Darken on SoundBetter

I spend my life working with music, I play bass professionally and produce music for artists around the world! I can use this love and passion to work on your project and deliver you the product that you want! I can work with you from the first stages of production to finalisation and mastering to make your music consumer ready!

A classically trained musician with a 1st class degree in composition, function bass player with over 9 years of sound engineering experience and a 2019 LA film festival award nomination.

I have the toolset to make your music STAND OUT FROM THE REST!

I worked with a wide array of artists, from the Welsh Symphonic Orchestra to the Irish folk powerhouse Lynched to underground artists such as Dan Johnson and Qariaq. I've also had the privilege to share the stage with Groove Armarda, the Devils of Moko and work on music alongside Clive Deamer and more than I can mention here.

This has given me a varied experience and an ear that isn't blinkered in one particular genre.

I am a professional live sound engineer and bass player for the Small Things Band playing function gigs throughout the year all across the UK. I also play in several originals bands playing across Bristol and the UK including the turbo Jazz band Hexcut and the improv powered electronic duo Venstra.

That being said my passion is helping create and curate music, achieving a highly polished product that all can be proud of!

I always deliver promptly, to the specification of the request with open and friendly communication.

So go on and test me - I'll show you why I do what I do!

Tell me about your project and how I can help, through the 'Contact' button above.

Credits

11 Reviews - 3 Repeat Clients

Endorse Darken

by Simon J.
Verified
I got Darken to put down 7 bass tracks off sheet music and bass midi files, and it all went without a hitch - a melodic player with a sense of feel and dynamics. He's from Bristol and you can tell! Communication was always easy and there were no delays in delivery.
by Simon J.
Verified
Excellent, not only good communication and turnaround but spot on tone and feel.
by Simon J.
Verified
A pleasure, great communication, on time, understands the songs direction and doesn't appear to have any airs about him at all! Doing another three tracks.
by Ester LC
Verified
It was a blast to work with Darken! He is super quick to answer, super quick to work and cooperate, he is very selfless and works towards the custumer's satisfaction. Thank you!
by Teppo Nojonen
Verified
I've had the pleasure of working with Darken on a couple of projects now. He is extremely talented, detail oriented and professional!
If you want a high quality, top notch music look no further.
by Teppo Nojonen
Verified
Darken did an excellent job and exactly what I wanted him to do, breathed life into my song! His communication, commitment, and attention to detail are like no other. You can trust he will take care of your song. I will be back for more!
by Charlie P.
Verified
Darken.Sounds is an absolute legend 🔥 he met all my needs and his talent for music production is remarkable. I so so so recommend him. He is awesome and kind and respectful and he is a decent bloke! If you are here now looking for someone then look no further as darken is the man for your project!!! 🔥 thank you again bro
by Vedina R.
Verified
Great Musician, prompt, efficient and highly. responsive.

Executed project with professionalism and sensitivity.
by Amber Roper
Verified
Chris was AMAZING to work with!! He exceeded all of my expectations and went above and BEYOND what our original job said. He made sure I was pleased with the end product and put his all into it. He recommended things for my song and I could tell he truly cared about my end product and not just the money. This was my first experience on SoundBetter and I couldn't have imagined a better person to work with. He was flexible, time-sensitive, great at communication, and truly excellent in his craft!!
by Jamal J.
Verified
Darken is awesome mixer, he's create and always has ideas to improve the oversall sound quality. He's a good guy to work with and I would definitely recommend him for your projects.
by Jamal J.
Verified
Darken is cool, nice vibe, he really enhanced the composition and sound from technical perspective. Liked working with him.

Interview with Darken

Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: My advice would be talk to them even if you're not sure about them send message and open a dialogue. That way for better or for worse you know where you stand. And every now and again you might get surprised by what you find
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: An Sm58, a decent DI and laptop, my bass and a mini fridge
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I have been doing this now for a decade, though it doesn't heel like it!
Q: How would you describe your style?
A: My style is sold rhythm with sparkle all around it. I believe music starts with a strong foundation and then gets built upon from here. But as a bass player i'm obviously biased
Q: Which artist would you like to work with and why?
A: I would love to work with Lawi Anywar he is an up and coming Bristol artist and his groove and writing skills are immense! I think I could get him sounding massive!
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Think about what you're trying to achieve with a peice of music. Be it in emotional terms, technical terms or sonic terms. Have a main goal or point and try and make it shine.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: I work on a wide variety of music I find that I get approached by artists from all walks of life and taste
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Communication is for sure my best asset
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: A unique perspective on how to achieve the sound the client wants while also imparting my expertise to help produce the best outcome.
Q: What's your typical work process?
A: Quick and effective
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: A simple set up with good quality gear and an acoustically adjusted room to work within. Simple but effective.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: All of them, anyone in the struggle is a source of inspiration to me. But for a more specific answer those I play music with and the greats of production like Ali Shaheed Muhammad, Lord Finesse, Dilla, Large Pro and many other greats.
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: Production and mix work. Either adding new elements to existing music or bringing out the best in others work with my mixing and mastering skill set and specialist gear.