Darren Solomon's guest appearances

Darren Solomon

Key Conversations

Big Noise...From Planet Earth

Suzanne Paulinski

Peter Hollens

Kevin Breuner

John Kellogg

Kaytee Long

Michelle Ward

Ari Herstand

Ariel Hyatt

John Beal

Tom Jackson

Antony Bruno

Mike Warner

Sean Callery

Katherine Moller

Michael Whalen

OwlTail

I don’t need no stinkin’ bass…In the late 90s I toured with jazz harp guru, Park Stickney, and the bassist was the phenomenally talented Darren Solomon. Darren, who a decade earlier had a running start at age 19 touring with Ray Charles, Barry Manilow, and Olivia Newton-John, had by then already been morphing his career into being a studio composer for commercials and film, mastering a variety of other instruments. After losing touch for 20 years, we reconnected, and I discovered he was a fan of my little podcast. Another no-brainer- he must be a guest! He not only graciously agreed, but proceeded to push and tear up the envelope by recording our duets using piano, synths (including the classic Prophet Six), banjo, and even a little bass. He has amazing things to say about a composer’s sonic palette, and considerations for what effects it has on our collective human consciousness. That, and his audition for Ray. 

I don’t need no stinkin’ bass… In the late 90s I toured with jazz harp guru, Park Stickney, and the bassist was the phenomenally talented Darren Solomon. Darren, who a decade earlier had a running start at age 19 touring with Ray Charles, Barry Manilow, and Olivia Newton-John, had by then already been morphing his career into being a studio composer for commercials and film, mastering a variety of other instruments. After losing touch for 20 years, we reconnected, and I discovered he was a fan of my little podcast. Another no-brainer- he must be a guest! He not only graciously agreed, but proceeded to push and tear up the envelope by recording our duets using piano, synths (including the classic Prophet Six), banjo, and even a little bass. He has amazing things to say about a composer’s sonic palette, and considerations for what effects it has on our collective human consciousness. That, and his audition for Ray.

Bassist Darren Solomon- 5.16.21

In part 2 of this extremely unique interview, composer Darren Solomon answers the questions: How do you deal with the way other people pigeon-hole you because you do a variety of things, from composing to performing? In doing so, he also tackles the importance of just making cool stuff and getting it out there. We get to hear the top 5 commercials Darren has done that people would know and the two-sentence version for success in commercial composing… OK, a bit MORE than 2 sentences.MX4 participants interviewing Darren:Chrysanthe Tan, Alex Winters  Links Mentioned:Darren’s “passion” project In B FlatDarren SolomonSupport the show

In part 2 of this extremely unique interview, composer Darren Solomon answers the questions: How do you deal with the way other people pigeon-hole you because you do a variety of things, from composing to performing? In doing so, he also tackles the importance of just making cool stuff and getting it out there. We get to hear the top 5 commercials Darren has done that people would know and the two-sentence version for success in commercial composing… OK, a bit MORE than 2 sentences. <a href="http://www.mx4course.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MX4</a> participants interviewing Darren:<a href="http://www.chrysanthetan.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chrysanthe Tan,</a> <a href="http://www.alexwintersmusic.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Alex Winters</a> Links Mentioned:Darren’s “passion” project <a href="http://www.inbflat.net" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In B Flat</a><a href="http://www.DarrenSolomon.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Darren Solomon</a><a href="http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>

131: Darren Solomon Interview Part 2

Every musician or composer has their journey toward what theyconsider to be success. It’s a hard fought battle to overcome allkinds of obstacles, both internal and external. Today’sconversation and Q&amp;A demonstrates that in the story of a verysuccessful performer and commercial composer, Darren Solomon andcan translate to how you ca make the transition from a touring andperformance path to more of a composition direction.Darren got his first big break as a bass player by overhearing aconversation… not the typical way most of us get an opportunity,but he took it. The result? He wound up touring with the one andonly Ray Charles for 2 years. It was a phenomenal experience thattaught him a ton about the music business and the life of atraveling musician.After his stint with Ray, Darren stepped into an opportunitypresented by his dad, composing scores for low budget horrorflicks. He sees it as the opportunity to develop his chops in anentirely different aspect of the music industry and can see now howit served him well as he moved toward what would eventually becomehis main bread and butter, writing scores for televisioncommercials.In this Q&amp;A conversation Darren shares his story, gives somegreat advice in response to some practical questions, and inspiresus all to keep making cool stuff and getting it out there. He’sconvinced that it’s the hard work and passion that pay off in theend, if you don’t give up.You’re going to enjoy this one!MX4participants interviewing Darren:Chrysanthe Tan,AlexWinters  Links Mentioned:Darren’s “passion” project In B FlatDarrenSolomonSupport the show

Every musician or composer has their journey toward what theyconsider to be success. It’s a hard fought battle to overcome allkinds of obstacles, both internal and external. Today’sconversation and Q&amp;A demonstrates that in the story of a verysuccessful performer and commercial composer, Darren Solomon andcan translate to how you ca make the transition from a touring andperformance path to more of a composition direction.Darren got his first big break as a bass player by overhearing aconversation… not the typical way most of us get an opportunity,but he took it. The result? He wound up touring with the one andonly Ray Charles for 2 years. It was a phenomenal experience thattaught him a ton about the music business and the life of atraveling musician.After his stint with Ray, Darren stepped into an opportunitypresented by his dad, composing scores for low budget horrorflicks. He sees it as the opportunity to develop his chops in anentirely different aspect of the music industry and can see now howit served him well as he moved toward what would eventually becomehis main bread and butter, writing scores for televisioncommercials.In this Q&amp;A conversation Darren shares his story, gives somegreat advice in response to some practical questions, and inspiresus all to keep making cool stuff and getting it out there. He’sconvinced that it’s the hard work and passion that pay off in theend, if you don’t give up.You’re going to enjoy this one! <a href="http://www.mx4course.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">MX4</a>participants interviewing Darren:<a href="http://www.chrysanthetan.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">Chrysanthe Tan,</a><a href="http://www.alexwintersmusic.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">AlexWinters</a> Links Mentioned:Darren’s “passion” project <a href="http://www.inbflat.net" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">In B Flat</a><a href="http://www.DarrenSolomon.com" rel="nofollow" target="_blank">DarrenSolomon</a><a href="http://www.paypal.me/cbemusic" rel="payment nofollow" target="_blank">Support the show</a>