Darren Middleton - Singer/Songwriter,
Previously Lead Guitarist for Powderfinger
Q: Let’s start with music. How did it begin for you?
A: I first picked up a guitar at school. I wasn’t academic, but music clicked. I formed a band with schoolmates and we started gigging. As friends peeled off for uni and jobs, I knew music was it for me. At one of those gigs, a few guys who’d soon be Powderfinger saw me play and asked if I’d join. That’s how it started.
Q: Was there rivalry with contemporaries like Silverchair?
A: Not really. We got on well with the big bands around us. Any friction usually came from smaller, less successful bands who felt they deserved the breaks we were getting.
Q: How was the dynamic within Powderfinger?
A: We got on—and still do, even a decade-plus after calling it a day. Like any long relationship there were ups and downs, but there were no grudges or axes to grind. We’re still friends.
Q: Any career regrets—things you’d do differently?
A: On the whole, no. There are always small things you might tweak, but I’d still want to end up in the same place.
Q: Outside of Powderfinger you’ve written and sung in other projects. What stands out?
A: Drag was a big outlet—I was the singer and songwriter there—and we put out The Way Out in 2005. Later I released solo records like Translations and Tides, and kept writing, touring and collaborating.
Q: Switching gears—what pulled you into photography?
A: I wanted something creative to do during downtime, and I also wanted to document the Powderfinger journey from the inside. I’ve been shooting behind the scenes for years. I’m planning a book of those images—most likely next year. You recommended Chris Stein’s Blondie book; I’ll look it up.
Q: What’s in your camera bag right now?
A: A Leica Q3—the one I brought today, which is in the portrait you took.
Q: And motorcycles—where did that story start?
A: I learned young, then didn’t ride for years. I came back to it only a few years ago, so I count myself among the later-years riders. You said you’re in the same camp. I’m on a Triumph 600—yep, that’s the one parked outside.
Q: Looking back at the arc—from school bands to arenas to now—what keeps you moving?
A: Curiosity and craft. Whether it’s writing a song, framing a photo, or taking the bike out, I’m chasing the same thing: feel, focus, and a good story to tell.
Q: Finally, what’s next?
A: More songs, more images, maybe that photo book, and whatever unexpected detours come with them. After all these years, the work still feels new.