Who is Darren Coggan?
I’m a storyteller from Wagga Wagga, a proud father navigating life alongside my beautiful bride. I’m a singer, songwriter, actor, performer, an exciting and diverse artist who enjoys weaving fascinating and perceptive tales through my songs. I’ve carved a successful career in the Australian country music industry and thoroughly enjoy touring the length and breadth of our homeland each year, entertaining people.
My theatrical productions celebrating the songbooks of Glen Campbell, John Denver, James Taylor and the critically acclaimed portrait of Cat Stevens have inspired audiences in the grandest theatres across the globe including sell out seasons at the Sydney Opera House Concert Hall, Glasgow Royal Concert Hall and Liverpool Philharmonic.
I am currently presenting the lifestyle TV program Sydney Weekender for network Seven and very much looking forward to welcoming everyone to my campfire, for a sing-along at Hamer Hall in Melbourne on Monday 3 March 2025.
What would you do differently from what you do now?
I have always been a performer, it is all that I have ever wanted to do, I have no other skill set, there was never a plan B for me, so I don’t think I would be doing anything differently from what I do now. I would still be singing, acting, writing songs and reaching out to an audience on whatever stage that would accommodate me.
I have been blessed in my career to have had diverse opportunities that have sustained longevity. I have learned from my mistakes along the way, as we all do, but if I had my time again, I would probably just trust my own instincts more.
Who inspires you and why?
I’m inspired by our children who have both chosen careers in the creative arts, our son, Gabe, is an incredible videographer and our daughter, Olivia, is a beautiful singer, songwriter. They both make me so proud every day and I’m so grateful for them.
My beautiful bride is also particularly inspiring in her career as a nurse and her ability to always see the positive in every situation and calm my sometimes-choppy seas. Musically, my heroes are James Taylor, John Denver, The Beatles, Ben Howard, Paul Kelly, Lyle Lovett, Peter Allen, Bruce Springsteen, Rick Price, Graeme Connors; singer, songwriters who can see what’s possible in the world and stir the emotions through a song.
What would you do to make a difference in the world?
I try everyday just to be kind and show respect to those that I meet. The one thing that can change the world from a lonely place into a beautiful place is kindness and love, it sounds naive, but I truly believe that it is that simple.
Favourite holiday destination and why?
I love Talbingo, a beautiful little village at the foot of the Snowy Mountains in NSW, where the air is so clear you can see the future, surrounded by nature at its best, light, colour, wildlife, adventure and no phone service to intrude. You can truly switch off and just be. I have very fond memories of holidaying in Talbingo with my wife and children as we would venture up to the ski fields.
When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
I always like to take visitors to Wagga Wagga beach, recently ranked in the top ten Australian Beaches, to surf one of the most surreal waves in the world, – The 5 O’clock Wave. At precisely 5 o’clock each day, a single, giant wave, washes down the Murrumbidgee River, following the release of water from Blowering and Burrinjuck Dams.
Depending on water levels at the time, the speed and power of the wave has been known to allow surfers to ride it all the way to the nearby town of Narrandera, some 100 kilometres away. My latest single, The 5 o’clock wave, celebrates this phenomenon and is available now to download and stream (no pun intended) across all digital platforms.
What are you currently reading?
Kasey Chambers new biography: Just Don’t Be A Dickhead.
What are you currently listening to?
Olivia Coggan’s new release Broken Record.
Happiness is?
Singing on stage with my daughter, Olivia Coggan.
What does the future hold for you?
I’m looking forward to releasing a new album this year titled Another Breaking Wave and continue doing what I love, entertaining people and making them feel something. I pray for good health, peace, lots of laughter and great music with my friends and family.
Darren invites you to gather around the campfire as he performs at Hamer Hall – Arts Centre Melbourne on Monday 3 March, as part of the 2025 Morning Melodies program. For more information, visit: www.artscentremelbourne.com.au for details.
Image: Darren Coggan – photo by Jay Hynes