Today we’d like to introduce you to Darien Martus.
Hi Darien, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I started playing the piano when I was 3 years old, growing up in Detroit. By the time I was 10, I was getting paid a few dollars to play the organ in church. I picked up guitar in high school and sang at weddings and other events. I went off to college and received a BA in music from Oakland University in Michigan. I moved to Southern California after I graduated and wrote music for theatre, film, and television, mostly in LA. I earned a master’s degree in Music Composition from University of Redlands. I began recording my own music a few years ago and signed with Do It Records/Sony in 2020. My 11th album, “ChipAbbey” is currently being released, though a few singles will be out first, with “I’ll Wait for You” available 4/28/23.
We all face challenges, but looking back, would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Here’s one story: When I first came to Hollywood, I shopped my songs around the music industry. An A&R executive at A&M Records called me in for an interview. When I walked into his office, he was holding up the cassette tape I had sent him, saying, “I like your song, but how old are you?” “Nineteen,” I said. He said, “You’re too old. Sorry”.
I signed a record deal with Sony Music at the age of 68! Haha!
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a recording artist and create most of my music in my home studio. Although my songs generally fit into the pop/folk/rock genres, I like to think they’re unique. My songs are dramatic, even theatrical. In 2121, I released “Rockaxeon”, a 70-minute rock epic poem that spans the history of the solar system and centers around a stone ax. I partnered with lifelong musician friends I had met in college to play on the album with me. The album has received excellent reviews.
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
I just this month sold my house in Idyllwild and moved into an apartment in Santa Monica. Big risk for me. Haha. I wanted/needed a change. A new Chapter! If I don’t change things up occasionally, I get bored, and my work stagnates.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://darienmartus.com/
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/darienmartus
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darienmartus
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darien-martus-02122874
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCSNxISzibz-m4Pq7qpysgdg
- Other: https://open.spotify.com/artist/0ij7HcGQ6aRdEAfCRYS1NK
