TOTP Interview
Top Australian band Savage Garden, who have stormed the charts around the world with such hits as Truly, Madly, Deeply, and I Want You joined TOTP on Tour on their last leg in Swansea, and chatted with fans and answered their questions in our live chat.
Savage Garden live on beeb.com
"What can we expect from your second album? Have you concentrated more on the upbeat songs, or have you been doing more ballads?"
Daniel says - "We had a very successful tour in 1998, and we found that the uptempo songs worked best for us in a live situation, so the new album has at least half of the songs upbeat and full of energy."
"Have you ever thought about writing a childrens lullaby album? My sons, ages 3 and 21 months, get droopy-eyed everytime I play IKILY or TMD."
Daniel says - As you've noticed from your childs reaction, we don't have to write specifically for the childrens market. Our music seems to reach a wide demographic."
"When you write a song do you write the lyrics then add the music, or vice-versa?"
Daniel says - "This has worked for us both ways ... the majority of the time Darren will (write) a lyric to an instrumental that I have created"
"What do you think about 'manufacturing' a group in an attempt to pick up the Australian music scene?"
Daniel says - "We are not particularly into manufactured groups full stop. Darren and I were just lucky enough to cross each others paths and have a so far successful musical career."
"What do you do when you have a "writer's block"?"
Daniel says - "Try and detach myself from anything that may involve music... and subtly an idea may come from something as simple as a sitcom theme"
"From CJ: Where did you film the video for "I knew I loved you"? What do you think is the best song you've written?"
Daniel says - "The I Knew I Loved You video was shot in Los Angeles in a studio to simulate a New York city subway... I have different favourites at various times, currently it is a song called THE LOVER AFTER ME."
"Oh... look who has just walked in. It's... DARREN!!!!"
Darren says - "yo yo yo sup..hehehe"
"Another ARIA – are you running out of space on the mantle piece?"
Darren says - "Daniel doesn't let me have any... he's got em all... maybe I'll get this one.."
"Dan, on behalf of all your net fans, can you please say 'hi and thanks' to Leonie - we really appeciate her!"
Darren says - "Now now..let's not let Leonie's head get as big as mine..haha..she is my best friend actually and sooo funny."
"Are you scared that one day everything will be over for Savage Garden? P.S. I'll never stop loving your music, it's brilliant!"
Darren says - "I've got to watch my voice..sometimes i'm scared that will dry up..but i'm not worried about fame ending... as I don't always want to be a 'celeb'"
"Would you ever like to have children? and what would you name them?"
Darren says - "I would not feel complete unless I had been a father... I love kids..the names..well last time I told someone that they named their dog after it"
"Darren, when your lips quiver in your music video - Fly you to the moon - its the sexiest thing I've ever seen. So tell me, ARE YOU MARRIED???"
Darren says - "Been there done that..not anymore..desperately single... hahaha...
"They've come to take me away...i love you...dan's back... ok"
"Who were the artists to inspire you when you first started out?"
Daniel says - "Various artists such as Seal, INXS, Alanis Morrissette, Peter Gabriel, Pet Shop Boys, Tears For Fears etc etc"
"How do you see the future of music with internet and MP3? Positive for artists like you or the opposite?"
Daniel says - "I think there is a lot of panic at the moment within record companies with regards to copyright issues and the internet ... ultimately I think it will have to go around in circles before it will benefit us."
"What's it like being labeled "sexy man"?:)"
Daniel says - "We've never really taken into consideration this title. although ... I do have to agree with you, I AM very sexy! lol"
"I know this is a bit of a stupid question but I always wonder about it: what if you REALLY need the bathroom in the middle of playing a concert? I can tell people are gonna yell at me for asking that..."
Daniel says - "I have my guitar tech who constantly has an empty water bottle handy at the side of the stage for these very moments ... I've yet to pee in the bottle!"
"Guys, are you just pre-recording the single tonight or any other tracks up your sleeves?"
Daniel says - "We are just doing a live performance of the new single I KNEW I LOVED YOU.. .. ... which .. incidentally ... is available on our brand new album AFFIRMATION, released worldwide on 9th November. (just thought I'd give it a little plug there)"
"In the music industry is there a rule for people not to come to South Africa, no one ever comes! We have the odd person but no one great like you guys!!"
Daniel says - "We had recently spoken to INXS who visited South Africa and said it was fantastic and we should go..."
"What song from "Affirmation" do you think is most "different"?"
Daniel says - "GUNNING DOWN ROMANCE. a very bittersweet song... it is extremely intense and a lot more moody than anything else we have ever done"
"Guys, do you know when IKILY will be released here - its been put back at least 3 times and we can't seem to find out."
Daniel says - "It is released on the 18th October in the UK"
"You always put all your emotions and feelings in your songs, but are there other ways for both of you to let of some steam if you're down?"
Daniel says - "Yes, I guess we have many ways of dealing with emotions... like everybody... becoming reliant on good friends is one way...."
Daniel says - "Unfortunately I have to go now. Sony are monitoring this computer and just sent in fraulein jane to take me out in a headlock. Bye guys!"