By MELISSA WALSH
THIS Australia Day, Mornington will experience the incredible talents of Darren Middleton, best known for his contributions to the legacy of Australian music as the guitarist in iconic Brisbane band Powderfinger who took the nation by storm dominating the Australian charts from their humble beginnings in 1992, right up until their disbanding in 2010. Middleton will grace the Mornington stage with violinist Kelly Lane from Skipping Girl Vinegar, belting out a selection of tunes.
“I am really looking forward to hitting the peninsula as I haven’t been there for quite some time,” says Middleton, who has previously visited Sorrento. “I love doing smaller gigs now I have stepped into my solo career as they are so different from my Powderfinger days.”
Middleton has recently released his album Splinters, a follow up to his 2013 full length debut solo album Translations.
With each new song on the new album, Darren sheds a splinter of his soul, carving unique stories that join together in creating a solid body of work that has as much depth as the strongest of heartwood. The album is relatable and touches on many themes and relationships; the relationship we have with our inner self, friends, lovers, in business, the world and society.
“All of our life is a relationship, an ever evolving and changing landscape of security, safety, hurdles, loss and discovery and both with Translations and Splinters, I am basically looking at my journey so far and laying it bare in songs,” says Middleton. “When I write now it is like I have zoomed in and taken a snapshot of my own personal existence. It is a great time in my life to be able to play this music to smaller audiences in more intimate settings.”
Middleton will be playing a range of songs from albums, old band stuff and possibly some covers on Australia Day.
“I don’t have set list, just see how we feel at the time and the feel of the audience,” says Middleton.
