chronicles, who would it be?
Darren Hayes says: Azrielle, Louis, definitely. Although I'm probably Lestat.
Digital Dish Diva says: ferretdreams says: Did he see Kirsten in "interview with a vampire"?
Darren Hayes says: I did but believe it or not I didn't make the connection until she was on the
set. Until Kirsten asked me where we got the name of the band and I just said "Oh my God you
wouldn't believe it!"
Digital Dish Diva says: So there was good karma?
Darren Hayes says: Yes, definitely and Kirsten and I really connection. She's the same sign as me.
She's a Taurus. Her favorite lyric was the same as mine- the angels dance around you. It turned out
that she agrees with the same spirituality as I do. I was very, very nervous because I had to hold
her hand and give her a kiss.
Digital Dish Diva says: Sparketet says: Hey, Darren what's you favorite cartoon from childhood and
now?
Darren Hayes says: Sparketet from childhood it would be "G Force" which was an animated superhero
show and "ScoobyDoo." Now itıs "Ren and Stimpy."
Digital Dish Diva says: Mommy says: Do you actually write your own songs?
Darren Hayes says: Mommy: Daniel and I write everything
Digital Dish Diva says: blackjedi says: If you could choose, which video was the most fun to make?
Darren Hayes says: blackjedi, "The Animal Song" by far.
Digital Dish Diva says: SavageMelly says: How is Daniel doing? I haven't head much about him lately.
Darren Hayes says: Melly he's great. I have to thank everybody for being very understanding about
the way he and I have shifted our roles slightly. The truth is, its always been like this. I'm more
comfortable being a public figure. The two of us want to make music for you and this is our way of
doing that.
Digital Dish Diva says: kristina says: I can't wait to see you on "TRL tomorrow." Will you be
premiering "IKILY"?
Darren Hayes says: Kristina, I wish. No we're just rocking on out to say hello to you guys and play
the video. It'll be the first time MTV plays it.
Digital Dish Diva says: aliendave says: Darren, are you into video games at all?
Darren Hayes says: aliendave: I have to confess I have really bad hand to eye coordination so I'm
hideous at things like tennis and video games but I do own every "Star Wars" video game produced and
yes, I'm shocking at them.
Digital Dish Diva says: Maya14 says: Hi Darren, My Name is Maya and I'm from Israel. I woke up at
15:00am just to chat with you. When are you gonna come to Israel? You have a lot of fans here, who
are waiting for a concert. I can't wait for the new album!
Darren Hayes says: Maya, I would love to come to Israel for historical and religious reasons.
Thereıs so many places I haven't been to yet. I'd love to go to Africa, parts of Europe I haven't
been to and the Middle East fascinates me. A lot of it doesn't depend on us. Itıs dollar and cents.
Our last tour we spent a lot of money but we didn't care. We wanted to say thanks to all of our fans
but be patient and thanks. We're pretty much coming everywhere in the next 12 months. We've never
really visited Latin America and we'll spend some time there. I'm obsessed with Brazil. IT'S ALL
ABOUT BRAZIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Digital Dish Diva says: Lianne says: What is your favorite Savage Garden song, and your favorite
non-Savage Garden song?
Darren Hayes says: Lianne, my favorite Savage song would "Gunning Down Romance" and my favorite
non-Savage song, gosh, thatıs a hard one. Probably "This Woman's Work" by Kate Bush.
Digital Dish Diva says: Girlegirl says: Hi Darren, I think you guys rock! What was the song "To the
Moon and Back" all about?
Darren Hayes says: Girlegirl, it was about divorce, about a dear friend of mine who had a bad
experience and blamed himself for his parents divorce, teenage angst. Everyone has felt unattractive
and felt they didn't fit in. This person didn't give themselves credit.
Digital Dish Diva says: chicacherrycola2 says: Darren, do you miss living in Australia?
Darren Hayes says: chica: I don't really I just miss my family. Iım 27 and I've always lived fairly
close to my family and being out of the country has given me more privacy and its let me work
myself out. I've enjoyed my time. I get lonely sometimes. I am so single and so happy about that. I
was terrified to be single, I'd been in a relationship since I was 17 and never thought I could be
alone, but itıs not so bad.
Digital Dish Diva says: Clemgrrrl says: Hi Darren! What is your favorite city you've been in and
why?
Darren Hayes says: Clemgrrrl: I think New York is definitely up there. but I love where I live at
the moment, its a little town called...
Darren Hayes says: Ha! As if I'd tell.
Digital Dish Diva says: Ami-chan says: What is your favourite possession?
Darren Hayes says: Ami-chan: Wow, thatıs a really good question. I don't think there's a single
object that I value that highly. My favorite things in life have been experience of love, family,
and memories.
Digital Dish Diva says: Melena says: Darren who would be your dream woman?
Darren Hayes says: Melena, I had the dream woman. There is none higher.
Digital Dish Diva says: shesk says: How was the MTV FANatic experience?
Darren Hayes says: shesk, actually it was a little disappointing to be honest. Because it was so
quick and you didn't really get a chance to really meet the person. I was happy that I had inspired
someone and thatıs why we met that girl but I have to say we have a lot of sincere fans who aren't
necessarily into us because they want to date us. They're into us because the music affects them.
I've had our music played at funerals, played during chemotherapy when they lose the battle.
Digital Dish Diva says: slurpee_girl says: Darren, has fame changed the way your close friends and
family see you?
Darren Hayes says: slurpee, sometimes. Fame has changed me too I'm sure. Sometimes I forget that my
actions affect those around me like when I talk about my private life or using private experiences
as inspirations for songs. I realize my family and friends experience that without asking for it and
my family friends sometimes get a hard time. People expect them to be millionaires. Fame to me is a
metaphor that God has used to teach me about myself. I think its an elaborate journey designed to
give me life lessons and maybe for you to take control of your life and learn.
Digital Dish Diva says: Aussie Dream says: The songs you write are great!! Have you taken very many
voice lessons? Your voice is fantastic!
Darren Hayes says: Aussie Dream, thank you very much. I never used to study voice at all. I was just
a kid who used to sing in the bathroom. About half way through the tour last year I started having
problems with my voice so I started seeing a voice coach and she's amazing. I think you can hear the
difference. I have to tell you singing has an effect on me. I feel it in my body its' almost a
religious experience. It's literally joy.
Digital Dish Diva says: Kelly2 says: Darren, To the Moon and Back was the only reason I didn't kill
myself, I want to say thank you so much for such a beautiful song, and I adore you.
Darren Hayes says: Kelly, I have gotten so many letters and had conversations with young girls
especially with regards to that song and thatıs why I do these chats. I used to do chats to get
comfort and attention but now I understand that its an important job to give people 5 minutes of
peace in a chaotic world and to let you know you're not alone. I feel the things you feel. I deal in
them in different ways. "Crash and Burn" is a lullaby to myself and reassurance to you saying that
everybody hits rock bottom and thatıs okay. Thatıs what friends are for. You pick yourself and get
going. We aren't designed to be happy 100% of the time and when you accept that you see highs and
lows you put all together and you have memories.
Digital Dish Diva says: Sophie says: What did you want to be when you grew up? Did you ever imagine
you would be this famous?
Darren Hayes says: Sophie, I wanted to be a pop star. I didn't think of being anything else, Perhaps
C3P0.. I used to think I was Michael Jackson and everybody wanted to be famous. It stemmed from
insecurities and the need to be loved.
Digital Dish Diva says: SallySG says: Hi Darren!! First of all I wanna thank you so much for doing
this chat! What's the biggest misconception people have about you?
Darren Hayes says: Sally, that I'm really serious and that I'm a complete egomaniac constantly
stealing the attention from Daniel. First of all I'm an absolute zany nut case most of the time
always impersonating people, things, sometimes, plants and Daniel chooses to take a step backwards
all the time. If I receive more attention its actually by default sometimes also, I think sometimes
that Daniel and I have tension but we adore each other. He's seriously like my brother, I love him
more than you all do. Heıs the most calming, insightful, intelligent person you'll ever meet.
Digital Dish Diva says: Lindsey says: Could we get a hint as to what "Two Beds and a Coffee Machine"
is about?
Darren Hayes says: Lindsey itıs actually a very serious song about domestic violence. Cover your
ears if you donıt want to hear this part. The lyric is describing a motel room with two beds and a
coffee machine. I won't explain too much further because I want the story to unfold when you hear
the song for the first time.
Digital Dish Diva says: mrs_daniel_jones says: I want to know what Savage Garden plans on doing
later in life, after you leave Savage Garden or whatever. What are your future plans in life?
Darren Hayes says: I want to be a Dad. I might do a solo record one day and I'm interested in
studying more, psychology or maybe write a novel or screenplay. Mostly I'd like to be a Dad.
Digital Dish Diva says: CarlaM says: I have a question for Darren: Who name's the songs, you or
Daniel?
Darren Hayes says: Carla, I write the lyrics so I write the names of the songs, Daniel is very
generous in that he lets me put my tales all over his beautiful music.
Digital Dish Diva says: aliendave says: What would you name your son, and what would you name a
daughter?
Darren Hayes says: dave, I don't think I'd want to tell the world. I don't know yet, I think you
know when you look your child in the eyes for the first time. I think the last time I told someone a
name, they named their dog that. Hint: Daniel called his dog Jackson.
Digital Dish Diva says: Garanwyn says: Will we be seeing you at the ARIA's?
Darren Hayes says: No, we'll be out of the country, unfortunately. But I think its time Australia
had one without Savage Garden, even Iım getting bored with their attendance.
Digital Dish Diva says: Wendolyn says: When you write a song, about how long does it take you? Is it
very sudden - like you're inspired to suddenly create a song, or does it take a lot of thought?
Darren Hayes says: Both. Some songs are written in hours, sometimes weeks. I can tell you on this
album, some of the songs were brewing for six months to a year and sometimes at the studio literally
at the grand piano. It just depends.
Digital Dish Diva says: DayDreamer says: What does the title of this album mean to you?
Darren Hayes says: That it's all good. That life happens. I n the end everything is okay. Itıs about
acceptance and forgiveness, taking responsibility, letting go.
Digital Dish Diva says: crichou says: What do you think about the fans on the Internet?
Darren Hayes says: crichou, I love them. I love them. I had a really tough year being out of the
country and being alone and to come back from that time off to see the support you don't know how
amazing that feel to have a complete stranger wish you love. You have the ability to pick me up and
make me feel like the luckiest man in the world so I keep taking the challenge with music to take
you places you don't know you want to go to yet.
Digital Dish Diva says: Darren, last question is from Trishabelle who says: Seeing that we are
approaching the year 2000-what would you put in your time "capsule" as a keepsake from 1999?
Darren Hayes says: Wow, I'm very sentimental I don't know if I could pick one item, my credit card
statements. I went on a plane trip from San Francisco to New York recently and I had to go over my
spending for the last twelve months. Every meal, pair of socks, thumbtack they were all there. The
good the bad the indifference. That pretty much summed up the whole year. It was scary because
every meal every restaurant every skip of a heartbeat.
Digital Dish Diva says: Darren, I know I speak for your fans in here who say thank you so very much
for being with us tonight. You are truly a delight. It was a pleasure spending tonight with you. We
wish you the best of luck with your new CD "Affirmation: which will be released in November.
Darren Hayes says: I can't sum it up in one sentence but thank you from the bottom of our hearts. We
love you. You make it all worthwhile. Please don't send presents. Spend the money on yourself or
donate it to charity. Your support, your love, is priceless. Big Hugs and see you on tour.
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