Happy To Be On His Own
(Swedish Newspaper, April)


Almost a year has passed since Savage Garden split up. Back then the breakup came as quite a shock but today Darren Hayes is happy about being a solo artist. -"It forced me to grow up and take control over my life and my career." says Darren who right now is at no7 on the Swedish album chart with Spin.

His light voice has put millions of young female hearts on fire. When Darren recently preformed in Polen, the stage got mobbed by 400 screaming fans. It was with Savage Garden this Australian singer transformed from a regular hard working guy to a heartthrob and superstar. The duo sold 20 million records in less than 4 years, but the quick success had its price. In October last year his bandmate Daniel Jones announced that he had had enough.

-I was shocked. I hadn't even considered a solo career at that point, but today I can't imagine ever going back. You take a bigger risk as a solo artist, but there is also more to gain.

His debut solo album "Spin", which was released in the beginning of April, has had modest sale figures compared to the success of Savage Garden, but Darren Hayes is still happy with the reception he has received.

-"The album went straight in at top ten in the charts in almost every country except USA, and that's more than enough for me."

There has been a lot of talk about his looks, something Darren says he has very little understanding for. But in the same time he chooses to take his own hairdresser with him when he travels and he refuses to be photographed without "soft light". -"I like to play with my image, but I don't understand why people are making such a big deal out of it. I see myself as a singer and a song writer, the screaming fans can a lot of times be very distracting."

-Look, I turn 30 soon and I have wrinkles and a little belly I cant get rid of, he says and pats his tummy.

The time with Savage Garden has made him a millionaire and superstar, but Darren Hayes thinks it's hard to fit in among the rich and famous. -"I still get surprised when other celebrities recognizes me." He laughs.

-"Seriously, my job is quite bizarre. Everyday I arrive at a new city. Someone fixes my hair in the morning, a second person else pay my bills and a third one make sure I exercise. All I have to do is breath, eat and sleep. Its all very surrealistic…