I've also typed out the text from the dvd review and the interview with Darren for those of you that need to use a translator to read the dialogue...
The DVD review on page 11 says...
Darren Hayes
A Big Night In With Darren Hayes
It had to be one of the stand out concerts of the year, and thank you Darren for fast tracking the release! This DVD is a great offering. From the concert itself to the bonus features - it certainly rocks! The only issue I have with it, is that they chose the second nights winner to be shown on stage, whereas our competition winner doug, won the first night - and thanks to technical issues at the show - I think that footage got bumped in favour of the later day...but hey - it's a great DVD either way! I love that they have included the screen's effect footage as part of the bonus features, as all that stuff was great during the show!
5/5 POPpoints
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The Article on Page 13 says...
DARREN HAYES
The Superstar is Back
The year of 2006 seems to have bode global superstar Darren Hayes very well - from getting married, releasing two brilliant DVD's in time for Christmas, and spending the best part of the second half of the year creating his forthcoming studio album.
POPreplublic.tv caught up with Darren whilst he was recording in the UK where he gave us an insight into life, love and his want to stop people smoking.
It's hard as an interviewer to ask probing questions when you have released such an intimate DVD like Too Close For Comfort..what was it like putting all of the footage from your past together?
At first it was excruciatingly cringeworthy. I hated every frame and I couldn't bear to see myself so miserable! But you know what, with age comes perspective and I now look back at the footage with a kind of bemusement. It's interesting to me 10 years on just how much I've grown as a human being and I really see the film as being more about the trappings of fame and supposed success than just about me.
Have you reached a stage in your life where you are now having to reflect on the reflection part of the TCFC DVD?
I'd say that I've reached a point in my life where I'm not afraid of introspection. I've spent the last two years really examining what happened to me, both good and bad, during the time in which I was part of this unusually successful duo. At the time it was so busy I couldn't process it all. It's only now that I can look back and see how it affected me.
You are also releasing a new concert DVD, Big Night In..one of our readers, "Doug" won the chance to get up on stage with you for the show - what's it like having fans as part of the show for you, and why did you choose to do that concept?
To be fair, the concept came from my friend and mentor Willie Williams, who was the show designer and director. He sat me down one day and said "You're so much funnier and relatable than people realize. I want to design a show that brings out your personality". He was very much concerned with giving me opportunities to interact and be "on the spot" with people. So involving the audience as much as possible was crucial to unlocking my spontaneity.
What was it like for you to have a sell out series of shows back here in Oz - especially at the famous Opera House?
Oh, it was a massive buzz and hugely emotional. I remember seeing that iconic building for the first time as a kid in the 70's. It has always been an Australian landmark and I always dreamed of playing there.
How has married life been for you so far?
I'm so much calmer since I've been in a good relationship. I'm probably the worst person to tell you as I've had the least experience of dealing with me! But I find myself constantly telling Richard stories that begin with "My God..before I met you I used to be.." and the "used to be" part was not always ideal! He's definitely my rock. I love being married to him.
Have you felt any pressure to be a "gay icon" or representative since having the pleasure of legally marrying your partner in the UK?
It's been wonderful really. The gay community has really embraced me and given so much support and positive feedback. I feel honored if I am considered a positive roll model for long lasting relationships. No pressure. Just a sort of quiet thumbs up.
How's the new album coming along? Are you having fun in the studio? (Have you been working with big names/special guests etc?)
As I speak we are one song from finishing and it's been 6 months in the making. 25 very lovingly cared for songs have bled me dry and I'm looking forward to the Christmas holidays! I've worked with a few special people but none I can name today.
Why have you decided to do a "double album" for the upcoming project?
I just had a very clear and concise vision and it needed the scope of a double record. Also I like the idea that the record can be seen as two distinct movements much in the way vinyl used to be.
How would you describe the sound of the new album? Does it differ from your previous work?
I would hope that every album is vastly different from my last. This one is no exception. It is very grand and epic in scope and full of lush electronica and sweeping soundscapes.
What's the most repetitive question you have been asked by the media?
Do you think you'll ever get the band back together? For the record the answer is no!
What question would you like to be asked, but haven't?
What is the one thing you would change about the world and you can't pick world peace or ending sickness. It has to be something selfish and purely catering only to you.
My thing I would change is I would stop people smoking.
What does the next 12 months hold for you?
I've got so many things happening that I'll barely have time to think. Mostly the tour I want to do and a few special projects.
If you were to give your fans one piece of advice, what would that be?
People show you who they really are when they first meet you.
Believe them.
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