Interview originally done March 24, 2020.
– What’s new in the world of Darren Michael Boyd? Hope all is well?
Hello! I guess my world is the same as everyone else’s now. Isolation for everyone! Things are good though, I am not in need of anything and I’m passing the time working on music, and catching up on reading.
– Let’s talk about your album “Lifting the Curse”. How was the recording experience?
I recorded the bulk of the album from my home studio during the summer of 2019. Summer is the busy time for my business, gigs, and life in general, so I needed to set a deadline and exercise self-discipline. That part wasn’t a huge challenge because I always looked forward to working on the album! I played all the instruments on all but one song (Was it something I said), which features Emily Dolan Davies on drums. I have been recording songs as demos for as long as I can remember, but this was different because I was producing this with the knowledge that it was going to be released into the world. I spent a lot of time watching YouTube tutorials and reading articles to learn more about the current technology and software!
– When writing a song, is there such a thing as investing too much time? What’s the shortest time you ever took to write one?
I suppose it’s possible, but it can depend on the type of music, and your perspective as an artist. I think if you were composing a classical piece of music, it would be a totally different process than writing a country/pop single, for example. You can take as long as you need to complete your vision, there are no rules, but it sure is nice to allow a song to be completed! I approached writing my instrumental songs pretty much the same way I’ve always written songs with lyrics. What’s the saying? Don’t bore us – get to the chorus! I wrote a song for my band Creeping Beauty called “The best day of my death” – I think it was the first song I ever wrote with an acoustic guitar. Not to get too trippy, but it was one of those out of body type of experiences that happens to artists on occasion. I wrote this entire song, lyrics, music, arrangement, in something like10 minutes. The finished version, which you can hear on my website, remains unchanged. I was the one writing the words down, and playing the chords, but when I was finished, it felt like it came from somewhere else. It’s a unique phenomenon that I wish everyone could experience.
– Do you consider album artwork as important now that music is mostly downloaded?
I’m probably pretty old school here. I still buy CDs because I like owning that physical product, and I love to look at the artwork, read the liner notes, and also play the songs in the order they’re meant to be heard (at least for the first few times). CDs are basically “merch” now. If a fan buys your CD, it’s like a collectible. I’m fine with that! This is where the quality of the artwork becomes imperative. If someone is shelling out their cash for a CD, the packaging should be special, something they will be proud to have in their collection.
– How did you create your guitar tone? Do you continue to tweak it or is «old faithful» the way to go?
I am pretty pleased with my current live rig, but I imagine that will continue to evolve. I guess that answers the second half of your question! Haha! The truth is, I’ve simplified things and I am SO much happier. I’m playing with an Orange CR 120 head and Marshall cabs, stomp boxes, and that’s pretty much it. All the distortion is from the amp. I just want to play, not tap dance on pedals all night. As for the recording, I was really open to trying a lot of effects and different tones, if I felt it would add to the quality of the recording. I used a mix of my live set-up and software plug-ins throughout the album.
– What would be some of your main musical influences today? Has it evolved?
I still have the same admiration for the classic, iconic artists, like Queen, Alice Cooper, Meatloaf, and Prince that I’ve always had. With that said, the artists that inspire me are always evolving. I try to discover music I haven’t heard before all the time. Right now I’ve been digging a bunch of YouTube videos from Skating Polly, and you have to check out Platinum Brunette!
– Is it important for you to be active on Social Media?
I’m moderately active, and it is important, within reason. I have a sort of “social media intolerance”. I don’t know if that’s a clinical term or not! Ha! I recognize the value of social media, and I am grateful for it most of the time. I have written a blog about this topic in detail, but haven’t managed to edit and post it yet! I think a lot of musicians spend way too much time trying to gain social media validation and hustle for numbers that really don’t have anything to do with what we are actually trying to create.
– With the music industry shutting down presently. How are you dealing with these issues?
I’m just trying to think of the future. When things return to “normal”, there may be a long period of time where people are going to be apprehensive about spending their money on things they don’t need, like entertainment – and rightfully so. My business also falls into that category, so there could be a lean couple of years ahead. That is just one potential reality. Fortunately, I’m doing fine right now. If anyone wants to do something to help musicians you appreciate, without spending any money – go to your preferred streaming platform and play their music. Subscribe to their YouTube channel and leave likes and comments. These things are free, but can result in a small stream of income for artists. Plus, you can be entertained endlessly!
– How important is it for a musician in these difficult times to spend time on social media to self promote. It seems there’s lot’s more live living room broadcasts on social media going on since there are no more concerts?
It’s funny that despite my previous comments about my social media intolerance, I’ve spent a little more time on Facebook and Instagram this week. Again, there is some value. It’s a good way to check in on friends and family and see how people are doing. I’ve been posting about my music, same as always, because music is a fantastic healer, and it connects people. We can all use some connection, and some healing, right now. I haven’t done any live streams myself yet, but I’ve been considering it. Maybe just some guitar lessons and me blabbing about my cats, who knows?! One bonus for me is that I’ve watched streams from other musicians both local (Danielle Allard) and international (Brian May), and it’s been so gratifying. Everyone just wants to play music, or listen to music! Promotion is good, but more importantly, I’m hoping more people will gain a new respect and appreciation for how important music is in our daily lives.
– What would we be surprised to find in your music collection at home?
Oh, I can think of a number of albums that might raise eyebrows. But NO guilty pleasure, only pleasure! I have WHAM! Make it big, and most of George Michael’s collection. Is that shocking? – Thank you for taking the time in doing this interview. Wish you all the best. Thank you so much! Rock and/or Roll!