Interview: Singer Darren Hayes, From Savage Garden to Solo Superstar

It's a common story, or is it? International pop star sells 20 million albums as member of a popular act, while romancing women and seemingly having it all. A decade later, he's now a successful solo artist with his own album and upstart record label, and happily out of the closet and even more happily married. Sound familiar? No? Well, obviously it's NOT Lance Bass.

Darren Hayes first captured attention as lead of the mega-popular Savage Garden, who ruled the charts with hits like "Truly Madly Deeply," "I Knew I Loved You," and "I Want You." But just like Behind The Music has taught us, a good video is no indication of happiness. Hayes really came into his own once he shed a disastrous relationship with a major record label, and married last year-for the second time in his life. Small difference this time round was the gender of his partner. It is no coincidence that "This Delicate Thing We've Made" is the first record Hayes has made as an openly gay man, enjoying a wonderful relationship with partner Richard.

Hayes' new music has caused cyber-riots on Myspace with over 60K listens in the first three days. His European tour has picked only two cities to grace while in the United States, and Philadelphia is lucky enough to be one of them. Considering the entire HX office was humming his new tunes, as well as getting misty to old stand-by "Truly Madly Deeply," it was a no-brainer that we had to stalk him down to discuss his new album and his new attitude.

Associated Content: A double CD is a lot of work. What inspired you?

Darren Hayes: The biggest inspiration was creative freedom. This album was my first time independent from a major label. I had a chance to really go in a direction that I wanted to without interference. The whole CD is a look back at my life. Toying around with the ideas and the possibilities of change: What would you change? What would you keep the same? I wanted the CD to be like life flashing before your eyes, traveling back in time. I wanted it to be very reflective.

Associated Content: This album features a synthesizer, the Fairlight. Can you explain what it is and why you choose it?