Northern Irish producer and songwriter Darren Doherty has released his new single Violence. We asked him the BIG questions . . .
Darren has been a recording and performing artist for the last 20 plus years but Violence is his first release under his own name.
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After spending his early 20s playing in A Northern Light, who played festivals alongside Foo Fighters, Darren moved to Glasgow and battled alcohol addiction.
He found redemption in music and Violence represents his way forward.
"Violence feels very much like the starting point of my new direction and it's a perfect blend of the sounds that I want to present," he says. "It’s full of contrast. It’s beautiful but disturbing, catchy but angular, sunny and dark."
Darren plays: Derry, Abbazappa, 20 April, Strabane, Diceys, 26 April and Bangor, Fealtys Back Bar Sessions, 18 May.
Tell us three things about yourself . . .
I am a bread fiend, it’s absolutely a passion of mine. I have opinions on all types of it and I have been found from time to time sniffing a freshly baked tiger loaf at the back of the supermarket, I take the quality of local bread into account when choosing holiday destinations. I have been collecting vinyl records since 2013 and approach it like a private library. For example, what records would be important in having a well-rounded musical education? I like to have a healthy balance in it alongside all the Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers records I can find. Thirdly I only learnt to drive last year at 38 years old! Sometimes I take the long way round but I am mad about the driving now, love it to bits. I’ve noticed a lot more of the changing landscape in the countryside since I’ve been driving, autumn to winter and winter to spring. Should probably keep focused on the road though.
How would you describe your music?
I call myself an alternative singer songwriter because I’m not really the guy with the acoustic guitar trying to win someone’s affections. Most of my songs I hear with bigger productions. I come from a background of progressive rock so textures and unexpected song structures always find their way into my music. I produce the songs in my studio at home so they tend to weave and change over time and I work with Ableton so I’ve had an electronic element in my music for many years now and I enjoy creating contrast and seeing how far I can push the electronic and acoustic sides together.
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Who are your musical inspirations?
These days I’m very inspired by the likes of Imogen Heap, Kate Bush and MUNA, all artists who self-produce and have a very singular vision in what they want and who also surf that wave of organic and electronic elements. I’m continually influenced by Tool, King Crimson, Rush and Pink Floyd and their attitude to making music that challenges and moves in equal measure. I’m a big fan of Clint Mansell’s soundtrack work.
What was the first gig you ever went to?
Stereophonics at the Ulster Hall in Belfast in 1999. They were my first personal discovery so they meant a lot to me at the time. The moment the hall went dark and the first song started and I saw Kelly Jones playing a gold top Les Paul amid all these flashing lights I was pretty sold on what I wanted to do from that point onwards. I was already in a band at the time but I definitely think this night chained me to this mission forever. Also, there were goths smoking weed in pages of the Bible outside the gig beforehand so that shows you how the perception and the audience of that band changed very quickly with success.
What was the first record you ever bought?
The Bends by Radiohead on cassette. I do like this question because it’s a fairly cool answer. I had many less cool purchases afterwards believe me. The primary school were taking us to Lisdoonvarna for a holiday after our exams and I had my confirmation money so my Dad took me to Virgin Megastore in Derry and I got the tape. I listened to it the whole way down on the bus, going through every word and credit on the album, Bones made a massive impression on me, that soaring bridge - "I used to fly like Peter Pan" - still takes my breath away. The rest of the bus were listening to I Want to be a Hippy by Technohead. It was the late 90s.
What’s your favourite song right now?
Right now, my favourite song is Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap. I’ve know it for many years but I’m having a bit of a renaissance with Imogen and I recently posted about how I think Hide and Seek may be the best piece of music ever made. An acapella song of such precision and moving emotional energy that I find it impossible to get through without tears, and I love a good cry.
Favourite lyric of all time?
I was speaking to my partner about this just yesterday and it’s not my absolute favourite of all time because picking one is a ridiculous feat but I adore the Alanis Morissette song Simple Together and the line that does it for me every time is: 'if I had a dime for every hand thrown up in the air, my wealth would render this no less severe’. Crushing beauty.
If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life, what would it be?
Echoes by Pink Floyd because it was the song that changed my life at 17, taught me about patience in music and it’s 23 minutes long so I’d get plenty of bang for my buck.
Where can people find your music/more information?
I am most active on my Instagram but I’m on Twitter and Facebook too. Music can be found on all your Streaming platforms. Bandcamp, Twitter, Instagram and Facebook. I’m on tour now in support of the new single, Violence, so people can come see me at these dates, you’d be most welcome.
Alan Corr
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