The secret Daryl Braithwaite doesn’t want you to know – and why ‘The Horses’ will never ride off into the sunset

The secret Daryl Braithwaite doesn't want you to know - and why 'The Horses' will never ride off into the sunset

As a seasoned musician and performer with decades of experience under my belt, I can’t help but be captivated by Daryl Braithwaite‘s journey through the world of music. His tales of touring, the thrill of every new audience, and the challenges that come with it resonate deeply with me as someone who has walked a similar path.

Daryl Braithwaite discusses his long-lasting love for music, his unexpected musical partnership with Harry Styles, and the lasting impact of his classic song “The Horses.

As I approach my three-quarters of a century milestone, having dedicated half a century to the captivating world of music, I find myself still as passionate about singing as ever. Retirement? Not in my vocabulary just yet.

He explained, “Things haven’t changed much since I began. It’s always a certain sound or idea that captivates me, pulling me in. I can still recall vividly the feelings from when I was 10, 12, and 15 years old.

‘The same applies now. If you’re not passionate about it, you wouldn’t do it.’

Despite not being his preferred activity, performing live continues to excite Braithwaite.

There’s something special about live performances. The connection with people happens instantly, and you can tell right away if things are going well or not. That thrill of the unknown always keeps me on my toes.

‘The Horses’ – Australia’s unofficial anthem

The secret Daryl Braithwaite doesn't want you to know - and why 'The Horses' will never ride off into the sunset

Regardless of the passage of time, The Horses continues to be just as potent for Braithwaite now as it was when he initially published it back in 1991.

Braithwaite stated, ‘I never grow weary of performing this song. Over time, it has remained incredibly well-received, and its ability to resonate with audiences continues to amaze me.’

‘We played it last weekend up in Parkes to about 7,000 people, and they sang it like there was no tomorrow. It’s not over yet, that’s for sure.’

Performing with Harry Styles: ‘I Couldn’t Believe It’

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but acknowledge that the renowned tune, sometimes referred to as “Australia’s unspoken anthem,” remains a significant milestone in Braithwaite’s artistic journey. In fact, many global celebrities express interest in being associated with its magic.

Among the least anticipated peaks in Braithwaite’s professional journey was performing alongside the worldwide sensation, Harry Styles, on stage.

In 2023, the duo shared the stage for a performance of “The Horses” during Harry Styles’ Australian tour, an event that left Braithwaite amazed and hard to believe even now.

The secret Daryl Braithwaite doesn't want you to know - and why 'The Horses' will never ride off into the sunset

‘It was unbelievable. I couldn’t believe it when I got the call,’ he recalled.

It was absolutely incredible and almost unbelievable to be asked to perform alongside Harry, who is such a huge star. As the day approached, I found myself constantly questioning if this was actually happening. But when we finally took the stage together, it was simply breathtaking.

In my role as a lifestyle enthusiast, I must say that when it came to our duet, Harry Styles took great care in meticulously planning our performance. He asked me, Braithwaite, about my preferred approach to ensure we were both comfortable and confident on stage.

Braithwaite chuckled as he asked, “What’s your take on how we should proceed?” To which I replied, “Well, it’s your production, pal. You decide the way forward!

‘In the end, he sang the first verse, I did the second, and then we both did the chorus. It was such a great moment.’

Braithwaite joked about which band he’d love to see cover the song next.

He expressed a wish that The 1975 might perform the song, but he doubts they will, considering their impressive collection of original hits. However, an Australian country artist has recently covered it, making for a wonderful sight.

Still loving life on the road

According to The Love Songs singer, he’s not planning on slowing things down anytime soon. At present, he’s out on tour and confessed that living the routine of life on the road feels like a natural way of life for him now.

He enthusiastically mentioned that he adores each part of it – right from waking up, preparing his bag, traveling to the airport, reaching the lodging, rehearsing, and eventually performing.

‘Every place you play is different, every audience is different, and it’s always exciting.’

However, touring isn’t free from difficulties. Braithwaite openly acknowledges that he can still feel anxious at times, particularly when his vocal abilities aren’t at their peak.

‘The only time I really get nervous is if my throat’s not feeling good. You feel paranoid, but you get out there, and it usually works. Nerves never completely go away.’

Post-Show Relaxation and Self-Critique

After each performance Braithwaite has a simple way of winding down.

After leaving the stage, he took a sip of soda water or tea, and thought to himself, “Another performance successfully completed.

But he doesn’t leave the stage without rating his own performance.

‘I give my voice a rating out of 10 after each gig – some nights it’s an 8, other nights it’s a 6. I think a lot of singers do that.’

An Underrated Favourite

Among all his songs, “The Horses” is certainly Braithwaite’s most recognized, but there’s another tune from his collection that holds a particularly dear spot in his heart.

‘I still love As The Days Go By,’ he said.

Back in the late 1980s, my debut song from the Edge album was released as a standalone track. It quickly caught the attention of radio stations. Without their immediate response, it’s hard to say what might have happened next.

New single tested live before release

Daryl didn’t hastily publish his newest song, “It’s You.” Similar to most of his compositions, he first tried it out for live audiences before deciding on its release.

‘We played it live first, and the reaction was good, so we knew it had legs,’ he explained.

For quite some time, it’s consistently been our approach – dating back to when I was still with the Sherbet band. If a song didn’t resonate well with audiences following several performances, we would choose to discontinue it.

New age of having to promote music on social media

Today, the way music is promoted has undergone significant transformation, with social media platforms becoming essential tools for dissemination.

In simpler terms, it can be said that Braithwaite acknowledges that he depends on his 38-year-old son, Oscar, for assistance in understanding platforms like TikTok and Instagram.

In conversation with my son, I inquire about specific topics, and he responds by raising his eyebrows and saying, “Dad, those matters are for the younger generation to handle.” It’s quite a shift from the past, yet it’s simply how things operate within the industry now, as he explained.

Daryl Braithwaite’s new single It’s You is available everywhere now.

2024-10-12 01:19

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