Artist Spotlight with DARIEN
Today, we have a unique opportunity to explore the world of DJing and electronic music production through the lens of Darien. His story is nothing short of extraordinary, marked by a profound love for music that has taken him to remarkable heights. In this candid interview, we'll uncover the soul behind the beats, unravel the story behind his latest track, gain insights into his creative process, and explore the driving forces that have shaped his musical career.
M&M: To kick things off, can you introduce yourself and tell us about your journey into the world of DJing and electronic music production? What inspired you to pursue this path?
Darien: Absolutely. Well, I'm Darien, and my journey into the world of DJing and electronic music production began in a somewhat unexpected way. When I was 10 years old, my father gifted me my first DJ controller for Christmas. That year, I also received an Xbox, and I was completely absorbed by it and honestly forgot about the controller. But one day, my father, who used to be a DJ when he was younger, started to play around with it. He ignited my curiosity, and as we messed around with it together, it opened up a rabbit hole that would ultimately change the course of my life. Over the years, my passion for DJing grew, and it led me to dive headfirst into the world of producing electronic music. I realized that creating music would take my DJ career to the next level.
M&M: Music often has a personal connection to our lives. Is there a particular moment or experience in your life that deeply influenced your decision to pursue a career in electronic music?
Darien: Music has always been my passion and escape from stress, since I was a kid. When I DJ live, it feels like an escape from reality and a way to connect with my fans through music I've created in a bedroom on some old beats headphones I have had since 2013. Back in my early high school days, I used to DJ at teen parties in nightclubs, and that's where I met 4B, who ended up blowing up for his Jersey Club-infused sound. Seeing his journey inspired me to produce music and take my DJ career to the next level.
M&M: The EDM scene is known for its diversity. How would you describe your unique style or sound within the EDM landscape, and what sets you apart from other up-and-coming DJs?
Darien: Growing up in my household, I was luckily exposed to an incredibly diverse range of music—classic Colombian salsa, hip hop, rock, house music, and everything in between. I draw inspiration from sounds from all around the world and aim to incorporate them into my music, creating dancefloor-ready tracks that people will remember and dance their hearts out to. That fusion of global influences is what I believe sets my sound apart.
M&M: Now, as an emerging artist, what challenges have you faced in bringing your music to a broader audience, and how have you overcome them?
Darien: One of the biggest challenges for emerging artists like me is getting our music heard in a crowded and competitive scene. With new producers entering the scene every day, it's crucial to create something that stands out and doesn't just follow the trends. All the biggest songs out there always have that unique "moment" that people love, and that's something I've strived to capture in my music.
M&M: In the studio, the creative process can be unpredictable. Can you share some insights into your approach to producing new tracks and finding inspiration?
Darien: My creative process varies. Sometimes, I'll start with a specific idea in mind, maybe inspired by a cool vocal or a melody I've heard. Other times, it might begin with a catchy melody that I build upon. My family also inspires me; they often send me songs that spark ideas, and I work on creating my own version. Inspiration can form from a million different angles, and I love the unpredictability of it.
M&M: In anticipation of your upcoming release, can you share the story behind the track? What inspired its creation, and what do you hope listeners will take away from it?
Darien: The track we're talking about is "Tu Lo Baila," and its story is quite interesting. I stumbled upon the original song, "Tu No Baila Dembow," a while ago, and I was immediately drawn to it. I had this idea to sample it and create my own original track. However, getting it just right took some time. I must have produced at least four different versions of it. Then, one night, I felt that everything fell into place, and "Tu Lo Baila" was born in just a few hours. It felt right, and after adding the finishing touches, I sent it out into the world.
M&M: Have you worked with other artists or producers on your upcoming release, and how did these collaborations impact the final product?
Darien: I consider myself truly blessed to have the support of Blond:ish and her label, Abracadabra. Without their backing, releasing "Tu Lo Baila" would have been challenging.
M&M: Are there any specific DJs or producers who have been instrumental in mentoring or guiding you as an up-and-coming artist?
Darien: Absolutely, there are several artists who have had a significant impact on my journey. Obviously, I love Blondish's sound and truly positive vibe. Her sets are inspiring. I also love James Hype's who puts all his energy and soul into his music. I am fortunate enough to know and receive valuable advice from Alexander Technique, an amazing producer with a dark industrial sound that inspires me when I want to go deep. Additionally, I have circle of friends that are emerging artists as well like Ciisnero, Malcolm Zeller, and Quas. We always send each other music and bounce ideas off each other. The event organizers, La Onda, have been backing me and my project, helping me grow and organizing events. I recently did my first Headline show along with my good friend Ciisnero, organized by them.
M&M: Every artist has a dream venue or festival where they'd love to perform. What's your dream performance location, and why is it significant to you?
Darien: Ultra Music Festival has always been a dream festival for me to play at. Back in high school, I would have spring break, and Ultra would always take place during that weekend. I vividly remember watching the livestream at home, imagining myself on one of those stages one day. It holds a special place in my heart as a symbol of where I aspire to be in my career.
M&M: With the electronic music scene constantly evolving, how do you see yourself adapting to changing trends while maintaining your unique musical identity?
Darien: My goal is to make people dance to my music, and that's what drives me. Instead of chasing trends, I focus on creating music that I truly believe in. When I'm in the studio, I aim to produce tracks that can fit into any moment in my set, which allows me to stay true to my musical identity while remaining adaptable.
M&M: Looking ahead, what's your vision for your music career, and what can fans expect from you in terms of upcoming projects, releases, or collaborations?
Darien: Once I have a bigger presence in the scene, I want to eventually start my whole label, giving up and coming producers a chance to share their sound. I am currently working on building a event brand “House With No Rules”, where you can expect good vibes, good sound, and music that makes you dance. I am currently prepping for some exciting shows in the future, and have been getting ready for my follow up release to “Tu Lo Baila”.
We have some exciting news for all music enthusiasts. Darien's latest track, "Tu Lo Baila," has just been released, and it's making waves in the electronic music scene. Click here to find this captivating tune on all major music platforms, and be sure to give it a listen and immerse yourself in the sounds of Darien's unique artistry. Keep an eye on this emerging artist as he continues to shape the electronic music landscape with his distinctive style and future releases.
