Darren Hayes Returns With First New Music In Ten Years

Iconic Australian musician Darren Hayes has today announced the release of his first single in a decade, Let's Try Being In Love.

The single begins a new chapter of accomplishments for Hayes, reminding his audience of his natural songwriting talent.

For the first time ever, his new project is arranged, produced, composed and performed by Hayes himself, reflecting an era of music that represents him at his most artistically fulfilled. 

The track is inspired by queer icons Patrick Cowley and Shep Pettibone and serves as a reflection on life, love, regret and growth. 

“I’ve been married to Richard [Cullen] for almost 17 years, I’m in this really comfortable place in my life," Hayes said. "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.”

On the track's accompanying clip, Hayes noted: “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.” 

Hayes will return to Australia to celebrate his first live performance since returning at the 2022 Sydney Gay And Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade on March 5.

“I couldn’t be more excited to return to Australia to headline the 2022 Sydney Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras Parade," Hayes stated.

"Last year, I was in awe, along with the rest of the world, as Australians united and came together safely to celebrate our vibrant and resilient community. I decided in that moment, if this could happen again in 2022,  I was going to do everything within my power to come home and celebrate with you.

"You can imagine how thrilled I am, truly, to have been chosen to close what I know will be an unforgettable and necessary night of pride and joy."