Meet Darren

1. Musical influences?

God where do I start? I used to like the theme for Mr. Dressup, Batman and Spiderman when I was 4. I've always loved the Beatles, KISS, Van Halen, Deep Purple, Alice in Chains, Queen, Rush, Soundgarden, Sheryl Crow, Rod Stewart, Aerosmith etc.

2. What was it that inspired you to make Rock N Roll a full time career?

Love of Music, the promised lifestyle, just the fact that it's not a stereotypical gig (who invented the 9 to 5, 5 day work week?)

3. Spinal Tap moments?

At a recent show: the stage company built an extension of the stage on both sides, and I watched Derrick walk out and pose on his table so I thought it was safe for me to do the same, and I collapsed into the street bloodying both of my knees. Getting lost in clubs is always popular.

On a recent Alberta tour, the vehicle that Nick, Derrick and I were driving in broke down at about 4 in the morning in a small town in Central Alberta. We were panicking as to how we were going to get to the gig and within about 5 minutes a limo pulled up, and we convinced the driver to take us to Edmonton to our hotel. What shit ass luck!

4. Favorite acts that you were honored to tour and play with ?

In my life; Lou Gramm, Reo Speedwagon, Nazareth, Heart, Crowded House, Foghat, Tom Cochrane, Prism, Headpins, Chilliwack, alot of classic Canadian Rock Acts, The Zombies, Kansas, Long John Baldry  (I enjoyed speaking with him because of his history. He's played with some of my early rock staples like Elton John, Rod Stewart, The Beatles used to open for him!)

5. Musical projects/other bands?

I've done lots of writing for different bands. I've written themes for The Tampa Bay Rays ( which was licensed to Fox for the World Series in 08), The Toronto Blue Jjays, Living Under Venus is an old personal flag. On that project I played with an old friend and band mate Brent Fitz who's now with the likes of Theory Of A Deadman and Alice Cooper, a good friend Jim Cote, Ken Eichel, Spider (from Loverboy/Streetheart), Jamie Hunting (from Eddie Money/David Lee Roth/Union)

6. How did you get on board with Harlequin?

I've done shows in other bands opening for Harlequin years ago.   I think the engineer for the Living Under Venus project recommended me to George who was recording with James Brose on their side project.

7. Favorite Harlequin songs?

The  stuff  on "Waking The Jester" is obviously closer to home. George, Derrick and I had total autonomy with each other and in the studio, to do what we wanted. Other than that I like Sweet Things In Life, Thinking Of You, Shame Shame, dude they're all good tunes to play live.

8. Talk about your gear you use?

I've ALWAYS used Roland keyboards, I find them fairly reliable and it's what I know.  The core sounds are the most true to build patches from.  I use Marshal amps, as for guitars I use a Les Paul Supreme, a leather cloaked Hamer, and a cheap ESP (the road dog).

9. What's your overall perception on what's happening in the music scene today?

 So you want to talk politics do you? Well with the advent of Internet and the legacy left by the major labels and the apparent lack of loyalty to the musician, with most people downloading for free. The issue is somewhat of a dog's breakfast.   If you're looking for a concise answer and take a general panoramic view, it doesn't seem to have any true identity. 
We're getting a lot of media/television reality programs dictating a lot of the current pop performers. Who are here today gone tomorrow. So much for listening to albums, they are being sold one song at a time. I was told that in the US you have to have sold at least 10 songs off of a CD to classify it as a CD sale. What hurts the musician and the consumer, is the songs that they are downloading are the radio hits, which in most cases are the easiest hooks or songs to pick  up and usually the first songs on the CD you get tired of. The tracks on the album that you pass over at first, usually end up being your favorites after several listens, because they have the most substance to them. I believe the bands are losing their longevity and the fans are missing the true spirit of the artist this way, its unfortunate.
The club scene is also hurting. Bands all dress and act like the cocky kid from next door, nothing  extraordinary visually. Kids have always gone to dance clubs, let's face it, that's where the girls are. The live music scene is getting better in most cases...except..if I hear a band that's capable of playing killer originals or even good covers playing "Brown Eyed Girl" one more time! The clubs don't support new original acts financially anymore cause the population has become much more complacent, even with the advent of technology that should allow people to be more independent...goes to show that most follow the path of least resistance.