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Stereo Graffiti was originally the name given to a series of alternative cabaret events in Bradford, hosted by poet Nick Toczek, in the mid-late 1980's. It was at one of these nights that singer songwriter Darren Poyzer played his first ever 'away' gig, thankfully having borrowed a guitar from socio-political songwriter Rev Hammer.

Inspired by the sense of community and awareness raising at this gig, Darren took the name (with Nick's blessing) to launch 'Stereo Graffiti Night' at The Witchwood in Ashton Under Lyne in August 1988. Originally the night provided a stage for poets and new comedians alongside up and coming bands, and included early comedy performances from the likes of Steve Coogan, Caroline Ahearne, Frank Skinner, Henry Normal, John Cooper Clarke and Hattie Hayridge amongst many others. Subsequently, the night grew and with it the venue, and a new and vibrant live music community was born.

Jump to 1999, around 2,500 gigs and festival events later, and a change of direction saw Stereo Graffiti move out of full-time events promotion and forward with the times. A slow process of establishing website presence began, and with the building of a website community came the awarding of a Visionary Design Award (UK) in 2003 for Darren's work developing The Bradshaws website for a visually impaired audience.

Teaming up with Andy Goddard (Netrascope) saw the Stereo Graffiti Radio Show release around 40 music podcasts during 2006/2007, and these have run alongside monthly Stereo Graffiti music and open mic events in Stockport, and Darren's own developing career as an established and respect songwriter and live performer.

Today Stereo Graffiti fronts a number of prestigeous and essential music sites, continuing to develop and hold credibility in an ever-changing music scene. One such site is the Official Rory Gallagher, dedicated to the late great rock / blues guitarist, and this sits alongside The Heroes Project which promotes positive disability awareness, primarily through it's own mixed ability pop group, and The Gig Cartel, a team of established concert and tour promoters staging live music concerts across the UK.

Darren has also taken his work into education and continued professional development, embracing the MusicLeader North West network and beyond. And just for the record, Nick Toczek is now firmly established as a leading author who continues to be a vital source of inspiration to many ...