Darren Hanlon

I hate to ask you favours but… After the positive reaction of the song ‘the Perfect Day’ from airplay on RRR in Melbourne we realize it seems to strike a chord with people. It’s sent listeners scrambling into Polyester Records looking to find the song after hearing it.

We’re now trying to get it a few spins on JJJ to bring it to an even wider audience. Generally that station won’t play songs that’ve been out for a while but if enough people request it they might give it a try. You might think it odd I’m trying to promote a cover song with all the originals to choose from, but that particular recording feels quite magic to me and I think it comes across that way on radio too.

Here’s the link: MAKE A REQUEST
Or you can call Rosie after 6PM weeknights on 1300 0555 36

But seriously only do this if the song means something to you. Don’t just do it for me. Don’t say if the announcer says: “Why did you request this song (insert your name)?” “Cause Darren says on his website I should do it. I don’t even know the song.” “Oh…” DEAD AIR

That would be embarrassing for everyone.

This August my old label mates the Lucksmiths are playing their last shows ever. It’s thrown up a lot of memories of episodes throughout my whole musical life. I saw them first at the Punters Club in Melbourne when their singer Tali was still a dreadlocked hippy. They only had a cassette for sale so i bought that and played it till I’d worn off the magnetic coating. Since then a friendship and record label was forged that had us touring and playing many shows together over the years.

I was sad to hear they’ve decided to finish up. I’d planned to not play so much this year but couldn’t give up the opportunity to be a part of some shows with my friends before this happens.

I’m happy though to add that these will be the first shows I’ve played with Bree Van Reyk in over 2 years. We’ll do em as a duo (except in Hobart I’ll be solo)

Here are the dates:

Friday 21st
Sydney, NSW
Factory Theatre

Saturday 22nd
Canberra, ACT
Tilleys

Sunday 23rd
Brisbane, QLD
the Zoo

Thursday 27th
Hobart, TAS
Brisbane Hotel

Saturday 29th
LUCKSMITHS FINAL EVER SHOW
Melbourne, VIC
Corner Hotel (SOLD OUT)

Here’s a link to a painting I did with Swedish singer Lykke Li at last years Falls Festival. It’s being auctioned off as part of Faster Louders ‘Paint Like No One Is Watching’ series. The money is going to a good cause so if you have some wanton wallspace:

GO HERE

I’d also like to add in case you think my contribution to the piece is lame, that we were the last to do our work of art at the festival and by the time I was handed a brush there was only a little sad looking half-squeezed tube of white paint left.

I’m in the UK en route to the Danish town of Aarhus to play as part of their summer festival ‘Sculptures by the Sea’. As there’s a possibility Frederick and our own Mary will be attending I will be minding my Ps and Qs. In a rush to pack I’ve only brought my hand-me-down jeans with the hole and my Dunlop volleys. I’ll have to go shopping.

I’m not sure if I’ll meet the Prince and Princess but my friend Nichlas suggests I watch the scenes regarding Tony Blair in ‘the Queen’ just in case. You should never have your back turned to a royal while they’re in the room.

Here’s some info if you can read Danish

If not the show details are up in the gig guide.

My PO box has now changed for anyone who needs to get a message across in real ink. My mother, the busiest woman in south east Queensland, has been bugging me to give her a job just so she can help me out. She thinks I look stressed. And since I’m now adrift again for God knows how long she’ll collect my mail.

So send all tactile correspondence to:

PO box 821
Gympie, QLD
4570
AUSTRALIA

SOLD OUT
There will be very limited tickets available on the door on the night for $35

Daniel Kitson and I have decided to play an intimate show together at the Belvoir St Theatre in Surry Hills on Monday 27th April. Daniel is out in Australia for the Melbourne Comedy Festival so this will be his only Sydney show. Kitson will perform a Work in Progress geared towards a new stand up show he’ll be taking to Edinburgh later in the year.

As for me this will be the exclamation mark to end this past month of shows. I’ll leave you all alone for a while after this. Promise.

A short set from Portlands Carcrashlander will open the night. You might have seen him play keyboards and trumpet for me over the last month.

doors at 7.30pm

There will be very limited tickets available on the door on the night for $35

After all the bulk of the Pagans tour has ended and Jeffrey Lewis heads home again the trek will now continue. Cory Gray who has been playing keyboards and trumpet doesn’t go home for another week so I decided to show him some other parts of the country. So now we have an EXTRA BALL section of the tour! This probably means nothing to a lot of you as we’re going deep into the outback of NSW. A few of these towns have never had an original band play before so please call any friends or relatives you might have living out there. Safety in numbers… we’re slightly scared of lynchings.

Friday 17th
COONAMBLE
Bucking Bull Hotel
FREE, 8pm

Saturday 18th
BOURKE
Gidgee Guesthouse
$25 at the door. Food available
7.30pm

Tuesday 21st
WHITE CLIFFS
White Cliffs Hotel/Motel
FREE, 8pm

Wednesday 22nd
TIBOOBURRA
Tibooburra Hotel
FREE

Friday 24th
BROKEN HILL
Bells Milk Bar
$10 at the door, 8PM
ALL AGES

Saturday 25th
DUBBO
Commercial Hotel
FREE, 8pm

Sunday 26th
CANOWINDRA
Taste Canowindra
show only $30 show only, $70 with meal
bookings here
5pm