Today we’d like to introduce you to Darren Young
Hi Darren, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I started playing guitar at like age 12 or 13. I was self-taught. I just played and played until I figured it out. I had a friend Rob Burgos that I went to school with who was doing the exact same thing in teaching himself how to play. We showed each other bands we were getting into then finally started our own. I was playing gigs in clubs as a preteen. Even if it meant sneaking off and not telling the parents.
I’ve been touring in bands ever since. I signed my first record deal in 2013 with my band Brigades that I formed in 2010/2011. Brigades is still together, however, we’re independent now. About to release a new record this year..
I started my solo project during COVID. It was something I always wanted to experiment with but never had the guts or the time. I just released my second LP titled Painting a Monster in November of last year.
Being an artist from Spartanburg, South Carolina is a place very easy to be known but unheard, if that makes sense. Doesn’t steer me from continuing to do what I love and cherish. I have a five year old daughter now and even she tells me to never stop singing.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Oh, absolutely not. I wish I could say it’s been all positives. Unfortunately, it’s had its speed bumps. The industry itself is a tough cut-throat business as we’ve all heard or been told. It’s very easy to get lead down the wrong path, taken advantage of, and manipulated.
Being away from home for such a long period of time. Staying focused and dedicated while worrying about financial issues or hardships.
I also lost my father while I was on tour. That was one of the hardest things I’ve ever had to endure in my entire life.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
I got the privilege to tour and work with a lot of bands/artists I grew up listening to. I’ve traveled the world and worked/collaborated with some really big names. I’m so proud and grateful for those experiences. I think my diversity in my writing sets me apart from others. I really think it has a lot to do with my roots, what influenced me growing up, and where I came from.
If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
I was really into expression and art. I loved skateboarding, music, books, and movies. I was a bit introverted/somewhat shy but had a lot of friends. I took a lot of creative writing classes and excelled in literature. Was very mediocre at everything else effort wise.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @DARR3NYOUNG
- Facebook: darr3nyoung
- Twitter: @DARR3NYOUNG
- Youtube: darr3nyoung
