Funny how a competition can get you more nervous than a performance.
I never wanted to compete in the world of music, I mean, what two artists have more in common than an apple and an orange anyway? — and look at the uproar that comparison has caused. 🙂 BUT, what can I say, opportunity has come in the form of competition for me — from Soultracks.com “New Artist of the Year” to Soul Beach 2010 opening for Mary J Blige (2 highlights in my career to be certain).
This ride has been much different though. As I duke it out to get the funds needed to record the next album… another opportunity has arisen. While in the process of getting down and dirty in the trenches, low and behold………. CONNECTIONS…….. No, no not the type that get you in the office with (Insert famous and/or rich individual)… instead, old fashioned CONNECT– TING with PEOPLE! I have had an amazing year, and met so many along the way, that have touched my life, helped me, taught me, and inspired me. Our fast food lifestyle doesn’t cater to savoring relationships — but here and now I have the opportunity to reopen the veins and pump a much needed life blood back into personal relationships.
And then there are the NEW relationships! What a blessing to meet new people daily that have been made aware, and are interested in what you do. -Their new energy recharges me like the sun to a solar cell. In fact, I feel an obligation to, at the very least, match their energy NO EASY FEAT TO SAY THE LEAST (you guys know who you are…. and I love ya for it!).
I read a blog called “Leadership Lessons from The Dancing Alone Guy”…. It detailed a movement…. It’s a good read, but the basics are…. a leader starts something and has the guts to stand alone and take a chance, in this case a solitary dancing man potentially looking ridiculous….. BUT the most crucial roles are the ones played by those who join in. They transform the event into a movement. While I don’t claim to be a leader of any sort, I thank you all for not leaving me out here looking like a lone nut doing a 2 step!! 🙂
As the Love Revolution Train pushes along, let me take a minute to give thanks to some of the Team that provides the Steam (Or the Coal that gets us to the Goal):
Special thanks to: Melissa Capo & Elton Hazel of Whateva Works, “Queen” Aileen, “General” Geneva, “Clockwork” Colleen, “Take 5” Tatyanna, Kevin Cross, Doom E. Wright, Joey “the wizard”, Butta & Soulbounce.com, George Littlejohn & Purpose Records, Angela Johnson, DJ Dan.c.e. & Make It Happen Entertainment, My DGMM family, Lorenda & Brown Baby Girl, Collette “C-Letta”, Ann Marie & Soulafrodisiac, Sweetlocs, Eric Roberson, Marko Nobles, Subliminal, Maya Azucena, Onutts, Carl & Grown Folks Music, Ilana & the Vocal Workout, Blackplanet, Tom Paul.
I know I am forgetting to mention some of you, but believe me I am working on my connections and I appreciate you. In the meantime enjoy some artwork from my boy Kevin Cross.
WOW Darien… what a great blog! I truly enjoyed reading every word! I’m so happy and proud to be a part of the team! Thanks for the shout out… you make me feel special!!! (AWWW GOLLY GEE!!!) I’ll be here ALWAYS!!!!
And YOU ARE NEVER ALONE!!! We all “got your back” ‘cuz you’re AMAZING… not just ‘cuz your music is “the shizzzzzzz,” but because YOU are “the shizzzzz” as well! LOL You know what I’m sayin’?!
I LOVE YOU MAN and let’s keep the LOVE REVOLUTION going HARD AND STRONG!
Love,
Aileeeeeeeeeeeeennnnnnnnnn! (lol)
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this post . The blasts are good, and have their place, but one hungers for the meat of uninterrupted thoughts. And while I know all too well the plight of the lone dancer, I thank you for this opportunity to support you and your mission to create real music. Keep it going. I’m there.
Dang GENEVA girrrrl you can WRITE!!!! lol 🙂 (Hey Darien… me, too! What Geneva said in addition to what I said! LOL)
Thanks so much for sharing your feelings so freely in this blog. It has been a pleasure to support you in this cause! I have been blessed with a loving husband of 27 years and a 20-year old biology major/metalhead/guitar player son who have let me indulge in my neverending passion for music and books and all that entails! Your spirit shines through in your songwriting, powerful vocals and music. “If These Walls Could Talk” is always a part of my playlist and I can’t wait to hear more. You have been blessed with a mighty talent and I appreciate the kindness you show whenever we meet.
BTW, my son got his laugh of the day with that “clockwork” nickname 😉
<3
~TatY~
awesome blog bro…. calling everyone to go out and vote http://www.battlforthecrown.com. Now! Vote Darien!
vote now http://www.battleforthecrown.com.. Vote Darien
Glad to see that you have updated the blog, as pointed out on facebook, the journey on this blog is important and it is nice to see that the connections are there and are still being created. Stay blessed.
I remember seeing you the first time at the Soul Summit in ’08 and getting that advanced copy. I’m a pretty good reader of energy and you definitely carried a strong but quiet vibration with you…long story short, your success is no surprise to me. Congrats. Still waiting for that full show in DC though…
Hey, Darien – it has been a while since I’ve sent you comments on your blog. Glad to know that things are still going well for you in your career. God’s blessings, my friend.
I just wanted to congratulate you on your victory..!! I voted quite a bit and it’s always great to see the right person win. I look forward to your new project….www.rhythm-hub.com