Australian singer/songwriter Darren Hayes makes his long awaited return to music today (January 27th), with the unveiling of his brand new single ‘Let’s Try Being In Love’.
Serving as Hayes first musical release in a decade, the atmospheric track sheds light on the Insatiable singers current state of mind, as he ponders the meanings of life, love, regret and realisation.
“I’m in love, with the idea of being in love…”
Self-reflective and wildly introspective, ‘Let’s Try Being In Love’ is Darren Hayes as his most personal – internalising and making peace with the past, whilst looking forward and feeling hopeful of a brighter future.
Inspired by queer icons like Patrick Cowley and Shep Pettibone, and entirely arranged, produced, composed and performed by Hayes himself, the brooding, melodic pop track gives fans insight as to what they can expect to hear from Brisbane natives forthcoming fifth solo album, set for release later this year.
Commenting on the single, and the tender feeling of sorrow that inspired the lyric, Hayes says: “I’ve been married to Richard (Cullen) for almost 17 years, I’m in this really comfortable place in my life. But at the same time at mid-life I’m grieving the fact I never got to celebrate who I really was at the period of my life where I was most famous.”
“I look at this world we live in now where someone like Lil Nas X can push forward his true self, full of pride and self-love and have the chance to be loved for who he truly is. I was realising with great sadness that I didn’t get that experience. A lot of the time I was my most famous, I was deeply sad.”
For the singles accompanying music video, directed by Andrew Putschoegl (Backstreet Boys) and starring Madeleine Coghlan and Scott Evans (brother of Hollywood star Chris Evans), we see Darren’s character navigate two opposing sides of himself – battling sexual tension and the everyday trials and tribulations of living life in a marriage that’s not meant to be.
Explaining the concept of the clip, which he both wrote and art directed, Hayes says: “In the music video I’m looking back on that first period of my life where I’m married to a woman. I’m realising that in order to be free I have to destroy something beautiful and innocent. Scott’s character represents the freight train of my future sexuality and that’s gonna emerge no matter what.”
“I wanted to show I love the feminine in me, be proud of the gay me.”
“There’s a dance scene that is so passionate, everything’s alive and thriving and blooming. That’s how I feel in general about music. And that’s a hugely sharp contrast to how I felt 10 years ago. I didn’t have plans to make music, it just kind of happened in a really wonderful, organic way. This whole period of being away from the public eye, taking time out was a choice.”
Let’s Try Being In Love (Official Music Video)
As long time supporters of Darren Hayes will know, 2022 marks Hayes’ 20th year as a solo recording artist, as well as the 25th anniversary of Savage Garden’s acclaimed debut, self-titled album.
Released back in back in March 1997, and featuring the hit singles I Want You, To The Moon And Back and Truly, Madly, Deeply, the record sold more than 12 million copies worldwide and won a record of 10 awards at the ARIA Awards ’97.
As one half of Savage Garden, Darren has sold over 30 million records worldwide. Having sold out shows around the world, as well as some iconic venues including the Royal Albert Hall, Sydney Opera House and New York City’s Radio City Music Hall, Hayes’ status as an Australian music icon has simply continued to strengthen as years go by.