1.The First Record I Bought
Well the first record I bought with my own money was 1982 With A Bullet… I know what you’re thinking, but at the time, I’m 12 years old, no older brother to light the way to good music – compilations were big and I thought I was getting bang for buck with all these artists on the one vinyl. I still rate it as a pleasant memory.
2.The Last Record I Bought
Sia – ‘Chandelier’. It’s just a single but I’ve always liked what she does with this kind of produced female pop songwriting. I always find she lends a real honesty and slight darkness in her lyrics to an otherwise bland, repetitive format. I really like her and this song was my latest purchase.
3.The First Thing I Recorded
My first recording was during high school, with one of my first bands, Sonic Tapestry. We were heavy in our own minds, though in reality, just a rock band. We recorded to cassette and it didn’t sound very good, though in our minds it was amazing.
4.The Last Thing I Recorded
My last recording was my album, Translations, released last year. I recorded it at a few studios in Melbourne with a few high-profile friends. People have responded on the level on which I wrote it – personally. The recording is sparse and beautiful but live I wanted it to retranslate it into a more energetic beast.
5.The Record That Changed My Life
AC/DC – T.N.T. My uncle gave me this record and it changed everything. I connected with the energy; the raw, simple, undiluted exuberance of a rock band. They kept it simple – no tricks, just attitude. Over the years they didn’t reinvent themselves to line with fashion – very smart – and when I listen to them today, I know exactly why I fell in love with them back in 1986.
Darren Middleton will be playing at The Star / The Coogee Diggers Club on Thursday May 8 / Saturday May 10.Translations is out now through MGM.
