Camp - Kansas City, Missouri, USA
Interview - Darren Hayes on His Own Label, His Own Way
by Danny Bright
September 29, 2007

Interview - Darren Hayes on His Own Label, His Own Way - "I Feel So Very Fortunate That I Can Do This Thing on My Own"

We all remember Savage Garden and its great music from the late '90s. Well, the group may have parted ways, but Darren Hayes is still making music and making it his own way with his newest album, This Delicate Thing We've Made.

He split from his record label, moved to San Francisco and came out as a gay man. Hayes has sold more than 25 million records. He is selling out venues, hanging out with Elton John, and has married the love of his life, Richard. Hayes has definitely made something truly wonderful. He did this e-mail interview from Scotland.

Camp: You released your new album on your own label, Powdered Sugar. How refreshing is it to be on your own, making music the way you want to?

Darren Hayes: Very. I was approached by a couple of labels to put this out, but at the last second I pulled back. I wanted to be able to release what I wanted, not change production, and really have the freedom of doing this thing on my own. I feel so very fortunate that I can do this thing on my own and have my amazing team for support.

Camp: Who are your musical idols and who would you love to perform with or make an album with?

Darren Hayes: I would love to work with Annie Lennox, or Imogen Heap. They are amazing. This record was built off the same Fairlight synth that made Hounds of Love by Kate Bush. I bought it off of eBay. Loved that record, and it was magic to work with it. So Kate Bush, Peter Gabriel are all musical mentors.

Camp: Your single "Step Into the Light" was at No. 5 - on Billboard.com. How does that make you feel, seeing your songs make it to the tops of the charts?

Darren Hayes: This week I heard it got to the No. 3 position, so that was exciting. I am so thankful for those kinds of milestones. - I thank my fans for making all of this possible. MySpace really has brought me closer to a lot of them.

Camp: What other projects are you working on right now? What do you plan on working on in the near future?

Darren Hayes: Projects? This record is going to be my life for the next two years or so. The plan is I'm starting my theatre tour here in the U.K. and Europe. I'm very excited about the Royal Albert Hall show. What an experience.

Camp: What do you like to do for fun? Any hobbies?

Darren Hayes: Love my Star Wars collection, love getting things from the '80s. My house is full with memorabilia of Star Wars, etc. I could have a jumble sale. I love hanging with my friends. Love cozy nights with Wally my dog and my boy - Richard.

Camp: How and where did you and your boyfriend meet? What is your favorite thing about him?

Darren Hayes: We met through mutual friends. He keeps me grounded. He hardly gets moved. I love his wit. I love him.

Camp: What's a typical evening for you and Richard like (when you're not working)?

Darren Hayes: Totally homebody. I think people think we are boring. We love to cook for one another and snuggle with our dog and watch a film. That's a great night and that's what we like to do.

Camp: How has coming out and being yourself openly helped you with making this album?

Darren Hayes: I came out in a non-pomp and circumstance way. I came out on my Web site, then got on a plane. It was a very freeing, yet great experience. I did no interviews around that time. I just started to talk about it. It has been great, as I look at it as a platform for many gay teens/adults alike who are struggling with coming out. I hope my life can mirror something that shows people there is a happy ending in a gay relationship. We believe in monogamy. It is a beautiful thing. This record is about taking a travel back in time to relive a lot of the good times and confront those challenging times.

Camp: You went through a tough, depressing time afterward. Why is that?

Darren Hayes: Not really afterward. I became depressed for multiple reasons. It was a time of challenge and change. I had a lot of break-ups I had to deal with. My marriage to a woman was a break-up. My marriage to my musical partner broke up. I felt like a break-up was coming with my record company. All of those feelings on top of the pressure of trying to deliver the same numbers that Savage Garden did as a solo artist - I just couldn't cope and I needed to take time for myself and really find out what it meant for me to be gay and what and how it was going to affect my life. It was the best and worst time for me.

Camp: What advice would you give to someone who is scared to come out?

Darren Hayes: To hold on. You are loved. To hold on to those around you that support you. There is a place for you.

Camp: Are you involved with charity work or work involving gay causes?

Darren Hayes: Actually, yes. The Trevor Project is something I am passionate about. It is a call-in program that helps youth with their confusion, whether it is with sexuality or other addictions. I wish I had a place where I could have called in to talk about these confusing feelings and thoughts. The Trevor Project gives an amazing outlet, and I want to do anything I can do to help promote this (www.trevorproject.org).

Camp: You were one of the first few in Britain to get legally married (to a same-sex partner). Elton John was first. I think you know him. Did you talk to him about any of it?

Darren Hayes: Richard, my husband, and I were at his wedding. It was a great thing Elton did. We did talk, and he definitely gave us support and advice. We are friendly. We had a very closed ceremony, mostly family and close friends. Unfortunately Elton was away when we got married. He is a special person and someone I hold dear.

Camp: What is your proudest moment since coming out?

Darren Hayes: Being able to walk down the street holding Richard's hand. Being able to talk about it.

Camp: Are you so over being associated with Savage Garden or do you still enjoy it?

Darren Hayes: It was a great time in my life. But I am Darren Hayes and a much different artist now. And I really look forward to the future.

Camp: What type of fans and crowds do you get now at your shows?

Darren Hayes: Wow, I see all kinds. Teenage, mums, older, gay, straight. I am lucky that I draw an eclectic audience.

Camp: When will you be coming to the States?

Darren Hayes: I hope to bring my tour to the States in early '08.

Camp: On a scale of 1-10, how happy is Darren Hayes?

Darren Hayes: 10!

-------------------

Return to Articles Menu Page

Return to Darren Hayes Fans Homepage