Darius World

Lime Magazine, Singapore

He's suffered the infamous Simon Cowell tongue-lashing and was kicked out of two talent quests. But rejection seems to have made a better man of Pop Idol alum Darius Danesh, who's just released chart-topping debut album, Dive In.

LIME: You've led a charmed life, what with your privileged upbringing and success of debut album, Dive In. Was facing Simon Cowell on Pop Idol your worst ego bruiser so far?

Darius Danesh: I am very lucky to have a family who has always encouraged me to achieve my dreams. But I went to a good academic school that wasn't into music. I had no one to guide or nurture me. I taught myself music theory and how to play the guitar. I've always struggled against the grain to attain my goals. So, meeting Simon Cowell was just the next stage for me in the face of adversity. I had respect for him as a businessman but I didn't worry too much about what he said.

You've gone from the cocky wannabe in your first talent quest, Popstars, to the mellow person you are today. What happened?

When I did Popstars, I was 19 and very insecure. I said and did naive things, tried too hard and worried about what others thought of me. I came across as being very cocky when in fact, I was shitting myself. When the show aired, I had this press backlash and was tagged a big cocky loser. I almost become the national joke. The tabloid media needed someone to pick on and they were writing sensational stories about me! But that made me grow up and allowed me to come back and audition on Pop Idol with determination and humility.

Does being a qualified lifeguard have anything to do with your debut album title, Dive In?

(Chuckles) Yeah, I'm a lifeguard. I also teach windsurfing, sailing and recently qualified as a scuba divwe. I'd love to say the album was titled Dive In 'cos I love water but it's not. It's named after my idea of seizing the moment, taking plunge into life or love. It's a motivational title for me to dive in to songwriting, and an invitation to the audience to listen to the songs I've written.

You were poached by Simon Cowell to join music label BMG after Pop Idol. Were you surprised, considering how badly he grilled you?

I wasn't surprised because there's a big difference between apperance and realityu. He's very different on TV from what he was like backstage. Off camera, he's charming, articulate, entertaining and very clever. But being offered the opportunity made me realise I didn't want to be at the mercy of some marketing man who was going to mastermind the concept of 'Darius'. I wanted to mastermind my own music's concept, on my own terms and join the artists I respect, like Avril Lavigne, Nelly Furtado, Pink or Ashanti, who do things in their original style.

You said you wanted a record company that would "champion you as their main interest". Did you opt out of the BMG deal 'cos you knew you'd be in the shadow of pretty boys Will Young and Gareth Gates?

I said that 'cos I felt Simon Cowell saw me as a pet project. Although he said I'd be his priority, I don't believe any of the artists on BMG are because American Idol is really his priority, I didn't understand how he'd be able to concentrate on my album if he was in Americaa working on American Idol. Far from being in the shadow of his other artists, I just didn't want to be in the shadow of Simon's own career ambitions to become a household name/

You have a five-record deal with Mercury Records but the second album's the real test of any artisits' staying power. Any fears you might fizzle out?

I probably would if I were my 19-year-old self at my first audition. There's more important things going on in the world than to worry whether my second album does well or not. Right now, I'm happy I've had a No 1 single and a plantinum album. I can't worry about something that hasn't happened. I just feel lucky to have the opportunity to write my own music and do something original and worthwhile.

You prefer to write your own material and refuse to do covers. Why?

The most honest way to communicate with someone is by using your own words. And it's exciting to see people's reaction to a song you've written.

Avril Lavigne also pens her own songs. But she seems to be running out of steam and has enlisted the help of LA-based producers The Matritx. Is there no room for self-expression in this industry?

I'd say the contrary. Self expression is the key to pop music right now. It's bored having a mass of artists all sounding the same because they use the same production team. It's much more exciting to have diversity of expression and sound, whether it be Avril Lavigne , Alicia Keys, Nelly Furtado or Robbie Williams.

Will Young and Gareth Gates are typical teen pop idols, while you're more like a man's man. Does your image give you an edge?

I haven't really though about that 'cos I'm just being me. If that allows me to have a long-term career, then great. But if it means I'm going to be a one-hit wonder, then there's not much I can do, too. (Laughs) Hopefully, I am going to do something that will strech beyong one or two songs. I want to be around a bit longer.

How do you feel about Gareth Gates and Will Young's success? Do you think it will last?

Do I think they'll last? I don't know. Do I hope they'll last? Sure I do, because they're my friends. I get along well with anyone in music who's passionate about what they do. We're all trying to keep our heads above the water and stay away from corporate sharks. What they do is way different from me so I don't feel we compete in any way. But competition is a good thing, it makes me want to try harder. I wish them the very best of luck.

You're the underdog who beat Britney Spears, P Diddy, Will Smith and George Michael to the top UK charts with first single, 'Colourblind'. Who are you most proud to have beaten?

I don't feel I can say I've beaten anyone. I just had the best song that week. I look at it as a community of singers and songwritiers rather than a competition. It's encouraging to have artisits who are doing their own thing - that's why I respect P Diddy, George Michael and even Britney, when she got involved in the song-writing process and had more creative input. But what was the amazing was knocking Coldplay off the top spot in the second week.

And in return for kicking him off, lead singer dedicated a song to you...

(Laughs) Yeah, well that shows you just what a gentleman he is.

You've also won over the notorious pop-slamming Gallagher brothers. Is all this getting to your head?

I hope not. I'm trying my best tot keep my feet on the ground by spending as much time as I can with my family and younger brothers. There's no more honest opinion that that of an eight-year-old. He'll tell me if he thinks certain songs and performances were no good.

'Colourblind' became UK's most popular ringtone. Did you or any of your friends download it?

(Embarassed) Yeah, it's pretty weird whenever you hear your friend's phone ring and it's 'Colourlind'. You almost want to tell them to change it! I've got one on my phone right now, too - Nelly's 'Hot In Herre.'

You said in an interview you're not smug about your success. Is that the honest truth?

No, it's a complete lie. Being a nice guy is something I have to work very hard at. I'm actually a complete bastard. So *bleep* off and stop asking me all these questions! (Cackles)

You claim to have scored only one snog after Pop Idol. Has your luck with women changed since you were voted fifth most eligible bachelor in UK ahead of Prince William?

I'd take that with a pinch of salt. Look at the Top 10 Most Beautiful Women, lots of them look too artifical! I much prefer the girl-next-door, maybe a girl who comes to my concert or the one who serves me coffee in the cafe near my house. There's so many aspects of beauty that go unnoticed. So while it is very flattering, it's not very important to me. But it's not something I'll complain about either.

Charlotte Hatherley of the band Ash said you have "big clanging balls of steel". Please explain!

(Laughs) Oh, man! I don't know where you got that quote from but you should have heard what she said about my ass! She said it was as tight as two boiled eggs in a handkerchieft. Never mind balls of steel. The less we talk about that, the better!

Dive In is in stores. <