Darius World

Dive In With Darius

Siva Darshan
NSTP e-media/Youthquake, Malaysia 9 May 2003

THERE are some things you don't know about Darius Danesh: he doesn't give up easily, he does a mean hip shake and he has got the whole of Britain obsessed with his voice. If that is not enough, he is trying to conquer Malaysia!

Born in Glasgow, Darius is named after a Persian king. Darius means 'a good man' and his surname means 'knowledge'. His parents spotted his star potential in his kindergarten days when he performed in a Peter Pan musical.

If his looks come across as a bit exotic or even Bollywood-like that's because he is of mixed parentage. His father Booth is Persian while his mother Avril is Scottish. Brought up on The Beatles, George Michael, Alanis Morissette and Seal, who inspires him, this talented guy plays the guitar, piano, saxophone and violin.

Dive In is Darius' debut album, done in collaboration with legendary U2 producer Steve Lillywhite. The album features all-new material. His British debut single Colourblind shot to No. 1 last August.

YouthQuake had a phone interview with him. Here are excerpts from the chat:

YouthQuake: How would you describe your musical style?

Darius: I would say feel-good, upbeat, guitar-lead and focuses on lyrics. Pop with a difference; with an attitude.

YQ: What's your main inspiration when writing a song?

Darius: To be honest, GIRLS! I gain inspiration from girls whom I have met and dated. I like writing songs as it is an avenue to express my emotions.

Also, what inspires me is an artiste who has his own style, courage in his convictions and isn't afraid of saying what he thinks. Everything nowadays is all about image. What happened to songs? Just the love of music for music's sake? It's so image-conscious and commercial; it's all about the quick fix, the fast sell, satisfaction and instant fame.

By cutting this album, I hope to join the likes of Alicia Keys who sings and writes her own songs.

YQ: You joined the first 'Popstars' in Britain. Although you didn't win, how would you describe your experience?

Darius: I would say it was a great experience. I got through the first part, which was a radio audition. However, for the second part, I turned up with a guitar only to be told that no instruments would be allowed and I had to sing a song chosen from a list. Can you believe it? That was like telling Alicia Keys that she cannot play the piano. I thought it was a solo audition, but of course the judges were actually trying to find a band. However, I went along with it and had fun in the process.

Then six months later, Popstars hit the TV screens and I had no idea it would have such a big effect. I was the one they singled out as the pop rebel in the programme. I made it to the final 10 but not the group.

To tell you the truth, I was glad I didn't make it because, by then, I already knew that I didn't want to be part of a pop group. I wanted a solo career. Suddenly, after Popstars, I was offered various major label deals until my lecturer stepped in and told me that I cannot just leave my studies to record an album. It would mean I would never get a degree.

So, I put music on hold for four months in favour of studies. However, by then the Popstars craze had died out and nobody wanted to sign me on.

YQ: You also took part in Pop Idol.

Darius: Yeah, I heard about Pop Idol and by this point I had grown up and had a clearer idea of what kind of solo career I wanted, so I thought I'd have a crack at it. I wanted to work with the best people and the best producers in the business. I also wanted the experience of performing on stage and I knew Pop Idol was going to be the next level.

I only made third place but I was offered a record deal along with the first two winners. However, being the rebel that I am, I turned it down. If I had accepted the deal, I would have had to make an album full of covers. I knew I didn't want that. I wanted to write and sing my own songs.

At the end of the day, I don't see myself as a loser because I was doing what I felt was right.

YQ: You once said that Steve Lilywhite was your "producer idol". How was it like working with him?

Darius: It was really unexpected. I had just participated in Pop Idol and had turned down the recording contract. I had nowhere to go. A friend passed a recording of Colourblind to him. Before I knew it, he'd called and invited me over for dinner.

He missed Pop Idol and Popstars since he had been away from Britain for a few years. So he didn't really know who I was. I love it that he recognised me for my talent. That was incredible!

I never dreamt that a producer whom I hold in such high regard would be producing my first album. He's been an integral part of U2 and Travis' careers to name but two.

YQ: How did it feel when 'Colourblind' went to No. 1 in the British charts last August?

Darius: I was like on top of the world. It was very emotional as music is close to my heart. I didn't expect Colourblind to hit the top spot. Colourblind is a song that just makes me feel good singing it, and if it makes everyone feel good listening to it then I've done my job as a songwriter.

YQ: Why did you name your album 'Dive In'?

Darius: I chose that title because, in a way, I was inspired to take a plunge and cut this album. It has always been my dream to be a recording artiste. It is also an invitation to the listener to take the plunge into the music. I want anybody who listens to my album to feel inspired and to seize the moment.

YQ: What have you learnt as a recording artiste and about fame?

Darius: I have learnt that there is a big difference between perception and reality. You can't take anything for granted. I wanted to be a singer and what kept me going was that I believed I could. I knew I could do something different.

Overnight success is deceptive. Longevity is important. I've got the fantastic privilege of being able to release my own material, and express the words and melodies that have haunted me in my sleep. I'm over the moon!

YQ: Any plans to come to Malaysia?

Darius: I would love to come to Malaysia. I have heard so much about how beautiful Malaysia is. I plan to visit some time in June. I can't wait to bring my band over and do some gigs. It will be exciting.

YQ: Any messages to the readers of YouthQuake?

Darius: Yeah, I hope you enjoy Dive In as much as I enjoyed working on it. Some of the best songs I have ever written are there. With so much madness in the world today, I hope my music will be able to soothe people and they will be accepting of my musical style. I can't wait to catch up with you guys and girls when I am in Malaysia.