Despite posts by Darren Hayes on www.savagefan.com claiming that he and Savage Garden partner Daniel Jones plan to noodle in the studio during their hiatus, the duo's label says that there's no solo records from either on their schedule. In fact, a spokesperson for Sony seemed baffled by the whole affair. "It's the first we've heard of it," the spokesperson said. "They have no plans to do a solo project that we know of. But then you never know. Maybe it'll happen in the future."

But, according to Hayes, the future is now. Since August, the singer has been posting sporadic messages on a fan bulletin board, detailing how he's been using the pop group's very rare time off to pen songs for a side project. Amidst continued rumors of a breakup, fanned by Hayes appearance in the band's "Hold Me" video sans Jones, the singer decided to deal with the talk head on.

As for the development of the rumors, on Sept. 3, Hayes posted the following: "The 'solo' thing. Actually this is largely due to Daniel's desire to take time off from SG and do studio work. It started ages ago with him needing a break and wanting to concentrate on tinkering around in the studio. He's started a music label and signed an act and is very involved in it. I'm sure you'll hear about it soon. I'm very proud of him. He's been writing for his band Halogen and others for a while now. I obviously don't want to take years off so ages ago decided I would continue making music until we decided when/if there'd be a new SG album. Don't freak out! We're happy and the best of friends and actually closer than ever. We're not calling it a break up." Hayes cited relationships between Stevie Nicks and Fleetwood Mac, Mel C and the Spice Girls, and the Eurythmics as examples of bands working alone and together. "After this tour we intend to do our own thang and we'll see what happens," he wrote. "We'd appreciate your support and hope you don't take it as a BREAK UP . . . We're going to grow for a while and see what happens. Will there be another SG album? I'd never say never but [it's] certainly not next."

JAAN UHELSZKI
(November 16, 2000)