Dish_Diva says: Tonight's event will be moderated. If you have a question for Darren, of Savage Garden, whisper your question (just once) to a Q-host .Your question will be added to the queue.

Dish_Diva says: Hi everybody! We are starting in just a moment!

Dish_Diva says: Welcome to tonight's chat with Darren Hayes of Savage Garden. Darren's new CD "Affirmation" premieres next month.

Dish_Diva says: Darren, welcome to MSN! Congratulations on your new single! It's fabulous! Well, there are a lot of fans here, so let's get started!

Darren_Hayes says: I'm thrilled out of my brain to be here.. I'm more excited than you are!

Dish_Diva says: Cosette says: I'd like to ask if the worldwide release of Affirmation will be Enhanced or have an interview disk. Thanks!

Darren_Hayes says: Cosette: Its only the Australian version that has CD Rom component and an extra track.

Darren_Hayes says: In Japan there is a small commponent... plus a bonus track, but it's different than Australia.

Dish_Diva says: heather3 saysa: Can you tell us the mood of "Affirmations"? I LOVE YOU!

Darren_Hayes says: heather, Thank you, I love you too. Affirmation is beautifully sad, It is about relationships,it is very personal. It's an album about accepting that life presents you with struggles..

Darren_Hayes says: sometimes we fall down but we get back up again and we're stronger for it.

Dish_Diva says: BJ says: When is "Affirmation" coming out?

Dish_Diva says: Learn more about Savage Garden at http://www.savagegarden.com

Darren_Hayes says: BJ, November 9 in the U.S. and October 25 I think in the rest of the world. It's all on the website. I just make the art guys.

Dish_Diva says: mag4daz says: How do u feel like when you are on the stage and you see all these people in front of you who love you so much?

Darren_Hayes says: mag4daz, you know the first time around I didn't open my eyes alot..

Darren_Hayes says: and I was very shocked to see the support and the love...

Darren_Hayes says: the last couple of years have amazing...
Darren_Hayes says: its been a bit tough personally... but fan letters and support and interest on the Internet has been such a warm relief for me...

CelestialSavage whispers to Dish_Diva: Will you make another appearence in San Francisco?? My friend and I were there at the last concert there! ^*^

Darren_Hayes says: I feel touched and honored.. and this time I'm making an effort to open my eyes and take it all in.

Dish_Diva says: violetfly says: When discussing the debut album, you said that you felt your sound would follow in the vein of "Carry On Dancing" and "Mine"; do you think Affirmation has done that?

Darren_Hayes says: violetfly: Its very moody and its a bit deceptive because the first songs are quite poppy...

Darren_Hayes says: I used to listen to the comments made on BBS about I Knew I loved You .. and may were concerned it was aboy band record.. but the reality is I Knew I Loved You is the only song that sounds like that..

Darren_Hayes says: its the only happy "up" naive love song.. that goes to a lot of dark places.

Darren_Hayes says: If you liked "Mine" you'll love "Gunning Down Romance"

Dish_Diva says: Tonight's event will be moderated. If you have a question for Darren, of Savage Garden, whisper your question (just once) to a Q-host. Your question will be added to the queue.

Dish_Diva says: TMD says: Hi Darren! What has been different in writing Affirmation than your first record?

Darren_Hayes says: TMD: Logistically Daniel and I were in two separate places.. he'd send me disks and I'd record lyrics to instrumentals. Its a more personal record than the first one and we had more money and time to spend which you can hear.

Darren_Hayes says: IT stil sounds like Savage Garden with a sense of melanocholy and atmospheric.

Dish_Diva says: Ashley says: On the new album, which song means to most to you personally?

Darren_Hayes says: Ashley, Thats a tough one, its such a personal record.. I'd say my favorite songs include Affirmation, I Don't Know You Anymore, and The Lover After Me.

Dish_Diva says: Lil_Princess says: I loved the "Cherry Cola" song, how did you sing so fast?

Darren_Hayes says: Lil_Princess, Its called studio technology and I learned the hard way when we went on tour for 8 months.. lots of breathing.. do aerobics.

Dish_Diva says: daBomb says: When are you planning to do a tour of the States and Britian?

Darren_Hayes says: daBomb: We won't be touring until summer 2000.. we are just about to head out on an endless promotion run which takes us everywehre. We'll have a short break for Christmas..

Darren_Hayes says: we plan to tour Australia in March and the rest of the world after.

Dish_Diva says: rainey says: What TV shows will you be appearing on?

Darren_Hayes says: rainey, pretty much everyone you can imagine in America. We'll be on MTV TRL ... in November Rosie.. The View.. CNN Live, Top of the Pops in the UK.. Hit Machine in France, Hey Hey it's Saturday... you name it.. we're booked on it.

Dish_Diva says: Ashley says: Do you read the bulletin board on your website? If so, some of the posts must be quite funny to you :o).

Darren_Hayes says: Ashley, sometimes I read the bulletin boards.....I have to be honest guys, it's kind of damaging to my self esteeem sometimes...

Darren_Hayes says: I respect that its your world and you should be able to say what you want to say... but...

Darren_Hayes says: if you think you have a hair obsession.....

Darren_Hayes says: I've been questioning my hair lately! The support on the website blows me away.. I feel undeserving sometimes... and can't wait to go out on tour and thank everyone personally.

Dish_Diva says: Learn more about Savage Garden at http://www.savagegarden.com

Dish_Diva says: Ultravioletsky says: I can't wait to see SG on Rosie on Nov11 can you tell us which song you're performing and if there will be an interview or not?

Darren_Hayes says: Ultra, we will be performing "I Knew I Loved You" for Rosie and most likely we will have a small chat.. because we love her and she loves us...

Darren_Hayes says: I've recorded a Christmas song for Rosies album.. and there's a special with me, Celion Dion, NSYNC, and I think I"m recording that soon..

Dish_Diva says: This CD will be available in November from Sony.

Darren_Hayes says: Its a record for charity.. and its going to help children everywhere.. so you should really check it out.

Dish_Diva says: davids_lover says: how did you think of the name savage garden?

Dish_Diva says: sabraina_93021 says: what is the weirdest thing anyone has ever done to get closer to you or meet you? what was your reaction? I LOVE YOU!

Darren_Hayes says: sabraina, I think everyone knows.. it was the fan in Singapore who sprayed me in the face with a water pistol...

Darren_Hayes says: Amandabug, Nina, our stylist works for SNL, and I'm obsessed with the show.. so between the two of us I think that's going to happen pretty soon.

Dish_Diva says: Moon_owl says: Hey Darren! How long have you had your Darth Vader phone? I love it!

Darren_Hayes says: Moon, Darth Vader was a present from my manager Larry last year.. I've just bought my first home and I dusted off my phone from the attic and it takes pride and joy in my bedroom wing.. and yes it is a wing, folks!

Dish_Diva says: karyn says: What's the weirdest thing that has ever been thrown on stage?

Darren_Hayes says: karyn, I would say the weirdest things are harmful things like empty bottles.. you don't have to be Yoda to figure out a bottle hurts... chuppa chupps... but you have to be careful... or soft toys.

Dish_Diva says: Tangodess says: Hi darren how hard has it been leaving Taylor and the rest of your fam for months at a time. How do you survive?

Darren_Hayes says: Rather than spend money on soft animals or toys.. if you want to make me happy.. donate those to hospitals or throw a Dollar on the stage telling me you've donated $1 charity.. and that would make me h appier than any gift you could give me.

Darren_Hayes says: I adore her.. and she will always be my soulmate but we're not married anymore. We talk on the phone every other day.. and we have Oola and Obi... we share joint custody of our cocker spaniels..

Darren_Hayes says: I go to Brisbane more than you would know.. and I often fly my family out to see me... Darren_Hayes says: My sister just left and my brother and sister in law and new baby will be out in November

Dish_Diva says: Sherry30 says: Darren have you gotten the chance to visit Skywalker Ranch?

Darren_Hayes says: Sherry, I am constantly six degrees of separation from Madonna, Michael Jackson and Lucas...

Darren_Hayes says: George Lucas is good friends with Walter .. who produced our album..

Darren_Hayes says: My trainer is LUcas's trainer.. and recently Lucas daughter recquested an audience with me.

Darren_Hayes says: I saw the new Star Wars with Lucas... the first screening.... and I don't want to overstay my welcome. I've been to the ranch a few times.. its about 20 minutes away... possibly why I moved to San Francisco...

Darren_Hayes says: and George, if you're listening, I do want to audition for the second film.

Dish_Diva says: Savagebabe_23 says: Darren how could you describe the new album to us in 3 words?

Darren_Hayes says: Savagebabe, Bittersweet, sad, beautiful.

Dish_Diva says: Utopia says: What is the voice in I Want you saying? Is it in Latin?

Darren_Hayes says: Utopia it's in Latin and we have no idea... I suspect it was saying "Buy this record now"

Dish_Diva says: kitten says: What do you like to do in your spare time when you have any?

Darren_Hayes says: kitten, simple things I love going to restaurants...

Darren_Hayes says: just relaxing.. I really enjoy fitness so I go to the gym a lot.. and I'm completely aware I don't look like Brad Pitt...

Darren_Hayes says: recently I've taken up hiking..

Darren_Hayes says: I have a friend who takes me hiking in Marin COunty...

Darren_Hayes says: Also, decorating my house.. I've had fun buying furniture and making my own

Dish_Diva says: TMD says: Hi Darren! What do you think about the new Star War movie? :)

Darren_Hayes says: TMD: I loved it. I think like the first trilogy it will get better, but I'm definitely a Jar Jar Binks supporter and I do a mean impression.

Dish_Diva says: Wendolyn says: Do people recgonize you often in public, Darren? =)

Darren_Hayes says: Wendolyn, I think around the time of Truly Madly Deeply going to #1 in America.. I got recognized a bit...

Darren_Hayes says: I have no delusions about my level of celebrity.. I'm not Michael Jackson.

Dish_Diva says: Anne says: Do you have an idol-?

Darren_Hayes says: Anne, Colby.

Dish_Diva says: TMD says: Hi Darren! Are you actively involved on the internet?

Darren_Hayes says: TMD: I used to be .. no w I just use my laptop for checking email...

Darren_Hayes says: I have this hell cool Mac Powerbook cola colored keys.. it rocks!

Darren_Hayes says: Sometimes I lurk on the website.. I don't go to MIRC anymore.

Dish_Diva says: hayesbabe says: darren are you still vegetarian?
Darren_Hayes says: hayesbabe, no I was a vegetarian for 7 yrs.. I stopped eating meat because my body needed a break.. but during tour last year I got thin and weak...

Darren_Hayes says: and when I started this album a trainer suggested I start eating white meat again....

Darren_Hayes says: and I have to say... I feel a lot better for it.

Dish_Diva says: mariet says: Did you write your new video yourself

Darren_Hayes says: mariet: we worked in conjunction with the Director Kevin Bray, initially, I wanted it to be a romantic piece of film..

Darren_Hayes says: and we were looking at people like Kristen Dunst to play the person on the train...

Darren_Hayes says: it was loosely based on Sliding Doors.. I just love it actually

Dish_Diva says: chowderhead says: Any advice for future artists and singers out there?

Darren_Hayes says: chowderhead: I say this all the time.. you have to ask if you really really want it.. because if you do you have to eat, breathe, sleep your dream....

Darren_Hayes says: its very competitive .. and its mostly opportunity.. like most things in life.. the reality is different than the dream...

Darren_Hayes says: its exhaustive.. and I've definitely paid the price.

Dish_Diva says: Parisa says: What will you be doing on New Year's Eve?

Darren_Hayes says: Parisa... we were playing in a live concert in Sydney until the cheapskates decided they couldn't afford to pay us what we're worth.. {ha ha joking}

Darren_Hayes says: I'll probably be at home with my family.. I've never been into New Years Eve anyway... its completely overrated.

Darren_Hayes says: I also have a minor fear that it might all simultaneously explode.

Dish_Diva says: Azrielle says: Hello Darren, if you could pick one favorite character from the Vampire Chronicals, who would it be?

Darren_Hayes says: Azrielle, Louis, definitely

Darren_Hayes says: Although I'm probably Lestat

Dish_Diva says: ferretdreams says: Did he see Kirsten in "interview with a vampire"?

Dish_Diva says: So there was karma on the set?

Darren_Hayes says: I did but believe it or not I didn't make the connection until she was on the set..... until Kirsten asked me where we got the name of the band.. and I just said "Oh my God you wouldn't believe it"

Darren_Hayes says: Yes.. definietly and Kirsten and I really connection.. she's the same sign as me... she's a Taurus... her favorite lyric was the same as mine..

Darren_Hayes says: it turned out that she agrees with the same spirituality as I do...

Darren_Hayes says: I was very very nervous because I had to hold her h and and give her a kiss.

Dish_Diva says: Tonight's event will be moderated. If you have a question for Darren, of Savage Garden, whisper your question (just once) to a Q-host .Your question will be added to the queue.

Dish_Diva says: Sparketet says: Hey, Darren what's you favorite cartoon from childhood and now?

Darren_Hayes says: Sparketet from childhood it would be G Force which was an animated superhero show.. and ScoopyDoo...

Darren_Hayes says: Now Ren and Scimpy

Dish_Diva says: Mommy says: Do you actualy write your own songs?

Darren_Hayes says: Mommy: Daniel and I write everything

Dish_Diva says: blackjedi says: If you could choose, which video was the most fun to make?

Darren_Hayes says: blackjedi, The Animal Song by far

Dish_Diva says: SavageMelly says: How is Daniel doing... I haven't head much about him lately???

Darren_Hayes says: Melly he's great.. I have to thank everybody for being very understanding about the way he and I have shifted our roles slightly... Darren_Hayes says: the truth is.. its always been like this .. I'm more comfortable being a public figure ...

Darren_Hayes says: the two of us want to make music for you.. and this is our way of doing that.

Dish_Diva says: kristina says: I can't wait to see you on TRL tomorrow..Will you be premiering IKILY?

Darren_Hayes says: kristina, I wish.. no we're just rocking on out to say h ello to you guys and play the video.. it'll be the first time MTV plays it

Dish_Diva says: aliendave says: Darren, are you into video games at all?

Darren_Hayes says: aliendave: I have to confess I have really bad hand to eye coordination so I'm hideous at things like tennis and video games.. but I do own every Star Wars video game produced.. and yes, I'm shocking at them.

Dish_Diva says: Maya14 says: Hi Darren, My Name is Maya and i'm from Israel. I woke up at 15:00am just to chat with you... I have one question please. When are you gonna come to Israel? you have a lot of fan here, who are waiting for a concert. I can't wait for the new albom!GoodNight

Darren_Hayes says: Maya, I would love to come to Israel for historical and religious reasons. Theres so many places I haven't been to y et.. I'd love to go to Africa, parts of Europe I haven't been to and the MIddle East fascinates me...

Darren_Hayes says: a lot of it doesn't depend on us.. its dollar and cents.. our last tour we spent a lot of money.... but we didn't care.. we wanted to say thanks to all of our fans.. but be patient... and thanks.

Darren_Hayes says: We're pretty much coming everywhere in the next 12 months.

Darren_Hayes says: We've never really visited Latin America and we'll spend some time there.

Darren_Hayes says: I'm obsessed with Brazil.. IT'S ALL ABOUT BRAZIL!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Dish_Diva says: Lianne says: What is your fave Savage Garden song, and your fave non-Savage Garden song?

Darren_Hayes says: Lianne, my favorite Savage song would "Gunning Down Romance".. my favorite non-Savage song .. gosh.. thats a hard one.. probably "This Woman's Work" by Kate Bush

Dish_Diva says: Girlegirl says: Hi Darren, I think you guys rock! What was the song "to the moon and back" all about?

Darren_Hayes says: Girlegirl, it was about divorce.. about a dear friend of mine who had a bad experience and blamed himself for his parents divorce.. teenage angst.. everyone has felt unattractive and felt they didn't fit in...

Darren_Hayes says: this person didn't give themselves credit.

Dish_Diva says: chicacherrycola2 says: Darren, do you miss living in Australia?

Darren_Hayes says: chica: I don't really I just miss my family. I"m 27 and I've always lived fairly close to my family and being out of the country has given me more privacy and its let me work myself out.. I've enjoyed my time. I get lonely sometimes.

Darren_Hayes says: I am so single and so happy about that. I was terrified to be single, I'd been in a relationship since I was 17 and never thought I could be alone.. but its not so bad.

Dish_Diva says: Clemgrrrl says: Hi Darren!!! What is your favorite city you've been in and why?

Darren_Hayes says: Clemgrrrl: I think New York is definitely up there.. but I love where I live at the moment, its a little town called....

Darren_Hayes says: Ha! As if I'd tell.

Darren_Hayes says: hehehe

Dish_Diva says: Ami-chan says: What is your favourite possesion?

Darren_Hayes says: Ami-chan: Wow thats a really good question. I don't think there's a single object that I value that highly. My favorite things in life have been experience of love, family, memories.

Dish_Diva says: Melena says: Darren who would be your dream woman?

Darren_Hayes says: Melena, I had the dream woman.

Darren_Hayes says: There is none higher.

Dish_Diva says: shesk says: How was the mtv FANatic experience?

Darren_Hayes says: shesk, actually it was a little disappointing to be honest. Because it was so quick and you didn't really get a chance to really meet the person.

Darren_Hayes says: I was happy that i had inspired someone and thats why we met that girl...

Darren_Hayes says: but I have to say we have a lot of sincere fans who aren't necessarily inot us because they want to date us..

Darren_Hayes says: they're into us cuz the must effects them....

Darren_Hayes says: I've had our music played at funerals, played during chemo therapy when they lose the battle...

Darren_Hayes says: so its hard to define someone as your biggest fan.

Dish_Diva says: slurpee_girl says: Darren, has fame changed the way your close friends and family see you?

Darren_Hayes says: slurpee, sometimes. Fame has changed me too I'm sure. Sometimes I forget that my actions effect those around me.. and I mean me talking about my private life or using private experiences as inspirations for songs..

Darren_Hayes says: I realize my family and friends experience that without asking for it...

Darren_Hayes says: and my family friends sometimes get a hard time.. people expect them to be millionaires...

Darren_Hayes says: fame to me is a metaphor that God has used to teach me about myself.. I think its an elaborate journey designed to give me life lessons.. and maybe for you to take control of your life.. and learn.

Dish_Diva says: Aussie Dream says: The songs you write are great!! Have you taken very many voice lessons? Your voice is fantastic!

Darren_Hayes says: Aussie Dream, thank you very much. I n ever used to study voice at all.. I was just a kid who used to sing in the bathroom.

Darren_Hayes says: About half way through the tour last year I started having problems with my voice...

Darren_Hayes says: so I started seeing a voice coach.. and she's amazing.... I t hinkyou can hear the differnce...

Darren_Hayes says: I have to tell you singing has an effect on me.. I feel it in my body its' almost a religious experience.. it's literally joy.

Dish_Diva says: Kelly2 says: Darren, To the Moon and Back was the only reason I didn't kill myself, I want to say thank you so much for such a beautiful song, and I adore you.

Darren_Hayes says: Kelly, I have gotten so many letters and had conversations with young girls especially with regards to that song.. and thats why I do these chats...

Darren_Hayes says: I used to do chats to get comfort and attention.. but now I understand that its an important job to give people 5 minutes of peace in a chaotic world.. and to let you know you're not alone..

Darren_Hayes says: I feel the things you feel.. I deal in them in different ways...

Darren_Hayes says: "Crash and Burn" is a lullaby to myself and reassurance to you.. saying that everybody hits rock bottom and thats okay..

Darren_Hayes says: thats what friends are for...

Darren_Hayes says: you pick yourself and get going...

Darren_Hayes says: we aren't designed to be happy 100% of gthe time and when you accept that...

Darren_Hayes says: you see highs and lows you put all together and you have memories.

Dish_Diva says: Sophie says: What did you want to be when you grew up? Did you ever imagine you would be this famous?

Darren_Hayes says: Sophie, I wanted to be a pop star.. I didn't think of being anything else, Perhaps C3P0.. I used to think I was MIchael Jackson and everybody wanted to be famous..

Darren_Hayes says: it stemmed from insecurities and the need to be loved.

Dish_Diva says: SallySG says: Hi Darren!! first of all I wanna thank you sooo much for doing this chat! and, What's the biggest misconception people have about you?

Darren_Hayes says: Sally, that I'm really serious and that I'm a complete ego maniac constantly stealing the attention from Daniel. First of all I'm an absolute zany nut case most of the time always impersonating people, things, sometimes, plants..

Darren_Hayes says: and Daniel chooses to take a step backwards all the time..

Darren_Hayes says: If I receive more attention its actually by default sometimes..

Darren_Hayes says: also, I think sometimes that Daniel and I have tension .. but we adore eachother..

Darren_Hayes says: he's seriously like my brother, I love him more than you all do..

Darren_Hayes says: he's the most calming, insightful, intelligent person you'll ever meet.

Dish_Diva says: Lindsey says: Could we get a hint as to what Two Beds and a Coffee Machine is about? :)

Darren_Hayes says: Lindsey its actually a very serious song about domestic violence...

Darren_Hayes says: cover your ears if you dont' want to hear this part...

Darren_Hayes says: the lyric is describing a motel room with 2 beds and a coffee machine...

Darren_Hayes says: I won't explain too much further because I want the story to unfold when you hear the song for the first time

Dish_Diva says: mrs_daniel_jones says: I want to know what Savage Garden plans on doing later in life,after they leave sg or whatever...what are their future plans in life?

Darren_Hayes says: I want to be a Dad.

Darren_Hayes says: I might do a solo record one day... and I'm interested in s tudying more.. psychology or

Darren_Hayes says: maybe write a novel or screenplay.. probably mostly I'd like to be a Dad.

Dish_Diva says: CarlaM says: I have a question for Darren: Who name's the songs, you or Daniel?

Darren_Hayes says: Carla, I write the lyrics so I write the names of the songs, Daniel is very generous in that he lets me put my tales all over his beautiful music.

Dish_Diva says: aliendave says: What would you name your son, and what would you name a daughter?

Darren_Hayes says: dave, I don't think I'd want to tell the world.. I don't know yet, I think you know when you look your child in the eyes for the first time...

Darren_Hayes says: I think the last time I told someone a name... they named their dog. Hint: Daniel called his dog Jackson.

Dish_Diva says: Garanwyn says: Will we be seeing you at the ARIA's?

Darren_Hayes says: No, we'll be out of the country, unfortunately. But I think its time Australia had one without Savage Garden, even I"m getting bored with their attendance.

Dish_Diva says: Wendolyn says: When you write a song, about how long does it take you? Is it very sudden - like you're inspired to suddenly create a song, or does it take a lot of thought?

Darren_Hayes says: I can tell you on this album, some of the songs were brewing for 6 months to a year... and sometimes at the studio literally at the grand piano. It just depends.

Dish_Diva says: DayDreamer says: What does the title of this album mean to you?

Darren_Hayes says: That it's all good. That life happens... in the end everything is okay.

Darren_Hayes says: Its about acceptance and forgiveness, taking responsibility, letting go.

Dish_Diva says: crichou says: What do you think about the fans on the Internet?

Darren_Hayes says: crichou, I love them. I love them.

Darren_Hayes says: I had a really tough year being out of the country and being alone and to come back from that time off to see the support you don't know how amazing that feel to have a complete stranger wish you love.. you have the ability to pick me up and make me feel like the luckiest man in the world...

Darren_Hayes says: so I keep taking the challenge with music to take you places you don't know you want to go to yet.

Dish_Diva says: Darren, last question is from Trishabelle who says: seeing that we are approaching the year 2000-what would you put in your time "capsule" as a keepsake from 1999?

Darren_Hayes says: Wow... I'm very sentimentall I don't know if I could pick one item, my credit card statements. I went on a plane trip from SF to NY recently and I had to go over my spending for the last 12 months...

Darren_Hayes says: 'every meal.. pair of socks, thumbtack.. .. they were all there. .. the good the bad the indifference. That pretty much summed up the whole year.

Darren_Hayes says: It was scary because every meal every restaurant every skip of a heartbeat.

Dish_Diva says: Darren, I know I speak for your fans in here who say thank you so very much for being with us tonight. You are truly a delight. It was a pleasure spending tonight with you. We wish you the best of luck with yoru new CD "Affirmation: which will be released in November.

Darren_Hayes says: I can't sum it up in one sentence.. but thank you from the bottom of our hearts.. we love you.. you make it all worthwhile... Don't send presents.. spend the money on yourself or donate it to charity. Your support, your love, is priceless. Big Hugs and see you on tour.