The following interview with Darius was published on the Blazinvibes website in January 2005.
Darius is pop’s ultimate Teflon man. Despite having a cheesy, reality tv show past, he has now tranformed himself into a credible and good looking pop success story. Here he talks to BV about the Geri rumours, Brad Pitt’s horse and his father’s miraculous recovery from illness.
What’s your favourite song on your album and why?
The title track Live Twice, as I wrote it for my dad. He was diagnosed with cancer in February 2004, but he was given the all clear in December 2004. He has made a miraculous recovery.
Your album is largely inspired by your father’s illness. Has writing about such personal issues taken you to another level as a song writer?
I think that this is a more mature album, as lyrically there is more depth. There has also been a huge step forward in terms of production. Steve Lipton, who is a Grammy nominated producer brought the sound of the album forward. He is a legend and a really top bloke.
Would you advise wannabe popstars to go on a reality tv show or to find another route?
I would advise anyone to go with their gut and follow your heart. If they follow the reality route, they should enjoy every minute of the journey. I’m glad that I can look back and hold the experience with high regard
Did you watch the X Factor? Who did you want to win?
I did watch it, but I enjoyed it from a different perspective. I didn’t want any particular person to win, I enjoyed watching talented people sing.
What did you do for Christmas?
I had a wonderful Christmas. I spent it on the Isle of Arran with my family. I spent the New year in Edinburgh for Hogmanay.
Have you got any new year resolutions?
Last year my resolution was to join a gym, which I did. My resolution this year is to actually start going to the gym I joined.
The press have made you out to be a bit of a ladies man – what do you think of this?
I think it is very flattering to be associated with so many gorgeous women, but in reality I have only ever had two girlfriends.
Are the rumours true…are you seeing Geri Halliwell?
Geri and I are good mates, but I have only seen her about half a dozen times since first meeting her.
What’s your party trick?
I have one, but it’s too rude to tell you. I’d have to tell you in a drunken chat.
You spent a lot of time in LA last year, what do you think of it?
I’ve been going back and forwards to LA for the last six months. It’s fantastic hanging out in the sun. LA is full of creative people. I met Jay Kay over there as he was recording his album.
Was it hard for you to write your book, Sink or Swim?
No, it flowed really easily. I think I found it easy as I was keeping a diary around that time. I still write in a diary every now and then.
What other pop acts do you like at the moment and who don’t you get at all?
I really like Maroon 5, Keane and Natasha Bedingfield. I tend to just focus on music that I like, so I can’t think of anyone that I don’t like.
You had a part in an episode of Hollyoaks, do you have any other acting plans, or will you be sticking to the music?
I will be sticking to the music. I really enjoy making my music videos, it’s one of the best parts of what I do. I loved filming the Live Twice video in Malaga. I got to ride the same horse that Brad Pitt rode in Troy.
Who do you admire the most?
On a personal level, I admire my dad the most, but on a professional level I admire George Michael and Seal.
If you could have dinner with any three people, dead or alive, who would you pick?
Mohammed Ali, Frank Sinatra and Martin Luther King.
What is you greatest fear?
Losing a family member or someone that I love.
What have you got planned for the rest of the year?
I’m going back to India, as the album is doing well over there. I might do my next music video there. I also have my Live Twice tour happening later this year.