Pur·pose
1. doing something with willful intention.
2. the reason for which something exists or is done.
Darien Dean is an artist with a purpose. Hailing from Mount Vernon, New York, this soul singer burst onto the scene with alluring vocals and a distinctive stage presence. Fed a healthy diet of Hip Hop and Classic Soul, this multi-talented MC, singer, and dancer, honed his abilities as a producer, arranger and engineer to craft a unique and authentic approach to contemporary songwriting.
“Darien, an independent singer, songwriter and producer, has evoked the brilliance of original soul music of decades past.” -Soul Interviews
“The Next SoulMan: Darien’s debut Album,”If These Walls Could Talk”, is about to make him an artist of huge importance to Soul Fans.” -Echoes Magazine
“Through his mastery of words, he paints the most beautiful, uplifting and honest moments.” – Soulchoonz
“If These Walls Could Talk,” Darien’s debut album (Righteous Music Records), has been met with much critical success receiving such accolades as Soultracks.com “New Artist of the Year”, JazzandSoul.eu,
“Top Track of the Year” award as well as Singersroom.com “Artist to Watch in 2010.”
A natural born entertainer, Darien’s spirited musical style earned him a coveted spotlight at the 2010 Soul Beach Music Festival in Aruba, opening for Mary J. Blige. He has captured the interest of industry executives and enamored the Capital Jazz Festival audience. He was crowned victor of the Budweiser Superfest 2010 Battle for the Crown of New York and ultimately the Grand Champion of the the competition. His humble, yet star studded rise to fame has placed him amongst the honorable ranks of soul super heavyweights: Kem, Anthony Hamilton, Raheem DeVaughn, Jazmine Sullivan and many more.
International recognition followed the release of his hit single “Alibi”. Darien, presently a favored contender on the global airwaves, has recorded with UK band Reel People. He is licensed under Japanese affiliate BBQ Records, gaining him popularity that knows no cultural divide.
A stateside collaboration with fellow independent artist, Angela Johnson spawned the song “All in Me” which led to a Japanese Tour. The song charted as high as number 4 in the DC market on commercial radio WHUR amongst such artists as Usher, Alicia Keys, Sade and more.
Darien has been touring “Departures” extensively, including several European tours, with sold out shows in Germany, the U.K., France, Switzerland, Austria, and Montenegro. He has played world famous venues such as Ronnie Scotts (London), Bizz’Art (Paris), Jazzclub Minden, Orange Room JazzRadio Berlin (Germany), B.B. Kings and Blue Note (NYC) to name just a few.
A true journeyman, “Departures” has taken him on an ambitious tour through Southeast Asia (Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam), Australia, Bali, and Hong Kong in addition to several shows upon his return to the U.S
Currently he is touring his newly released Detours project from the 3 CD Trilogy entitled “Notes From The Journey”.
This new collection will feature appearances from Avery Sunshine, Mike Phillips (Stevie Wonder, Prince), Omar Lyefook, David P. Stephens, Jason Heerah(X-factor Australia), Collette, Tiffany Tzelle, Queen Rose; production helmed by hit makers, Herb Middleton (Mary J. Blige, Usher) and Shawn Hibbler (Kindred the Family Soul, Darius Rucker) and many more.
Darien’s avant-garde delivery of timeless music with provocative social themes demands a rooted footing in the genre of Soul Music.