Meet Darien Newton: Music Producer & Educator

We had the good fortune of connecting with Darien Newton and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Darien, do you have a favorite quote or affirmation?
I always tell myself “measure yourself against yourself”. I sometimes get caught up comparing myself against my friends, peers, and others making music, but I remind myself, often, that as long as I’m better than I was yesterday, I’m on the right track.

Please tell us more about your work. We’d love to hear what sets you apart from others, what you are most proud of or excited about. How did you get to where you are today professionally. Was it easy? If not, how did you overcome the challenges? What are the lessons you’ve learned along the way. What do you want the world to know about you or your brand and story?
My art is a mix of my influences; J Dilla, Pharrell Williams, and Stevie Wonder. They always used the prettiest chords with the craziest rhythms– I loved that. Their art also inspired me to be artist-first when I produce. Producers can overdo it with their productions, adding too many sounds in the beat, but I try to never lose sight of the fact that the artist is the star of the show–not me. Those three always created a great “bed” for artists to express themselves over. I try to carry that principle into my own art.

I’m most proud of my first project, Q Tapes vol. 1. This short 5-track beat tape was a statement to myself proving that I’m capable of starting something and finishing it. That project snowballed into me making over 30 songs for artists over the past year. I started getting this exposure by putting beat videos out on Instagram weekly. Artists saw them and wanted to work with me.

I’m stoked about my clothing line “Serve Others Clothing” that I’m building right now. It’s a company that gives money to charities that I support and believe in. I can’t wait to help as many people as I can through that endeavor.

The most important thing I’ve learned is that you have to kill self-doubt. You have to put yourself out there and not be too afraid of what people might think. If God gave you the talent, he’ll always provide a way for you.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
For breakfast/brunch we’re going to “Met Her At a Bar” in mid-city. Best Chicken and Waffles you’re ever going to have (Sorry Roscoes). After that, we’re going to DTLA and skating down broadway. I love that area. We’d probably make a quick stop at “The Last Book Store” and pick up a good read. After that, if we don’t get stuck in too much traffic, we’re hitting Leo’s Taco truck in Mid-City and crushing 5 Tacos El Pastor.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to give a shoutout to my friend, collaborator, and overall cool dude, Tim Rose. He’s kind of like the big bro I never had. He challenges me, holds me accountable, and supports me in everything I do. I credit a lot of my recent successes to the support he’s shown me.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/d__didthat/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darien.newton/

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCeIz-xoZhUcWdM-fx8iVx2w

Image Credits
Jarrick Wenslow Luis Cooke