Darien (Songs on iTunes!)

Bio:

“Deep sea and deep space…I tend to write songs about extremes,” commented Darien, as she introduced a composition off her new release Theorem at one of her recent shows. Classically trained in Ukraine beginning at the age of four (her family moved a lot, her father managing nuclear site decommissions), it was a few years later that Darien fell in love with songwriting. She heard old time Irish ballads on the family stereo and was transfixed by the insistent and plaintive melodic ballads filled with evocative stories about relationships. A few years later, this time in England, Darien was moved to write her own songs after hearing a track from Eisley’s album Room Noises. She then had her first studio experience, quickly laying down straight ahead voice and guitar recordings.

Darien returned to America armed with a group of songs she was ready to commit to more fully. The collection was a compelling mix of both magical and serious subject matter, all driven by infectious melodies. She found producer Andrew Schatzberg at Landslide Studio and began work demoing the songs. Schatzberg recognized Darien’s songs and voice as unique and approached her about expanding the recording into a fully arranged album. A full collaboration ensued and the songs were explored with additional musicians and a wider palette of sounds. Schatzberg worked on hooking into the melodic elements and the feeling of the lyrics, taking each song in its own direction. Darien was open to any idea, increasingly comfortable in the laboratory of the studio and willing to sing and play until both were happy with the result.

When the recording was done they had eight songs and decided to whittle it down to the most cohesive six. The stunning final product was an easy decision for Alive and Well Records. They pursued Darien, who agreed to put the album out with the label in March, 2010. Darien is now working with local musicians to capture the recording live in support of the release. As she gears up for the release she is working on the next collection of songs which she will begin demoing this year for the full-length follow up.

Member Since:

July 10, 2007

Members:

Darien Crossley - Singer/Songwriter/Guitar Person

Influences:

Musically: The Shins, Mirah, Frou Frou, Pinback, Sufjan Stevens, Fionn Regan, Beirut, Neutral Milk Hotel, and Rilo Kiley- in no particular order.

Otherwise: Arctic things, Deep sea things, Deep space things, Quantum physics, People, My own shameful failed social interactions... all that good stuff.

Sounds Like:

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Record Label:

Alive and Well Records