Darren Hayes Interview Part 2 : "Blogging has completely reinvigorated my faith in the music industry."

Part 1 | Part 2

Welcome to Part 2 of our interview with Darren Hayes.  In this segment, Darren opens up about his documentary 'Too Close For Comfort', shares his thoughts on the addictive activity that is blogging, talks about some of the other electro acts he is big upping and let's us in on what he buys from eBay!  Funtastic!

Electroqueer:  Not to long ago, you released a very personal documentary about yourself on DVD called ‘Too Close For Comfort’.  Do you feel any different now than you do from when you were filming that documentary?  Why did you feel it was important to release that footage?

Darren Hayes:  I think it was important because it was like a piece of me that had been shelved, yet again by the powers that be (or used to be LOL!).  It was incredibly cathartic to let go of the pain I associated with my past, especially the awkwardness I felt about the stumble that was my solo career in America – and just admit that I was at least aware that things weren’t necessarily a bed of roses.  I was tired of having to keep my chin up.  Letting my walls down for the camera gave me permission to mess up and be real.

EQ:  One of the things we love about you is that you blog quite frequently on your MySpace page.  What do you think about blogging?  Has it gotten you into trouble yet?

DH:  Here’s how I feel about blogging - it has completely reinvigorated my faith in the music industry.  For me, it has removed the gap between the façade of ‘celebrity’ and the reality of artist.  I get to relate directly to my audience and share my feelings, thoughts and fears.  And they to me.  It has allowed me to get to know the people who support me and makes me feel like a human being again.   I can sell out a show in minutes just by telling my MySpace friends about it.  As opposed to waiting for them to find out.   The only downside is – It’s addictive and I’m worried when I get busy that I’ll let people down if I can’t keep up the intensity.  I’m loving it though!

EQ:  You’re touching on a few political subjects on ‘Bombs Up In My Face’ – Tell us a little bit about this song.

DH:  It’s a track that is angry, that’s for sure!  Sonically it’s built on drums that are made up from sounds and beats recorded on the day of the July 7th terrorist bombings on the tube in London 06.  Shave had recorded the radio broadcasts live on an old reel to reel tape.  He used those sounds to build up the rhythm section.  Lyrically it’s about a fear really.  A fear of this anger I have inside me which I think is a reflection of what it feels like to be alive today in the current political climate. 

EQ:  So you started your own record label ‘Powdered Sugar’ – whats it like to be your own boss now and to call the shots.  Heaven or hell?

DH:  Both.  I can’t lie to you – I have days when I’m exhausted and I’m in tears.  I’m finding out all the awful bitchy competitive things about the music industry now I’m in the driver’s seat.  But by and large it’s a joy to know that all my hard work and that of my team is for a truly good and sincere cause.  For music. 

EQ:  One thing we learned this past year is that your fans are amazingly dedicated!  What is the craziest story you heard from one of your fans?

DH:  Oh I’m crazier than my fans!  That’s for sure.  So none really.  There’s a bunch of people who regularly fly all around the world to see me perform.  That amazes me.  I feel so guilty!  But very grateful.  A woman in New York has her entire back covered in tattoos of me.  That’s pretty wild!

EQ:  Tell us about some of the other acts you’ve been talking about lately like Temposhark, Antigone and She Said Yes.

DH:  Well Temposhark are just fierce determined little fuckers and I love them.  Their album is gorgeous and I’m a fan.  Antigone makes better records than most people in her field and I desperately want her to break into the wide open.  She Said Yes is a band that features my fellow Australian friend Tania Doko on vocals and my ex drummer Karl Lewis.  Tania was the singer in a pop group in Oz called ‘Bachelor Girl’ but did the old electro transformation and has me under her spell now.  She’s currently performing at the Fringe Festival in a Pet Shop Boys inspired show called ‘Seriously’ and word is that the boys ie: Neil Tennant and co. love it!

EQ:  What are some of the current albums you’re listening to these days?  Any recommendations?

DH:  I get all my music tips from you Raj!  You introduced me to Robyn who I’m OBESESSED with now.  Apart from that, I love the Rhianna album (well the first few songs).  And lots of old and rare Prince.  I’m really not loving a lot of new music at the moment to be honest.  There’s a few things that everyone knows – but mostly it’s remixes and one off songs.   Hasn’t been a whole album since Imogen Heap’s ‘Speak for yourself’ that I’ve been that passionate about. 

EQ:  What are the sorts of things you buy on eBay?  Do you ever see how much your memorabilia is going for these days?

DH:  Never!  But I buy lots of 80’s things.  I buy lots of 12 inch mixes and rare Prince records and bootlegs on vinyl.   I buy the odd pair of weird trainers and the occasional E.T. toy.  I’m getting a lot better!  I used to be obsessed!

EQ:  So last year we named you EQ of the Year…Cringeworthy or an honor?

DH:  Fucking Grade A Honor!

EQ:  Thanks Darren for taking time out of your busy schedule to chat to us – anything you want to tell  EQ readers before we sign off?

DH:  Just thanks to everyone for supporting original music and thanks for making Electroqueer as popular as it deserves to be.  EQ is a great thing for music and Raj deserves your lovin’!  xxxD

Awww - well we sure are feeling the love from Darren and everyone of his fans that we have had the pleasure of meeting this year.  Do not miss Darren Hayes as he tours Australia and the UK with the 'Time Machine Tour' throughout September and October as it promises to be a treat for the senses.  Make sure you pick up your copy of 'This Delicate Thing We've Made' when it drops in August as well.  You can count on EQ to bring you all the exciting Darren Hayes news as it develops!

More Darren Hayes...

Darren Hayes on MySpace
Darren Hayes Official Website
EQ Of The Year 2006
EQ's Club Delicacy Live Review

Comments

[MADISON]

Wow, that was such an excellent interview - totally agree about blogging breaking down the barrier between the artist and the fans.
Hot stuff! That was Major!
MADISON XX

[Adem IAR]

*applauds madly*

That was a fabulous read, thank you!

[Gemmadh]

Great 2nd part Raj, and great questions and answers there too.

Big love
Gemma xx

[Stephan D. Leuenberger]

Gosh, if I blogged, I'd just rant about the world's problems. It would bore the hell out of ya'll. haha

Nah, who knows. Thanks, Raj!
xox Stephan

[manu]

part 2 is amazing as part 1.

thanks for such beautiful interview Raj.

you made us smile.

love manu

[Geo Toni]

This article and interview you've done with Darren was fantastic. Thanks so much EQ, you guys are lovely!
Much Love... Geo Toni xxx

[Joyce]

Loved it, thanks Raj.Terrific interview. EQ rawks

[Laurie]

Thanks for the wonderful interview Raj!

[cat]

Ever more reasons to love EQ. There's nothing else like it on the web, Raj. I just finished reading this great interview... looked to the right, and clicked on Robyn's video and half a dozen others I'd never have thought to seek out on my own. Thank you so much!

[Izzy]

Thanks Raj, what a great interview!!!
And thanks Darren for his availability to his fans :)

Izx

[Lou Davies]

Thank you Raj for yet another great interview with my most favourite person ;) Excellent questions..More please! Lou x

[cmjmaria]

Thank you so much Raj, it was a wonderful interview! very interesting questions, and great answers, as always. Huge thanks! Maria

[Spike]

Thanks Raj, great interview, part 2 was well worth the wait :)

[Carolyn]

Part 2 - amazing, thanks so much. Raj, EQ is fantastic. Old stuff, new stuff & everything inbetween. A feast for the ears & eyes. Keep up the great work!

xoxo
Carolyn

[Skyliner]

Great interveiw, (both parts!), its great that the rapour between you gets the best out of both of you!!Good luck to Darren with the Single & Album & Raj.... keep up the great work!;)

[Megan]

Yet again, great answers & questions my lovelies! I thoroughly enjoyd reading that :D A very interesting read! & Raj does indeed introduce us to the coolest music out there ;D

Megan xXx
p.s loving the newblack background! Although the writing is white against white in the above boxes btw...

[Mandy]

Raj you know this is THE interview I've been waiting for!! - gotta say you pulled it orf terribly well dear chap. Who'd a thunk it tho being stalked by the Big D :-)))).

Finally, although I've never mentioned it before I think that 75% of the tunes on my i-pod are EQ inspired/recommended. Keep up the good work !!! It just saves me a the bother in hunting them fab tunes out myself LOL. - Hugs - M x

[EQ]

Madison - I always love it when you comment on EQ!
Adem - You rock...to know you are reading makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside.
Megs - thanks for the heads up...design niggle fixed! Do you like the blue on white?
Mandy - you make me wanna cry. I swear, it's about time you had your own regular column on here isn't it!
And thanks again to everyone who left a comment - your feedback and kudos are appreciated more than you know! EQ

[Samuel]

I always do this - the forgetting to comment thing.

It was a great interview Raj; well done. Oh, and can I say - this blue and white on black look is rather ace...

[SavageCrystal]

Thanks Raj for this amazing interview!! Darren is breaking the music industry wide open!! Keep them coming!!
hugs
SC

[xolondon]

Nice job Raj!

[Kevin Basham]

Thanks for another amazing interview Raj!

Kevin x