Bit of a late one last night, Darren?

Darren: You could say that! We just finished our tour in the Midwest in the States then I nipped' home to San Francisco for 24 hours before I flew, in to London. I didn't intend going out last night, but there was a pop party on and I thought I had to go even though I was tired.

You've sold millions of albums all over the world. But you're still quite a private group. Why?

Darren: It's just the way we are. I'd hate to sell my private life just to shift a few more records. Some people do things. Go places and hang with people just to keep their names in the Papers. But I've never wanted to live my life through copies of 'Hello!' or 'OK.' That's probably why we're not considered superstars. We sell the records but we don't play the games.

You live in San Francisco and Daniel lives in Australia don't you get on?

Darren: Ahh, Yeah we do, but we're very different and we have very, very different agendas in life. If we lived in each other's faces all the time, we'd probably kill each other. In fact, I know we would! Daniel and I are pretty weird; we find each other totally fascinating because we're so different. I mean, Daniel doesn't do lyrics. He wouldn't even touch melodies- not his thing. Likewise I'm not interested in spending a day behind a keyboard working out the EQ on a drum kit. We have to work round each other a lot, But I think it helps make what we do much. much better.

Why did you leave Oz for America?

Darren: I've always been really interested in the place. I love the way things are different there- sweets are candy and cola is classic coke. It's really exciting. I feel the same about London. I'm sure I'll live here one day. In my job you can live anywhere you want so I'm going to try out as many as I can.

It said you're a bit of a 'deep one'.

Darren: I have to hold my hand up: it's true. Two years ago I was having problems relaxing so someone suggested meditation, I've been doing it since. Oh yeah, I'm pretty heavy, you know! When people meet me they expect me to be really dumb but I'm not. I have long, deep conversations with them to freak then out! Hang on though; I don't want people to think I'm some librarian -type guy! I'm pretty funny and love to mess around. I'm actually a goofy, brat guy most of the time and a meditating, spiritual guy a little bit of the time!

Are all your song true stories?

Darren: Yeah, tragically my life is actually the way it sounds! After we did the first album I thought to myself. I want to have a really good connection with whoever listens to my music, I didn't want to be about interviews, photo shoots and going to the right parties. When the time came to write the lyrics for the second album I wanted everything on it to be something I'd really lived. It's a bit selfish really. People pay me to listen to all my experiences! It's therapy.

What's the story with your newie, 'Hold Me', then?

Darren: Like most of the songs on the album - relationships Its about a break-up I was in and basically I had to say, 'Sometimes I don't have the energy or the answer to fix our problem'. I'm saying this is our last moment together and both know it, and unfortunately it's the way it is- flogging a dead horse and all that.

Which Savage Garden song can't you stand?

Darren: Oh, easily a song off our last album called Promises and one called Universe is really bad, too. I lied in them and it's not me! These days I have a very set idea of the music I like and the sort I want to make. So, I prefer our recent songs. I grow out of songs the same way you grow out of anything. If I didn't I wouldn't want to make new records all the time. Songs are haircuts and I regret every haircut I've ever had!

Which song makes you rush to the dance floor?

Darren: This changes all the time, but recently I would have to say it has been Madonna's Music. (He launches into his own human beat box version. ) They played it last night and it sounded just incredible - I was dancing my ass off!

What makes you scarper for the door?

Darren: Oh wow! Hard question. I would say anything by Steps! Ha-ha ha -ha! I don't want to sound like I'm slagging them, but it's just not my thing. I prefer music with a bit of soul! They're going to kill me for saying that- it's way too cheeky!

What's next for the mighty Garden?

Darren: Same as it's always been for us. We both know we haven't made the album we're capable of. We're getting closer, but we're not quite there yet. We want to be the sort of band whose songs stay with you for ever- not just get in the Top 10 now and then.

Courtesy: Top of the Pop's November 2000