Interview: Darren Hayes

In the midst of his Australian promotional tour, singer-songwriter and all-round musical connoisseur Darren Hayes found a few minutes to answer some of our questions regarding his new single, Talk,Talk, Talk and the launch of his fourth solo studio album.

Hayes is evidently quite proud of his new single. ‘It’s just a great introduction to a new era and a new sound. I think it’s probably the most instant song on the record and a great beginning but I think the album in general has many more layers. It’s a cinematic sound and has pretty heavy lyrics, and the fact that this single in particular is wrapped up in Swedish synth pop is a little misleading really. But I love that – because it brings you in’.

When I suggest that Hayes’ last album was ‘quite dark’ he is keen to set the record straight. ‘I think my last album was naive, euphoric and magical actually. My album The Tension and the Spark – now THAT was dark. This new record is a combination of the two really. It’s a collection of songs about how hard it is to stay together in a world where it feels like everyone is breaking up. It’s hopeful and it’s colourful but it’s also really heavy at times. I’m insanely proud of it because it’s taken four years of blood, sweat and tears.’

For his new album Hayes teamed up with Carl Falk, the Swedish composer, producer, songwriter and musician who has been linked to numerous successful acts including Boyzone, Backstreet Boys, Nicole Scherzinger and Westlife. ‘I’ve also collaborated on this album with some other very successful people too,’ Hayes adds, ‘including Robert Orton, who mixed the Lady GaGa ‘Monster’ album, for example, and Steve Robson who’s also worked with Take That. There are also new names like Justin Shave and Robert Conley, writers and producers form Australia who are becoming even more well known. I have never been a name dropper and I don’t necessarily care what someone has done when I’m writing with them. At the end of the day it’s about the songs. I think they’re really sincere and heartfelt and that’s what shines through’.

Darren Hayes – Talk, Talk, Talk

Hayes’ Time Machine tour, for those that saw it, was an incredible theatrical feast. Hayes promises something special for this tour too. ‘I worked with tour director and show designer Willie Williams (U2) on the Time Machine – in fact all my tours, actually. So you can expect something unique for sure. It won’t be the same scale. I want to start off smaller this time round with some dates in the UK and Australia in October and November, and then expand the tour to something larger for 2012’.

Having fought to maintain a place in the ever-changing music industry has taught Hayes a great deal about himself and his music. He acknowledges that over the last eighteen years he has had to compete with reality TV shows and MTV, who seem to be launching new artists at an incredible pace. ‘I think it’s important to have your own stance and feel confident in your sound without trying to keep up,’ he says. ‘Being relevant is about surviving trends. In some periods of my career I’ve been played on the radio non-stop; other times I’ve had barely any mention. I’ve always maintained a steady course and stayed true. That’s what being a career artist is about for me’.

In June 2006 Hayes married his long-term partner Richard Cullen in London, and the following day came out to his fans via his website. Hayes feels the gay community has been particularly supportive since he opened up to his fans and the world. ‘I’ve had nothing but overwhelming support. I think I am lucky that I got to come to terms with who I was in my private life before announcing it to the world. I found my soul mate and I was happy to let the world in. It’s all beautiful.’

Originally from Brisbane, in the north of Australia, Hayes has lived in London for the last seven years. Despite feeling ‘at home’ here in London, he does still miss his native homeland. ‘I miss Australia a lot – mostly my family. Luckily we travel home a lot and my partner loves Brisbane. England was never in my plans. It, along with love and marriage, happened upon me and I have just gone with the flow. I like to think I live between two amazing countries and I’m lucky I have a job that lets me travel so much between them’.

Update: Darren has just announced four live shows in the UK ahead of the October release of his brand new studio album Secret Codes & Battleships.  The shows which go on sale on July 24^th, will be the first full scale UK performances since Darren’s sold out Royal Albert Hall show in 2007.

15 October, 02 Academy Liverpool
16 October, 02 Academy, Glasgow
18 October, 02 Academy 2, Birmingham
19 October, 02 Shepherds Bush Empire, London

Tickets can be purchased online, or by calling 0844 811 0051.

Darren Hayes’ new single Talk, Talk, Talk is available now via iTunes.