Savage Garden burst onto the scene in 1998 when the huge success of their single Truly Madly Deeply led in turn to their self-titled debut album selling 11 million copies across the globe. The Brisbane duo of Darren Hayes (singer/songwriter) and Daniel Jones (keyboard/synthesisers) has seen the follow-up Affirmation hit the top spot in America. They are set to consolidate their astonishing run of success with their new single Crash & Burn. Darren took time out from the group's extremely hectic schedule to speak to OK!

What was the Inspiration behind the new single Crash & Burn?

Darren: It's actually a pretty positive song. We wanted the song to be for young people - reaching out and communicating with them. It's just a beautiful message - everybody hurts.

The prevailing themes of Affirmation are love, heartbreak, despair and hope. Do you tend to channel your emotions into your songs?

Darren: Oh yeah, definitely. It's completely personal, for a long time pop was completely devoid of any sincerity. This is me, from first hand experience, saying there is always hope - life is a search and I try to put that across in what I do. I generally write about human relationships and things that every person on the street can relate to.

You're absolutely huge In the States - I Knew I Loved You knocked Christina Aguilera off the top spot. Are you expecting the new single to do as well?

Darren: I don't really care about chart positions to be honest. I want Crash & Burn to be a friend to someone in need - a message to young people, but it does have potential and could be our biggest song.

Daniel and you seem to be very private people, were you overwhelmed by the success of your first really big hit 'Truly Madly Deeply'?

Darren: I don't give away my private life - recognition hasn't encroached on my life. I do what is necessary for the group. Thankfully the tabloid press isn't really interested in me and so I'm able to live my life without getting involved in any of that, which is the way I like it.

Daniel says he's not really comfortable with the whole fame thing. Could the same be said of you?

Darren: Yeah, I'm living in New York right now, which as you know is the entertainment capital of the world, and I find it both a blessing and a curse. But I'm not exactly hounded by a pack of photographers every time I get off a plane like a lot of other bands.

What do you think about all the attention bands like Oasis get?

Darren: I've got a lot of compassion for them. Publicity is a double-edged sword, it can be a friend or an enemy and for a band like Oasis it's a monster because everything you do is recorded and it only takes one slip-up. I do dig Oasis, they love what they do and their new album is passionate. They are a band that has just gone for it and the media have been brutal to them. I have an obscure life in comparison. I realize that the media are doing me a favour but at the same time they do not need me.

How did Savage Garden originally get together?

Darren: Daniel was in a band called Red Edge in Brisbane, they had a lot of interest from a record company but they were looking for a new singer. I saw their advert in the Aussie NME saying 'Serious singer wanted.' We spent one-year together writing songs in the studio and from that project the band evolved into what it is today.

What were you doing before you met Daniel and formed the band?

Darren: While I was at university I did a lot of moonlighting in theatre productions and different plays. I was expected to be a doctor or lawyer but I left university one month before the end of my course. My parents were livid, my father thought that I was completely mad, but now he's our biggest fan.

You seem to work really well together as a team - are you still really good mates as well?

Darren: We are both different people yet we are like brothers. The musical partnership is so intense so we have to give each other space - we have a weird respect for each other.

Who are your Influences?

Darren: When I was growing up I was really influenced by Motown and soul singers - Marvin Gaye, Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. I also liked Eighties pop - George Michael, Eurythmics, U2, Peter Gabriel, Madonna and Prince.

What's next for Savage Garden?

Darren: We are going to be on tour soon, which we're looking forward to. We love performing, designing the show and making videos. The video for Crash & Burn has amazing special effects. After this tour I think Daniel would like to produce for other artists and I'm thinking about the possibility of a solo career or going back to my theatrical roots.