Darren Hart, aka Harts is gearing up to take his one-man-band experience on the road this summer with Melbourne rockers Magic Bones. Harts will performing songs from his debut LP Daydreamer and launching his brand new single When A Man’s A Fool. Tomatrax caught up with Harts to ask a few questions.
What made you want to become a musician?
It was just something I naturally got into after being around friends that were getting into playing music at the time.
When did you write your first song?
I started writing music when I was about 15/16. A few songs here and there, as I was learning about music. I started writing much more as I learnt to play different instruments.
What made you decide to use an alias rather than your name?
I didn’t feel my name suited the music I was making. It somehow didn’t fit to me.
Is it hard to write and play all the parts of your music?
It was when I was starting out, I found it really challenging. But I liked that challenge. I’ve learnt a lot and become better at my craft now, and I feel confident with my ability. It’s more efficient for me to handle all the music myself. It does become more time consuming though, especially when it comes to the recording and production phases.
Have you ever considered performing in a band or do you prefer to be solo?
I’ve played in a few local bands before I decided I wanted a solo project. I think for my musical vision and what I’m trying to do with music, It’s better portrayed as a solo project. It’s also more efficient for me to work that way.
You’ve already received a lot of acclaim for your music, does this make you feel any pressure going forward?
Sometimes I do feel pressure, and I do sometimes feel like I’m under the microscope a bit. But I try not to let it get in the way of my work. I just try to focus on doing the best I can.
Prince commented that your music reminds him of himself, what’s it like to have Prince commend your work?
Amazing! Prince is such an inspiration to me and to hear something like that from him is a phenomenal feeling. He gave me a lot of confidence in myself and ability.
You’ve just released your latest single, When a man’s a fool, will this feature in a new EP/album?
I’m not yet sure. I’ve got a few options I’m looking at for it at the moment..
You’ll be touring with Magic Bones, what can fans expect from your show?
Funk! Rock! A lot of guitar and beats. It’s a solo one man show where I use electronics and things such as loop machines, synths and drum machines to kind of recreate the songs live.
What was it like to have your debut album released this year?
Feels really good. I’m glad to have a full length album out and to see all the positivity towards my music that I’ve had so far.
Do you ever listen to your own music?
I’m always listening to new ideas that I’m working on. Once a song is done and released, I kind of let it go. Sometimes I’ll go back and listen occasionally.
What music do you listen to?
I listen to a lot of stuff. Funk, Rock, Blues, Pop, Jazz… Anything that’s around really. I try to take most of it in, and it helps with my producing and/or writing. At the moment I’m kind of in my own little bubble though. I record and write a lot, and I constantly listen back to a lot of the ideas and tracks that I’m working on. So I dont listen to much new music.
What do you have planned for 2015?
At the moment.. touring mainly. I really want to get out and perform the album as much as I can.
Harts will be touring Australia with Magic Bones. Check out his website to find out more!