On being a fan

"Make me feel like I'm the one who moves you,
The only one you see"
~ Fans - Kings of Leon

After I wrote the review of the Sydney Darren Hayes concert, and emotionally expressed my joy in meeting him, I received a comment from an anonymous reader expressing concern for my emotional wellbeing. Here is the original comment:

 “I enjoy reading your blog Carly... But this is an interesting read. I know you find comfort in Darren's lyrics and music however I feel that you are in a little too deep here... I feel that you are slightly obsessive and almost 'drowning' in what he gives to you. The fact that he is a gay man makes this 'relationship' you feel you have with him even more uncomfortable to read at times :)”

After a number of people went in to bat for me (thank you everyone) the anonymous reader replied:

“I'm quite happy to read your opinions on my original post and please let me clarify that I was not alluding to the fact that Carly's love for Darren can not be reciprocated in a traditional sense. I perfectly and honestly respect the love you have for him as a musician... I too believe that he is freakishly talented and I enjoy his lyrics too. My concern and question stems from the fact that Carly has obviously had heartbreak, distress and upheaval relating to her personal relationships and she is very open in discussing this. My post came from a place of concern for her emotional well-being. l just think the level of adoration she has for Darren is somewhat concerning... Gay or not gay has nothing to do with it. I'm only posting anon as I don't have any other sign ins.”

I also replied to the comments, ending with:

“Let me have this happiness without criticism or condescension. Maybe one day you'll experience the joys of being a fan too.”

While I wasn't upset by the comments made, I was disappointed that I was criticised for taking joy in meeting my idol and expressing how much he and his music means to me, after having such a shit time recently. Last week was truly the start of me getting back on track and feeling like the old Carly again.And that feels great.

And today I want to tell you about the joy I get from being a fan. Of Savage Garden and Darren Hayes more specifically. Laugh. Diagnose me with some sort of obsession. But also take the time to realise how the music moves me. It really does. And music and fanship moves other people too. I've got some friends' comments about being a fan too. Here goes.

 

I can recall the very moment I became a fan of Savage Garden. It was August 1996 and I was watching Rage. I saw Darren Hayes on the back of a truck on a Brisbane highway – reddish long hair, sounding a bit like Roxette. Daniel Jones, also on the back of the truck, was playing a guitar. The song was catchy, they band was cute. It was the I Want You video clip. “I am going to be a fan of everything this band does” I told myself. In September 1996 I went to Geelong on a family holiday with a friend. I remember buying the blue I Want You CD single, the one with the garden gnome on it, in a cardboard case that pulled out like a drawer. At the end of that year, I wished I had spent my $5 pocket money a few weeks before on a much coveted red version of the CD single, with a rare b-side. About three years later, a penpal sent me a signed red I Want You CD. Rare. And in November 1996, I remember seeing To the Moon and Back on Hey Hey It's Saturday. The song confirmed Savage Garden would be the band of my life. I bought that CD single too, and every single and album after, even the rare ones from overseas. I think I have around 80 Savage Garden and Darren Hayes CDs. I know people who have more. When my parents' house was under threat by bushfires, Mum asked me if there was anything I'd like saved. “My tower of Savage Garden CDs”, I told her.

Since I became a fan of Savage Garden, and continuing on with Darren Hayes, I've amassed a lot of stuff. Articles, CDs. Posters. Setlists. Merchandise. And memories. Memories are the most precious. I can recall all the concerts I've been to – even what I wore to the Savage Garden one in 1997. And I remember the moments that I've met Darren (I haven't met Daniel).

People laugh at me, and are also critical. Even I take the piss out of this particular love of mine sometimes. But I am a proud, dedicated and committed fan. Why am I a fan? And why Savage Garden and Darren Hayes?

When I was younger, I think it was an obsession. I couldn't stop thinking about how hot Darren was. I'd be inspired by his lyrics. My friends and I would analyse his interviews so much, and dream of what it'd be like to marry him. He had not yet come out. 15 years after I became a fan, my fanship is more realistic and mature. I don't want to marry him. I still think he's incredibly attractive. But my love goes deeper than the superficial. The music gives me incredible joy. It takes me back to a place when my life was simpler – before adulthood, but also provides hope for each day too. It's Darren's lyrics, perspective and experiences that I can relate to, and as he's grown. I've grown too. As I've matured, I've taken some solace (and sadness) knowing that some of the very things I've experienced (isolation, bullying, difference) are some of the things Darren's experienced too.

 (If you look closely you can see me in the background. Darren took my camera and took this photo himself!)

 I think Savage Garden and Darren Hayes helped to shape my identity. The music gave me something to believe in. It was there through my headphones when I've had needles, and posters on my wall when I've been sick in bed. I made many friends because of my fanship – penpals and face to face friends. I'm still friends with many of these people today. And just last week, at the Darren Hayes concert in Melbourne, I befriended a girl who was also there by herself. She read my review and couldn't believe how much she could relate to the way I feel as a fan. 

The music has also been a friend – for during the many times I've felt lonely or rejected or love-lost, or even so overwhelmed with love, I can immerse myself in it and it's like receiving a reassuring and loving hug. However, despite me and my fanship maturing, I can still be reduced to a puddle of tears (rather than screaming with awe) when faced with Darren Hayes in person.

The thrill of being a fan is what brings joy too. The race to stand at the front of the stage (and the standing that often accompanies it). The breath held as he walks out on stage. The rush through my veins as he sings live. The special moments when he's looked at me during a concert – and the kisses and hugs he's given me from the stage. And the wait outside the venue, hoping to meet him. And when the meet happens – wow. The shaking and immense happiness afterward.

Darren Hayes is a fan too. He's spoke at length about being a fan of Michael Jackson (and was very affected by his death - to the point of writing Glorious about Michael), Bono and Madonna. He has mentioned the excitement when he's met his idols, and his experience seems very similar to mine.

It's not only Savage Garden and Darren Hayes that I am a fan of. I love so many other bands, though not to the extent of getting super knowledgable about them. Probably the closest would be Angus and Julia Stone, Bob Evans and Genevieve Maynard. Back when I was young (and possibly dumb in one case) I was a super fan of Southern Sons (it was the long haired boys that caught my eye) and then cricketer Shane Warne (the dumb phase for me, pre-text messaging phase for him). I must say, I liked the look of Warnie when he looked more natural – bleached hair and tubby. I've actually met some wonderful friends through being a fan of other bands – Bob Evans in particular (I've met some great girls out at his gigs and online), and even become an online friend of one of my favourites – Genevieve Maynard. Genevieve has commented on some of my blog entries and has told me she's a fan of me too! And this means so very much, being a fan of her!

  

My Dad is a huge fan too. I think I get my dedication to the cause from him. He loves Liverpool Football Club, and I have not known him to miss a game. Before Albury received SBS on TV, we'd travel to Melbourne to watch big games. He'd listen in for the football scores on his shortwave radio at 7.55 am every night. Now he uses the internet to find the scores, and watches most games live on pay TV. It was Dad who encouraged me to go see Savage Garden live when I was 15 – I thought the idea of going to a live concert in Melbourne was pretty out there, but I am so glad I did.When Savage Garden broke up, a Brisbane radio station dedicated an hour of airtime to them. At this time, we only had dial-up internet so streaming radio stations online was a very slow option. So Dad encouraged me to call the Brisbane radio station and ask to be put on hold, so I could listen to the tribute. I did. Dad encouraged me to call the radio station, because that's what he'd do to hear information about Liverpool, back in his youth.
 

Before I was born, and when I was very young, Dad was out of work for some time. He used to do a program on community radio. This radio show saw him wrongly pronounce INXS as 'inksess'. He is not from Australia. Anyway, Dad was telling me about a man who also used to have a show on the same community radio station. This man was so committed to his passion he'd source rare music from rare record shops in Melbourne, and play the types of music he truly loved – cutting edge punk in the early 80s. He'd do fill in shifts. He loved his music, and he was dedicated to the cause. I admire that commitment and passion. I think it can give people something to live for.
 

So that's my story. I could write forever about being a fan. As mentioned above, I've got some more stories from friends about their fanship.When I read Edenland's blog about meeting Bono, I cried. Not because I am a huge fan of Bono, but because I could relate to the joy, and was so happy she got to meet her idol. I love reading/hearing other fan-meets-idol moments.

This one is my favourite, from Carmen, who I met at Bob Evans last year. She's a fan of Josh Pyke, and when I read on her Facebook that she met him, I was so excited for her, as I know what a great feeling it is to meet an idol.

“I am a fan of Josh Pyke. Haha. I love his music more than any other and it satisfies me in some way I cannot define.

It was like it was familiar to me even before I had ever heard it. A big part of it is that it provides me with an escape from the mundane and his voice & lyrics comfort me. I know that would probably sound ridiculous to a non fan.

He has songs that suit my best and worst days. Seeing him live is the ultimate and the times I have met him are like treasures I carry in my heart. I know it's soppy but if I can't say it here where can I? 

I also like the thrill of the hunt in finding him after a show and talking to him, it is never easy. I am very shy and it takes a lot for me to approach him but I do it as the rewards are great.
If I didn't find him to be as warm and sweet as I have done, he wouldn't be quite as special to me as he is.

I certainly don't think I am lacking anything in my life. My love for Josh is just an added extra.

Social media has had a big impact (mainly Twitter for me) as it has provided me with direct contact with him.

I could really relate to your latest Darren story as last time I met Josh he held out both his arms to me and pulled me in close and cuddled me. It was one of the best moments of my life. You have to be a fan to understand the thrill of that. It has nothing to do with him being 'known'. It is just him. Sorry if I sould completely mad, just had to get it out!”

Dane, a guy I work with, loves musicals. 

“I've had people comment that I'm crazy for seeing musicals all the time. If someone finds solace, comfort or escapism in someone's art, talent or interactions - no matter how deeply they feel it - it shouldn't be denied”.

Ellie K loves Bob Evans. Lucky Elly gets to have him sing at her house! 

“You will not be surprised to hear that I am a Bob Evans fan. I became a groupie at the ripe old age of 35! His music simply makes my life better. I can't explain it and people think I'm nutso but I don't care. There is just something about his music that satisfies my soul. I enjoy being enthusiastic and passionate about something so joyful. And my friends get pleasure and amusement from my joy. I had an amazing response of support (both financial and emotional) when I bid for Bob in the EMI auction. And because of them I won! In 15 days he will be in my house...And as an added bonus, through my fandom I have met some gorgeous fellow fans on-line including your lovely self.”

Joel, a guy I met at Steve Poltz earlier this year, and presenter on the Stibbard-Me-Timbers Radio Show, said this:

"For me, I grew up with Australian and New Zealand Rock, I really love the songwriting of Richard Clapton and Tim Finn. To me they represent a time when I was a young tacker growing up in the late 70's into the 80's so add in there Split Enz. Noel Crombie from the band also designed and sewed their costumes, creativity like that I regard highly.
I also really love the late 70's to early 80's underground British music - Simple Minds and anything experimental. Also punk but more The Clash style than Sex Pistols.

Moving into the 90's, I took a liking to a band from Sydney called 'The Clouds', Jodi Phillis and Patricia Young were a great songwriting combination and they played my hometown of Hobart on Hobart's second warmest day recorded at 40.8 degrees in December 1994.

Also Nirvana, I loved the fact that they totally transformed the music scene in 6 months then moving onto 'Foo Fighters'. I probably don't say I'm a fan of anyone too much but Dave Grohl for me is a total legend!”

And I think this is something that sums it all up for me. Tim, from the Stibbard-Me-Timbers Radio Show said: 

 “David Francey, he's a true folk singer and very creative, he worked in construction for years then developed a career in music. Sings about working class, poverty, cause he has been there and done it. His songs have timeless youngness about them. I can kind of relate or at least dream that I can inspire somebody in the same way, I think that what makes you like someone. If they write the song you feel you should've written or want to sing”.

I feel exactly that about Darren Hayes. He writes the songs I feel I should have written or want to sing. Especially this song. The Siren's Call. I recorded it in Sydney.

Who are you a fan of? And what joy does being a fan bring for you?

Music I've Been Missing - cover versions

I've been wanting to do one of these for ages. Cover versions. Because I love them. And they're the music I've been missing.

I love these covers more than the original. The way the artists have interpreted the originals is to be commended. I enjoy that there is something different in the cover songs. I know there are some bad cover versions out there but I think these really show the artists' versatility and pay respect to the original.

I apologise for some of the songs not having moving video clips, but I hope you enjoy the songs anyway.

The first few are Australian artists. I adore Australian music out of any other genre.

Genevieve Maynard's Am I ever Gonna See Your Face Again?, originally by The Angels is a favourite cover of mine - Gen, I know you sometimes read my blog, can you please put a YouTube video of Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again up to showcase your talent in this song? Meanwhile, you can hear a bit of it here.

Bertie Blackman - In the Air Tonight (Phil Collins)

This was done for Triple J Like a Version. When I first heard it, I was blown away. I really like Bertie Blackman and I think this shows off how powerful and controlled her voice is.

Sarah Blasko - Flame Trees (Cold Chisel)

This song is from the movie Little Fish. The movie is so brilliant, Cate Blanchett is so beautiful and Sarah Blasko's cover of the classic pub-rock song by  Cold Chisel adds magic to the movie.


Darren Hayes - Lost Without You (Delta Goodrem)

This was a tribute to Delta Goodrem at the 2003 ARIA Awards. I was told by a source very close to Darren that Darren's appearance was a surprise, even to Delta. Sometimes I sing this song in the shower, emulating Darren's vocal style. I am not as good as him. But if I keep practising...

Megan Washington and the Bamboos

I've become a fan of Megan Washington this year. She reminds me of Missy Higgins without the drawl. This song is very cool. I like the Kings of Leon version just as much.


The Vines - Ms Jackson (Outkast)

I like the Vines. Craig Nicholls is rather eccentric, but I like their rocking sound. I particularly like this balladesque cover. 

Ben Lee - Float On (Modest Mouse)

Ben Lee's Awake is the New Sleep was on high rotation for many hours when I first bought it. I think he's an interesting and quirky lyricist. I enjoy the original by Modest Mouse but like Ben's version better :)


Nirvana - The Man Who Sold the World (David Bowie)

I eased my way into Nirvana through their MTV Unplugged album, and The Man Who Sold the World is a favourite of mine. I am not sure whether I've heard the original by David Bowie.

Placebo - Johnny and Mary (Robert Palmer)

I didn't hear the original by Robert Palmer until it was randomly played on Triple M a few years back. I like the drums and energy of Placebo's version. Robert Palmer's seems a little flat.

Florence and the Machine - Hospital Beds (Cold War Kids)

I know a few Cold War Kids songs and like them very much. When I hear this song through my headphones, it feels like Florence is singing in the same room as me.


Tori Amos - Smells Like Teen Spirit (Nirvana)

Ok, so I don't like the Tori Amos version more than Nirvana's, but I like it a lot. It sounds like a music box.

I've been wanting to share these covers with you. I hope you like them as much as I do.

Music I've been missing - The Screaming Jets

I really enjoy doing these music I've been missing blog entries. The entries are getting me listening to a wider range of music and thinking about the impact certain music has had on me.

I am especially pleased that you enjoy the entries too (based on your comments). Thank you :) I particularly enjoyed the comment I received on the last music I've been missing, about Genevieve Maynard. Genevieve left a comment! How cool to receive a comment from the artist I've just written about. What a privilege.

This evening I've been doing a bit of tidying (hear that Dad!) and to get me moving and motivated I thought to put one one of the fastest, loudest CDs I own. The Screaming Jets - Hits and Pieces. I haven't listened them for a while, and tonight's (loud) play reminded me that they're the music I've been missing.

I don't profess to know all of their songs. I only own their greatest hits CD and DVD, and a CD single from 2000. But when I hear Dave Gleeson's voice in the fast paced songs, I get a rush of energy.

Maybe it's because I'm sometimes attracted to acute blokeyness (a cute blokeyness?). Or maybe it's the male bogan in me. I have a soft spot (excuse the pun) for Australian cock rock. Cold Chisel, Inxs etc.

I've enjoyed the Screaming Jets' music since Better was released in 1991. When I was nine years old. When I knew that cock meant rooster, and not penis. I saw the video of Better on Rage one day and liked it.



I've been to see the Screaming Jets live twice. The crowd was as scary as Placebo's. The first time my friend and I were in the front row at the Termo in Albury in 2000. I had my trusty Doc Martens on. She had thongs on. The crowd was drunk and mobile. And made up of mainly burly men twice our age. Her feet got pretty bloody. I didn't know if I was going to get out of there alive!

The second time I saw them at the Corner Hotel around 2004 with another friend. We thought it sensible to stand up the back. We felt like the youngest there by 20 years. I remember there were some guys who came to chat us up and all they did was look down our tops. I also remember moving my feet very quickly to the 'never never never never get anywhere' part of Better. They are awesome live, and I'd like to see them play again. They seem to tour frequently, but the next time they're in Melbourne I'm seeing The Temper Trap.

A few songs are close to my heart, but my favourite song of theirs is October Grey.



Lyrically, it's a bit of a love song. I love the opening 'It's been awhile, but I still remember the smile you've kept for me'. There's something about Dave Gleeson's voice in the song that makes me smile. I like that gruffness. And the guitar work reminds me a little of Dire Straits' Sultans of Swing.

I am not sure whether they're still making new music. Maybe I will explore if they are. But in any case, I'm quite content revisiting their greatest hits. It's on repeat as I type.

Music I've been missing - Genevieve Maynard

The thing I like about driving on a long trip is the chance to listen to music. I mean, really listen to it. I have music on so often, but much of the time I don't listen to it with care because I'm doing something else or there's not much time to listen to a whole album. My train trip to and from work is 10 minutes. By the time I've unfolded my headphones and cued the song I want to listen to, I'm one stop away from where I need to be.

Today on my trip back to Melbourne I set my iPod playlist to feature Australian music. I had some Bob Evans, Angus and Julia Stone, The Getaway Plan, Cold Chisel, Clare Bowditch, Darren Hayes, Bertie Blackman and Genevieve Maynard. I set my iPod to shuffle, excited about what song may come next, but as usual, hoping to hear a song I really adored.

Genevieve Maynard's Don't Come Morning came one somewhere before Wangaratta and it was then I knew, hers was the music I've been missing.

I've known Genevieve Maynard's music for about 10 years now. She used to play guitar, sing backing vocals and produce for a band called Stella One Eleven. I first heard Stella One Eleven on the Looking for Alibrandi soundtrack and then saw them play at the Termo Hotel in Albury in 2000. I saw them play live about four times in total.

Genevieve went solo (with a band) and I saw her play a few times in Albury and also in Melbourne at The Rob Roy, The Empress and The Cornish Arms. Sydney people - look out for when she plays next and go and see her - you will not be disappointed. I long for the day she plays in Melbourne again, but I may have to make the trip to Sydney to see her.

She has released five solo (with band) CDs so far, all excellent. Her CDs are hard to come by, but I'm sure if you visit this website, you can arrange to buy them. Her current album is The Hollow Way by Genevieve Maynard and The Tallboys.

You may have heard some of Genevieve's music featured on Neighbours and The Secret Life of Us.

I'm not much good at comparing musicians, but I believe her voice is incomparable to anything you would hear on mainststream radio today. I did read that some say she has the best voice in Australia. Her songs are lush - I love the clarity and depth of her voice. She sings with such warmth and kindness. She has a mix of guitar-heavy and acoustic songs. She sings with such honesty. When I listen to her music, I feel like I am taken away from the world for a while.

The songs I most love are Pillar of Salt, Crash and Burn, Steer Clear, Johnny Lee, Come By, The Albatross and the gorgeous version of The Angels' Am I Ever Gonna See Your Face Again?.

Here is a video clip of The Albatross by Genevieve Maynard and the Tallboys.



I found an interview that I really enjoyed - it's by Tim Dunlop on Crikey.

Genevieve Maynard interview part one
Genevieve Maynard interview part two

I was sad to read the struggles she has in getting her brilliant music heard by a wide audience. To think there is so much awful music infiltrating our world, and Genevieve, with an authentic sound, can't get radio airplay. She sings about this issue in a song called Earthbound, alluding to the quick recognition the Idol contestants receive. I'm really impressed she keeps on making her own music because she loves it. It's a true indication that sometimes you need to follow your heart and do what you love.

She also mentions the power of social networking. It's because of social networking she and I are in contact. Genevieve and I tweet each other on Twitter. She is a funny tweeter. It made my day when she wished me a happy birthday last year!

I was also very excited to be able to purchase her latest album directly from her. It makes me feel good knowing my money is going straight to one of my favourite artists ever.

Dinner at Khao San Road with a new friend

Tonight my friend J and I went for drinks and dinner at Khao San Road.

It was so lovely - we talked non stop for four hours!

J and I met on the train about a year ago. We really only speak for ten minutes at a time each morning on the train, so we certainly made up for lost conversation tonight! We both listen to our iPods on the train, and I think that is how conversation started. That, or she grabbed me when I was about to fall from the movement of the train!

We discussed our music tastes, and it turns out we have a lot in common. She and I both love Genevieve Maynard, and it really impressed me that someone I randomly met knew of Genevieve's music.

Tonight we probably talked about music for about three of the four hours! There was a lot of music we have in common, and then some others we can introduce each other to. She is so very passionate about music and I love to see that quality in people.

I had a great time and look forward to doing it again soon.

This is what I wore.





The dress and jacket were picked up from layby last week. I adore the colour and shape of the dress - it reminds me a bit of Carrie Bradshaw.

I am wearing lipstick. I only have lipstick because the lovely girls at my pharmacy threw in some bonus samples with a really expensive script purchase one day when I was sick. I think lipstick on me looks a bit gaudy. But it probably looks ok.

Jacket - Free Fusion by Target
Dress - Hot Options by Target
Boots - Wittner (you can't see them closely but they are amazing black, grey and green snakeskin boots with a super-thin high heel - I am in love!)
Tee shirt - Target
Necklace - seven rings of luck - 21st present from close friends
Ring - Diva
Hairclip - Mimco

I drank Frangelico and lemonade, wedge of lime, no ice. The drink I order if there is no Moscato.

We shared these dishes:

Prawn cutlets wrapped in crispy potato 'noodles'

Chicken and sago balls served in lettuce leaves

Lamb stirfry

Duck curry

Banana fritters with coconut icecream

Pumpkin custard with vanilla icecream

It was all delicious! And beautifully presented. Look at how delicate the prawn cutlets are!

The decor was also stunning.




I had such a great time with J tonight and am really glad to have struck up a conversation with a stranger on the train. I challenge you to do the same - you never know, you may just create a close friendship!