12.03.02                

I'm home for Thanksgiving, but only briefly. Just had enough time to wash my clothes and pack again really! About to head off to London for promo to support the 4th U.K single "Crush" and to perform at Capital Christmas Live. Have to say a big congratulations and thanks to Maggz and Bug for winning the Top Of The Pops award for best website. In doing so, I must say a huge thankyou to all the online fans worldwide. There are so many wonderful sites, promotions and cool places that you guys have created and I wanted to let you know that I love you for it! Very honored.

Hope you all had a fantastic Thanksgiving (I know, I'm Australian! But I celebrated too..) Felt good to be alive this year more than most I'd say.

More news when I have some. Errrgh. Ate too much Turkey!

xxDarren

11.12.02

It's 10 degrees celcius outside. 7.am. Sun is already shining brightly in Tokyo. I now believe that I have perpetual jet lagg. What country am I really in? Wasn't I just in Mexico the other day? And then Helsinki?

Anyway the flight here was looooong. We had to leave at 5.30 am from Mexico city so of course nobody went to bed. Then we flew 4 hours to Dallas and then 12 to Tokyo ... got to our hotel at 7pm and did a show the next day. It was all made worth it because the Japanese are officially the kindest and sweetest (most polite?) audiences in the world. They were just happy were were there. That made up for everything.

Right now I'm in a really interesting head space. I feel like I've been travelling for years with the album. With only four shows to go I'm really looking forward to a break. I think I need to sleep for about a million years. Could someone put that into my schedule please?

Anyway.. I'm off to find someone to have breakfast with..

All my love
D

10.28.02

I'm in Moscow. I never thought I'd say that in my lifetime, and yet here I am. It's a bittersweet feeling because of the terrorist crisis that ended early this morning. My visit here has obviously been clouded by the tension and the fear surrounding the situation. We are not even sure if both concerts will be allowed to go ahead, or even if going ahead is the right , moral or tasteful thing to do. All I can say is.. music has the power to heal and we're going to get up on stage tomorrow night and give it all.

Such a crazy flight here.. seriously thought we were going to crash at some point. Then the press conference (I had to convince the public that the I was indeed here and that my show was going to go on..).. Very surreal. I felt almost shallow for talking about a 'pop show' when so many people had been killed. It's a catch 22. I already feel horrible about the fact that our south east Asian run had to be postponed. It would have really been disappointing to get all the way to Russia finally and disappoint the fans here. I hope for their sake the shows go ahead and all is fine because they really are adorable.

Last night's performance in St.Petersberg was surreal. It was a sold out 10 thousand seat arena.. and more than half those tickets were sold just hours before the show (with people not sure if I would indeed show up until they saw me land on the television news..). And bless them because in terms of the economy...it's really expensive to see a show here. The arena was this sea of beautiful smiling faces and I sang my ass off to give them everything I had to offer. Songs like Affirmation and Spin took on a whole new meaning I have to say.

Anyway... that's all I really wanted to do. Wanted to let you in on my thoughts and feelings at this very intense time. Thanks again for your love and loyalty. I just hope our world heals soon. This past year has been a real test for mankind. Suddenly John Lennon doesn't seem like a 'dreamer' after all. Imagine all the people.....
God Bless..
xxD

10.24.02

I haven't written in a while.. and here I am in Sweden about to go to bed after an incredible show and thought I'd take the time to fill you in... First of all.. the U.K. leg of the tour was unbelievable. I can't even say how huge the reaction was.. how great it was to play so many sold out gigs.. I mean come on! 3 nights at the Apollo baby!.. Even I'm impressed and so grateful for the support in England. I think I'm going to move there for a while. Soak up some of that love!

Anyway.. u.k. was great.. had the most incredible tour bus party. The whole crew/band/friends/my sister.... cruising around London on a tour bus with no less than 3 lounges of dance music and ending up in a wicked club until 6 in the morning. Haven't done that in a while and I have to say I really needed the release. So cool to hang with my baby sis for a week too (well.. she's my older sister actually but she'll always be my babe)..

Made some really cool friends on this leg... Special mention to Cristel for the hook up. Right now.. getting ready to go to Russia! Wow.. never thought I be saying that in my lifetime. Wish us luck..

Thanks to the audience in Stockholm tonight who carried me when I didn't think my voice would make it. It did. And you did. Carry me that is. I love you for it.

Hey Dallas Austin finally finished the mix on the u.s version of I MISS YOU. I love it. Hopefully you'll hear that at radio at some point this year in the world outside of America and stateside Janury next year.

Thanks for being so cool.
Thanks for not buying me teddy bears anymore by the way!!! I mean.. you know my policy.. don't buy me a gift.. give a dollar to a charity... BUT IF YOU HAVE TO.. I'm a Calvin Klein 32... please no silk.. just cotton briefs OR boxers.. I'm not fussy!!

haha..only half kidding..
much love...
take care..
xxxDarren

10.02.02

I'm in Manchester. Day off.. just came back from a stroll around the city at night. Cool place. No wonder so much groovy music originates from here. You can feel it in the air.

anyway.. just rambling. Had a wonderful experience after the Cambridge show the other day. First of all the audience were off the hook. They were so INTO it and obviously that propelled us somewhere very special that night. After the show I was wandering outside and with the public and I'm sure most of the crowd didn't really know it was me. It was a cool feeling because I got to soak up some of the energy you feel after a show.. only this time it was my show and I was waltzing around in the moonlight soaking it all up.

Anyway.. the reason I was out in the parking lot is because I was searching for the legend that is Willie Williams. For those of you who don't know.. he is one half of a design team (Bruce Ramus our lighting designer being the other) who have become my creative muses in many ways. They are most famous for their work with U2 live... but they did the last Savage Garden tour and of course this one. Now.. Bruce... he's my buddy on tour.. he travels with us and operates the lights and vibe on our shows.. but Willie we hardly ever see. So it was a rare treat to find Willie had decided to turn up to one of the gigs.

The 3 of us and a bunch of incredible people Willie brought along to hang out with on the lighting bus (and none of which actually saw the show.. they came for WW and no one else!) all hung out on the lighting bus for a few hours and gained the coveted lighting crew description of 'geezer'. Apparently in lighting world.. the ranks start at geezer and go all the way to Diamond Studded Platinum Geezer. But that's another story all together.

After my catch up.. there were a bunch of fans waiting outside the bus (bless them.. they'd waited ages to say hello).. We all hung out for a bit and there were smiling faces all round.

All in all.. a shiny happy vibe.
Can you dig it?

xD

10.01.02

Cambridge. 3.am. Just got off the bus from the last show and my ears are still ringing from the crowd. I fell asleep watching 'Lord of the Rings' on DVD and woke up to a battle scene and a new hotel.

What can I say? The shows keep getting better and better. Yeah it was pretty freaky in Australia to be running scared from a throat virus.. I hated having to cancel a few dates but was very thankful I got over the illness and could complete the rest of the tour. I have to say a huge thankyou to the Aussies for coming out large and loud to see the shows.. Bless! That's a saying I got from Rose Byrne (Australian Actress who stars in the video for I MISS YOU....)..yes it's done and I love it. You should see it soon in the u.k and late this year early next in the u.s.

Over here in the u.k. I feel like I've hit my stride a bit more.. the shows are all sold out.. they're begging us to add more dates ( I don't think we can..) and it's just been incredible. I still can't believe how well the music has gone down at radio here. When we played Glasgow I was heard to mutter..'best show of my career' until Newcastle...which really was the best show and crowd ever. Well done!

Grant Marshall (crush, I miss you director) arrives tomorrow to begin recording some of the shows for a possible release one day. Who knows. We're just going to film them all and see what we've got. I'm very proud of this one I gotta say. It's just very real.

So that's it from me..
Gotta sleep.. one more show then a day off (yah!)...
Hey..go see My Big Fat Greek Wedding. It's good. And Joey Fatone is in it.. and he's a great and funny guy. (Thank me later Joey..!)

Cheers those who have big ears..
xxDarren

8.13.02

Ahh. I've had a bath.
I had room service.
I'm about to go to bed.
So much more relaxed now after 8 hours of rehearsals.
I'm here on the Gold Coast in Queensland Australia with my band, getting ready to get Too Close to you. What the hell do we do all day every day for the next few weeks? Well, make sure that the show is worth it! I've been going over arrangements of songs with Andrew (our Musical Director and Keyboard player) and Lee Novak (bass,some guitars and now new Band Leader). It's been great to have 3 albums worth of material to choose from. I've dusted off some old favorites and polished up new ones. It's been great...but I'm very tired tonight. We have 11 more days to go. Once the music is sitting where we want it, then we'll work with Bruce Ramus, our lighting designer and director... turning it all into a show.

But that's another day. Right now, I'm just going to fall asleep. Thought I'd just check in on you.. Let you know I took a bath.
Hehe.
See you later!
xD

7.21.02

So I'm going to China.
MTV has asked me there next week to perform at the music awards in Bejing. I have never been. I'm going to get to see the great wall of..duh...China. Pretty cool I must say.

Then it's off to Australia for tour rehearsals. I'm really looking forward to being there with my family and friends and spending time in the country I love so much.

I've had a blast this week with Robert (he and I wrote Crush) and Andrew (our MD) doing new arrangements to the songs for the show. My neighbors got a little angry at me for making noise. I had to remind them I'm never home anyway and that.. hey... I make music for a living so if they let me keep making the noise I need to this week I'll theoretically be gone for EVER touring. Then they won't have to deal with me at all!! Older, professional types don't dig the pop muzik let me tell ya.

I've now seen Minority Report and I'm happy to report it's another big green tick from me to SP. And for the record.. I did like A.I. I bought it on DVD recently and think it's more of a Stanley film than a Steven. But that's not necessarily a bad thing.

Must be off. Lots to do. We're choosing the next single for the u.s... doing some remixing.. planning the next video... the tour. Oh it's all happening. Can't wait.

take care..
talk to you when I'm down under..
xD

7.09.02

Party in the park was, to quote a popular tune... Hella Good. 100 thousand people. It didn't rain. I didn't poop my pants with fear. My band played incredibly well. The audience were up for it. I was in tip top shape. All in all a really fun day. Oh yeah met Prince Charles. That was yet another one of those completely surreal moments. As a child I remember seeing pictures of Michael Jackson meeting the Prince in London. Paparazzi flashing. Security everywhere. I could never have dreamed in a million years I would grow up and experience the things I have these past 10 years. From my first band to this day it's definitely been a ride!

Right now I'm off to begin rehearsals for my tour. Although the rest of the dates won't be released until they are confirmed I can tell you that I am indeed touring all over Europe in September and October. But before that, the tour may be beginning in a far away place that is very dear to me (hint.. where vegemite is extremely popular...) That's a pretty obvious hint isn't it? More news when it's 'official'. After Europe.. more touring in more continents. We'll let you know when we know. All I can say with certainty is that I'll be on the road with the 'Too Close For Comfort Tour' until the end of the year. And I couldn't be happier about it. If you missed out on tickets... we may be announcing extra performances. Just keep checking back.

That's it from me right now. I've got so much work to do before this tour starts. Thanks again for supporting me when I was ill. I'm 100% back in fine form and ready to go! Take care.

xxxD

7.04.02

I'm in London.
Ja Rule has moved in next door. He has a lot of bodyguards. I wish I had bodyguards. I don't really need them but they'd make me feel pretty important. Oh. Party in the Park. That's what we're all here for. I'm getting pretty excited.

Yeah I got sick. Really sick for a week or so. The voice disappeared. But I've never cancelled anything in my career so this past weekend was not the day to cancel CD:UK or Re:covered. Emergency doctors were consulted. Bizarre medications administered. I sang ok on one show and pretty darned good if I don't say myself on the other (hint hint the cover's show..) The day was long, tiring and I seriously didn't think I'd get through it but I do have the sweetest most adorable loving fans in the world. Thanks so much to all the wellwishers... especially you Maggz. UK fans rule! Thanks for my Sea Monkeys.. my Star Wars toys.. the cards.. the hugs.. the smiles. You got me through it. Now I'm feeling almost 100% and I'm going to kick ass on Sunday and possibly even kiss some.

That's about it really. Gotta go sleep. I'm a happy pappy at the moment.

xxD

6.27.02

It's called TOO CLOSE FOR COMFORT. That's the name of my tour. UK dates are out now, the rest to follow. I'm very excited I have to tell you. More details soon.

Just came back from Milan where I was the guest of Donatella Versace for her 'versace' and 'versus' men's collection runway shows. First time attending and I fu*&%ing loved it. It was very rock and roll actually and Donatella was such a gracious host. Beautiful clothes. People. Food. Very sexy. Thanks Donatella! Thanks Italy. Hung out with Jonathan Rhys Meyers, some supermodels and Boy George. I must say it was surreal. But surprisingly real.

Right now I'm in London preparing for a few weeks of intense promo. Lots of tv shows but the one thing I'm really looking forward to is performing at Party in the Park for London's capital fm. It's an audience of over 100 thousand live and God knows how many millions on the radio. It's gong to rock.

That's it from me. Thanks for all your lovin' recently. You are the best fans in the world and I love you back..
xxD

6.12.02

I'm home, off, taking a break for five seconds. Had the most incredible time in Mexico. It was seriously unbelievable. I've never felt more supported, understood, appreciated in my career. For economic reasons it was extremely difficult to get us down there... but everyone from the record company down to radio and retail pulled together the most incredible promotion (thanks Lorenzo, Michelle and staff!) that resulted in the most exhausting but most rewarding promo trip ever.

I could go on as long as my album thank yous but I just wanted to say a huge "I love you" to all my fans in Mexico. You are the best.

To let the fans stateside know... we are choosing a new single and planning to continue our promotion in the u.s and canada later on this year. Right now we're busy working in those places in the world where the music has really taken off. It's a huge world and we're dealing with it country by country.

This week I'm getting ready to go to Detroit for a performance, a photo shoot for a few u.k magazines and then off to Europe for more and more promo. We're close to announcing my tour dates soon and the fan club is sooooo close to be ready. More news soon.

p.s I've seen attack of the clones 5 times now. Do you think I should stop?

xxxxD

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

In London again.
I came here for a few days to hang out before I head off to Asia. It's weird being here and not working. I don't quite know what to do with myself. I bought some pretty cool new music. I really like this song called 'nothing' by A.. and the new cornershop cd is pretty groovy.

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

In this old castle in Cologne. It was apparently built as a mansion a couple of hundred years ago and then abandoned as it was deemed too small for it's inhabitants. The irony is it's huge. Today it has been remodeled and turned into the most luxurious hotel. I like the sense of history and of whispered conversations long since forgotten in the hallways. I don't want to say 'haunted'.. but there's definitely a sense of the past here.

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'm on the Eurostar. I used to always call it the Chunnel. When did it change? Was it ever called a 'Chunnel' or did I just make that up? Whatever the case, it is the super fast train that goes underwater from Paris to London and back and saves you all the hassle of checking in at an airport..blah blah blah. The reality is it kind of breaks up the monotony of day to day travel and makes me feel like I'm in an Agatha Christie movie.

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

I'm in London. Hanging out with my dear friend Claire. You may remember Claire Marshall as a choreographer (she worked with me on the last tour...re Gunning Down Romance and Chained to you...) Well! She is super rad and funky and very 80's at the moment I must say. She turned up at my hotel in a shirt that said "Snow Aerobics" and looked like an extra from the 'Girls Just Wanna Have Fun' video. I love it. Some people don't quite understand. Wait until they hear "Crush" is all I can say.

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.