Manchester Evening News
Rock and Pop
Darren at the double
By: Glenn Meads
September 3, 2007

DARREN Hayes has had a great year; he left his record label SonyBMG last year, and now takes full creative and promotional control on his new solo album, 'This Delicate Thing We’ve Made'.

This new 25-track epic double album is daring, theatrical, moving and, at times, completely danceable.

Life seems to begin at 35 for Hayes, who has turned into the pop star he always wanted to be. Sounding like a mix between Kate Bush and Prince, who knew that the ex-Savage Garden frontman could come up with the most beautifully diverse album of the year, so far?

I caught up him as he prepares for his UK tour, which includes a date at The Lowry:

What inspired you to bring out a double album?
Great double records that I grew up with, like Sign O The Times by Prince. And concept records like Kate Bush's Hounds of Love. I liked the idea that vinyl gave the listener an opportunity to go away and come back to the second half of the album later. So I wanted a bit of all of those things.

How has your relationship with your partner influenced your music?
Only in so far as he's made me feel better about myself and therefore I feel braver with my music. I don't see our relationship as suddenly becoming the focus of my music but being in a loving relationship can only make all the other parts of your life better.

What do you enjoy about touring?
I love the family atmosphere of being part of a travelling clan. It's like a school camp as a kid, only you get paid for it and the food is better.

Are there any British artists you would like to work with?
Well the only ones I adore probably have never heard of me - Annie Lennox, Kate Bush and Alison Moyet come to mind.

If you were not a pop star, what career path would you have followed?
I would have been a school teacher, probably.

What's your fave album track and why?
My favourite song is probably a song called 'How To Build a Time Machine'. It's about accepting that you can't change the past and being at peace with that. It's also the song that is the central them of the whole album.

Is there anything you don't like about being a pop star?
I am not fond of celebrity and in fact I do not consider myself one. I accept that I have a public job but I don't really think much at all of tabloid culture to be honest.

Do you mind audience members shouting out Savage Garden tracks for you to sing, now that you are solo?
They don't to be honest, because I still perform them. I have never been a snob about my past. I mix things up and appreciate that people are there to see me from various phases of my career.

Are you influenced by any other artists. Who and how?
No one in the top 40. Usually it's people I grew up listening to - early '80s new wave, pop and old Motown records.

What's on your iPod?
Right now, I'm loving the Robyn album.

You are playing the Lowry; a theatre. Is your new show theatrical?
It's entirely theatrical yes. It's designed by U2 legend Willie Williams who has an eye for innovation. It's a purpose built stage, wardrobe and amazing spectacle really. Certainly the most ambitious show I've ever put on.

You have a loyal following in Manchester. What do you like about playing here?
Obviously, the warm audiences as you're a very honest and down to earth lot and I think Australians really relate to your no bull attitude. I feel safe when I know people are telling me how it is, not just what I want to hear. And Manchester audiences always seem to give me a very sincere and real welcome. I feel very lucky actually to have had such loyal fan base there.

What are your plans following the tour?
We ship the stage over to Australia for a national tour then and then it's off to America to promote the album. It's going to be a very busy year from here on in!

Darren Hayes performs at The Lowry on Sunday, September 30. £26.50.
Call the Box Office on 0870 060 1768 to book or click here.
You can buy his new LP from Amazon.

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