5.28.02 Tuesday

In London again for my 3 days off. I managed to catch the final uk show of Kylie's fever tour. It was very cool. Incredible production and her voice was superb. Go Kylie! As an Australian I was so proud to see her presented as a true superstar. Very cool indeed.

Tonight I'm going to see Madonna's west end debut. I'll let you know all about it.

Well...my tour is starting to take shape. Tomorrow I meet with Willie Williams (the lighting and stage designer from the Affirmation tour and of course every thing u2's ever done) to discuss my show.

Had a wonderful time in Thailand, Taiwan, and Singapore. Taped a live set for Mtv Asia that was a lot of fun. You should see that soon.

Apart from that I'm just gearing up to get the creative juices flowing with the arrangements for songs on tour (yes I'm going to play Savage Garden songs!) and have fun with the set and lights. Expect something completely different from the last tour though. This one is much more up close and personal. I don't want to give away too much but I think you're gonna dig it.

That's it. I know this is a short one. But I've got a day off and I'm going to use it. I'm having lunch with my old pal Alek K on this blustery London day.

See ya!
xD

5.18.02 Sunday

I started work on my new album today.
I didn't really mean to. But I did. More later but I thought it was so much fun to go into the studio without any expectation and come out with a few songs written. Who knows when I'll start recording or where but I definitely enjoyed being creative in the midst of promoting this album that has only really just arrived. Besides, this year is already so busy. I've still got to make it to Canada and South America for promotion before I begin touring (which I'm very excited about).. but it was just nice to see the desire to create is still alive and kicking.

I really did have a beautiful birthday by the way. Thanks for all of the cards, messages, websites...naming of children (just kidding) that you did to make me feel so special. It really did. Make me feel special that is.

Oh by the way. Hello to all my fans at Triple J. I must admit..when I first heard that my diary was being read out on your station I became a little self conscious. I mean...years of not playing my music was beginning to make me feel uncool. But your warmest of embraces has come in the form of my own personal chunk of regular airtime. So while I've got your attention ..the album is called Spin and it's available at all good record stores. Thanks Triple J!!

I'm so thrilled to say that I really love the new Star Wars Movie "Attack Of the Clones". I don't care what critics say... I don't care if you hated it... I personally LOVED it!! I have to say a huge thankyou to Jane Bay and all at Skywalker Ranch for allowing me to sit in on a sneak preview early screening as I would have been out of the country when it premiered and that would have KILLED ME. I did manage to see it again in a theatre in Santa Monica with a room full of enthusiasts. It is so great to hear people cheer when the words 'a long time ago in a galaxy far, far away' appear on the screen. What I loved most of all was that it was very true to the tone of the original films. Some of the things people criticize about the new installments are things I think very true to the genre..especially the dialogue. Apart from that..it reminded me of the darkness and tension in "Empire"... and it was just FUN. Thanks for your wild imagination George.

I saw the completed video for Crush this week also. I have to say...I'm loving it! It's The Last Starfighter meets Back to the Future or a Cyndi Lauper video. I can't decide which. All I know is... there was a lot of day glo in 1983 and all of the extras were wearing it. I guess back then people really did dance like the cast of a Pat Benetar video didn't they? Blink and you'll miss my Dad poppin' and lockin'. Whoo Hoo..

Alright...well I'm on a plane right now headed to Taiwan and my battery is getting low so I think I'll close the laptop, get some sleep and send this when I land. Take care..

xxD

5.06.02 Monday

I went to the Tate Modern museum today and checked out what's happening. I have to admit one of the coolest things I've ever seen was in San Francisco at the Moma. It was an installation called 'Sampling' and was essentially 3 simultaneous video screens running montages of music and sound from popular hollywood films. it made the most incredible soundscape and actually spoke to me with more urgency than most popular music does today. So there you have it.

I did get to have an early birthday celebration in my house in San Francisco before I left with people I love. I got some great, simple, personal presents and really enjoyed the trash that is Supergirl THE MOVIE on DVD. Quite possibly the worst film ever made. Very funny though. It was so good to be in my place and re-set.

Oh... work wise what can I tell you? I've just been constantly travelling....promoting... shooting videos and am about to prepare list of possible tour dates this year. That's going to be a lot of fun.

I should get going. Nothing calls. And I should be doing it.

xD

4.18.02 Thursday

Australia was great. It really didn't feel like work, even though I was busy. I had two days off in California before heading here to Europe and I spent those days in the desert sitting by a pool. I miss that pool right now let me tell you. Hey... I saw my dog Obi in Australia (he lives there) and we bonded big time. I've included a picture of him. It's his first ever public appearance (unless you count the time I brought him on stage in Brisbane.. but he was just a pup then..). Anyway... I'm always happy that he remembers me when I go home.

But there is work to be done and thankfully lots of live performances. I have enjoyed playing with this band so much. It really makes all the difference when I'm not just talking about myself all day, but actually getting to sing, emote, perform... create. I'm loving it.

I better go eat something, shake something and wash something. Not necessarily in that order. The day beckons.

take care
xD

4.7.02 Saturday

I'm watching telly in Australia. There are a few less channels than in the u.s. About 600 less to be exact. It's actually a nice change for me not to be able to mindlessly flick through the endless stream of home shopping, talk shows and reality t.v.

Anyway.

I'm home. I'm in Australia. And it feels so good. I got 3 days off before Easter in Sydney and had such a cool time. Thanks to Taronga Zoo for being so amazing. They totally spoiled me and my American friend and made me seem much more croc hunter than I actually am to my peers. Go Echidnas is all I have to say.

Shot the vid for Strange Relationship in Sydney. One take video. Possibly the coolest thing I've ever been in. Can't wait for you to see it.

Leonie threw me a surprise early 30th birthday party. My whole family and a bunch of friends did a wonderful job freaking me out and ending a week that was described by someone dear to me as 'Darrenpalooza'. After an album launch.. a week of promotion and a circus of attention surrounding me - my week concluded with an evening celebrating the fact that I was born. Surreal I guess if you're not used to it! I love my Leonie. Special big ups to Troy and Shane for the incredible hospitality.

That's it. I can't believe I said big up. That's so JLo.

Having a blast by the way playing live at the moment. And I do think that Jabba from Channel V needs his own late night t.v show. That man is too funny.

Thanks to everyone coming out to say hey at the cd signings and the Australian support. It's very much appreciated!

Talk later
xD

3.12.02 Tuesday

I've included some pictures of the gang. Here you'll meet Joanne (our record compnay pal), Troy, Sharon and Susie. Oh...and me with some famous structure.

I've been listening to the Alanis album. I really love this song called 'so unsexy'. She has such a way with words. She's so brutally honest that it's dissarming. I'm really impressed she wrote everything and produced the whole darned thing. And she's playing guitar!! I've been travelling with mine on this promo trip trying to get through some chord charts. I may never take it all the way but it sure does look good with denim. Haha.

I have to say I had the most incredible time in Paris. I performed 3 acoutic songs at a club called VIP on the Champs ElysÈes. I was very relaxed and feeling so happy. In fact, the last few weeks have been kind of gruelling so it was so great to find some beauty in Paris on a day off. It really is the city of love. I climbed the Eiffel Tower for the first time, and I've been coming to France for years. It was great to feel like a tourist. I then went to this perfume store called Diptyque that Alek K introduced me to years ago. They have these incredible conconctions based on age old formulas..some of which were worn by Alexander the Great. I was ill in Germany and Troy and Sharon looked after me so well that I bought them a little thank you gift there.

Saw Kylie at the Danish music awards and presented her with the song for best international hit. She's SO adorable. Did I make that clear? SO ADORABLE!!!

Well... that's probably it from me as we're pulling into the station.

more from me later... p.s Sweden March 6.. Have to say a huge thank you to all of the fans outside Pepsi Chart show yesterday in London. You guys were so sweet. I loved all the banners, cards, flowers and the effort you made to wish me well. I meant so much!

Love
D

2.22.02 Friday

So I am in one of my favorite hotels in the world...in one of my favorite cities in the world, getting ready to perform on CD:UK tomorrow bright and early. Then we're hopping all over Europe for the next three weeks... in and out of London (we come back for the Pepsi Chart Show and possibly TOTP)...but I'm excited because I have some members of my new band with me. Freddy (musical director/keyboards) Robyn, Angi and Angela (vocals) doing some unplugged stuff here and there. It's sounding really cool. Next month the REST of the of the band will be traveling with me and we'll be doing a few one off showcases around the world to promote SPIN.

Busy Bees.

Errrgh. My tiredness is now over taking my typing. I think I'll take a nap. See you all soon!

xDarren

2.12.02 Tuesday

Crazy. Madness. Fashion Week. Oh My God! You thought the rock and roll industry was insane? Try sound check at a runway show. Try...IT ALMOST DIDN'T HAPPEN!! My first live performance as a solo artist and they were running so far behind that I almost didn't get a sound check. The stage hands were polishing the stage and looking visibly peeved off at our presence (me, Angi, Angela and Robyn my backing vocalists) as we attempted to get our sound happening. And poof! It was all over in 4 minutes or so. All that preening, prancing and chaos and it ended as quickly as it began. Back to the hotel for dinner and woke up this morning to do an interview with ìInterviewî magazine.

It's freezing here by the way. I really didn't expect it to be. Right now I'm curled up in my cozy hotel room watching divorce court (not by choice) whilst typing this to you. I've seen a lot of plays this week. I went to see ìAnne Hathawayî in a staged reading of the musical Carnival (SHE IS GOING TO BE A SUPERSTAR) I saw De La Guarda "learn to fly" (for the third time in 3 years)... I'm seeing a Shakespeare play tonight and ìThe Producersî tomorrow. Hey...I never get to do this stuff and I'm loving it. Besides, life for me is about to get ultra hectic so I thought I'd try to squeeze in a bit of culture before I head off around the world promoting ... Me!

Happy Valentines Day by the way. Hope you get a card or something sweet. If not, don't worry. I rarely do :)

Love
D

02.01.02

Hey there...

I'm at Wallyworld Studios once again tonight. It's 11.30pm and I'm putting finishing touches to the mix of a few more b-sides. I think there's almost an entire album worth of new material that won't be on the album...if that makes sense.

I wrote so many songs in preparation for the album and it seems such a shame for them to get all dusty and forgotten. I put two on the single for INSATIABLE... there'll be a few downloadable ones on this site when the album is released (I think you'll need SPIN to unlock them) and the rest will go on future singles.

It's the most amount of extra tracks I've had for an album and it's such a relief not to have to scramble for extra music each time a single is released.
It's cool because they're a different kind of vibe to the album. They're much more raw and relaxed (unfinished I guess). But that's what makes them unique. Anyway, whatever the case, I wanted you to hear them so I hope you'll enjoy.

I finally finished the video for Insatiable. I really love it. It was directed by Alek Keshishian and shot in L.A. You may remember Alek directed the 'Hold Me' video. It should be out and about in the coming few weeks. It's very La Dolce Vita.

What else can I tell you? A movie I loved recently was 'The Royal Tenenbaums'. If you liked 'Rushmore' you'll dig it. And if you didn't...you won't!

Hey...the metro boys have done THE coolest remix of Insatiable. It will be going to radio soon (and we're doing a special remix edit of the video to accompany it). I've been listening to it non-stop. I think we're trying to put it on the European single.

I think that's about it for me. I'm really so thrilled at the reaction so far to the music and as always so grateful for your support and love. I go to Miami on Tuesday for three days of Latin American Promo. Then it's off to New York for something very special. Could it be the first live performance of my solo material?
Hmmm!
Must be off. Get some sleep. Want to get up early and do Yoga! Help motivate me would you? :)
Take care!
xD

I wrote this diary entry before Christmas.thought you might want to read..

So I'm leaving New York City.

On a plane. Back to L.A listening to music again. The new No Doubt Record is in my walkman. It's Hella Good. I love re-invention. I'd decided I'm also obsessed with female singer songwriters. Right now I'm into the new 'solo' album from Nina Persson (Cardigans). It's so simple and sincere. Flying through the air. Clouds and Sun and Pay It Forward is playing on the inflight TV screen on the world's oldest airplane. Would you like the chicken or the beef?

London was so great. Got to spend a few days off to do the Christmas thing. See my friend Claire and the ever increasingly international Kristel. We had an international-off. I won. Got to see a movie. Normal stuff.

Waiting in the airport lounge, eating stale breakfast pastries and watching CNN I was struck by the spectator sport mentality the media have adopted in relation to the war. It reminds me of the Gulf War.. When we watched the whole thing live on television. What was it Bono used to say, in character on stage during the ZooTV tour? "When something serious comes on.. you can just change the channel". I hope we do more than just channel surf through this one. I want to see an end to wars. How idealistic is that?

Home for Christmas. That's where I'm going. I want to hold people I love and take a moment to appreciate how lucky we all are to be alive. The children behind me are kicking my chair. Constantly. The only words the two year old can say are 'ME, ME MEEEE!!' which I find both familiar and rather amusing. Bump! Three more hours to touch down. Back to Gwen Stefani. Rock Steady!

I wrote this diary entry a few days after presenting at the American Music Awards in Los Angeles.

I'm sitting in bed with a friend of a friend's dog next to me. His name is Rugby and my friend is baby-sitting him while the owner is out of town. Rugby likes to run around. A LOT. But right now he's scratching flees right next to me in bed and the sun is slowly going away for another day outside.

I've had my whole family from Australia with me for Christmas and it's been really wonderful. My brother and sister have the most adorable children so it's been great just being an uncle and doing stupid child-like things. We all went to Disneyland the other day and had a blast. I had to put them on a plane back to Oz today and it was a bit sad.

It's funny because even though my brother and sister are parents and I'm supposed to be a pop star. I still miss the old days when it was just the 3 of us against the world. I swear every time I say goodbye to them it gets harder. Living in another country probably makes it seem worse. but goodbyes are goodbyes still.

Work wise..I'm all rested up (ate too much good holiday food) and we're totally ready to start kickin' some serious you know what. The machine is just about to kick into gear I guess. The single Insatiable has been released to radio around the world and people are playing it. That feels good. I'll keep you posted.

----------

Im in my hotel room in Stockholm, Sweden. I guess its beginning huh? Im back in the saddle, out on the road talking about my music, my views on world politics and the color of my hair. Absurd sometimes the things we do to get people to pay attention to us. But my job is an absurdity in itself. I pack myself up into a few suitcases and trek around the globe searching for something, preaching something and hopefully learning something. And all the while because I want you and I to smile more. Well thats happening a lot lately.

I do love these days. Its wet and cold and windy but Im up here in my room looking down on the street thankful to be warm and thinking a lot about life. God I like this Natalie album.

Im really grateful at this moment in my life. Im out on the road with a bunch of people I adore. Leonie, my manager, is obviously a huge part of my life. More than my dearest friend. Shes really taken to her new role of guidance and leadership with so much ease. And she has this incredible knack of surrounding me with very pure, special people. Sharon Millington, her best friend from childhood, is actually a fitness trainer who works with me. Troy Brennan, the most talented hairdresser in the world is also a long time Leonie subscriber.. and somehow the two of them are out here pitching in with the job of getting me presented to the world. The point Im making.. is that theyre such cool decent people and Ive been having a blast. Troy is psychotic and the most hilarious person I know. His laugh is pure evil and his heart pure gold. He teases Sharon most minutes of the day, she complains and between the two of them they keep me laughing harder than I have for years. We forget that were away from the comforts of home and loved ones, and are enjoying the travel like its the first time.