- 5th
- April
- 2010
Interview with a musician- Darren Simms of Dreadstarr
In continuation of the series of interviews I wanted to share of people I met along the way and photographed, I have now a Q&A with singer/song writer Darren Simms of the band Dreadstarr.
KP - When and how did the band Dreadstarr form?
Darren S. - Dreadstarr started out as a 12 song demo i was messing with. I ended up linking up with Alonso and Chris from a California group named “Badfish” in 04. They were coming off of a live band and I was ready to get back into it so there was that. we didn’t have a drummer and after 2 tryouts Oren from “world Tribe” landed on our plate. we all clicked and things ran wild from there.
KP - How would you describe your music and what are your influences?
Darren S. - It’s a pretty unique sound that is DreadStarr. However we have always been described as an organic blend of Dancehall Reggae, Rock, even a bit of urban beats through of live instruments.
KP - I have photographed musicians that feel it is very important to always appear in a certain light to connect to their musical style as well as those who feel that there doesn’t have to be a direct link because they feel it should be all about the sound? How important is image to you and what do you look for or hope to get when getting your images made?
Darren S. - I was always concerned with being pigeonholed into being a rasta and only into reggae. I love all sorts of music and people, so I try to dress or be shot accordingly. I always leaned towards a smooth southern California beach meets Hollywood vibe.
KP - As a musician, when you are part of a photo shoot, do you have a planned theme when doing publicity shots or do you leave that up to the photographer to help supply you with ideas based on your music?
Darren S. - I feel that once I meet a photographer I can tell how a shoot will go. I like to give them full control while i throw in a suggestion or two. good shoots from me have always come from that butter like zone of a good collaboration .
KP - What do you do to pass the time when you aren’t working on the new songs, do you usually hang out with band mates?
Darren S. - We all surf so we hang surfing or eating sushi… being that I’m into many projects I’m usually either doing a music project or on a photo shoot. I also race motorcycles to get the extra energy out of me before I go insane, hahaha.
KP - Who are your fans, how would you describe them?
Darren S. - My fans are the best! I like to meet and get a bond with them all. They have been supportive of me and my ever changing musical qualities. currently I’ve been doing a weekly Dub Reggae night. I’ve been seeing a LOT of my DreadStarr fans at my Dubbington shows.
KP - I know in the past you would also produce electronica and perform as a drum and bass MC. Is there a big difference with your audience at your shows now compared to then?
Darren S. - I’d say now I have a slightly less “exclusive club” type of audience. I get to meet a wide variety of cats as opposed to the elitists i would meet before. i’m all about expanding so I think that’s how i ended up jumping from jungle music to reggae music.
KP - What was one of your most memorable shows so far?
Darren S. - I’d have to say the show that sticks out always is playing a sold out show with Dreadstarr and steel pulse at the outdoor stadium (the shell) in Hawaii. we had all sorts of airplay before we landed so by the time we hit the stage it was just magnificent!
KP - Did you ever have anything off the wall and unplanned happen on stage?
Darren S. - I’ve had good stage karma… the worst thing that ever happened was a wireless mic not working. but i just grabbed my bass players mic and charged through it.
KP - If you could have your picture taken by any photographer you haven’t worked with, who would it be and why? Also, if you could work with any other musician on a project, who would you choose?
Darren S. - I’ll collab those questions… I’d like Michael R. Moore to take my picture while I was working in the studio with King Tubby!
KP - Do you have any new projects you are working on and where can we get a sample of your music
online?
Darren S. - Right now it’s Dubbington (live dub reggae) 12th Step (rap/dubstep) Dmented (alternative/ hip hop/ reggae/ drum n bass) you can find my music on Facebook and Myspace. thanks for reading and thanks for listening! peas!
KP - Thanks for your time. I will check out the new projects and promote the links.
www.myspace.com/dreadstarr
www.myspace.com/dmentedsound
www.facebook.com/darrensimms
www.facebook.com/pages/Dubbington-Live-Dub-Reggae-Band/246156673914
www.twitter.com/DubbingtonMusic
www.facebook.com/pages/12th-step/260002177417?ref=mf
http://karimparrisphotoblog.tumblr.com/
