Darren Watson

'Soulful Blues Singer'

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2 Reviews
Darren Watson on SoundBetter

I'm a vastly experienced and multi award-winning blues, soul, folk, and rock performer from New Zealand. I can give you characterful vocal performances that will give your tracks exactly that authentic feel you're after.

My home studio is well set-up and acoustically treated for recording. I have the following microphone options: Audio Technica AT4047MP, Warm Audio WA-47 (Neumann U47 adjacent condensor), input via UAD Apollo Twin, (or Twinfinity 710 preamp and Warm Audio WA76 compressor if you prefer all analog in).

I have been singing professionally in New Zealand since 1985. In that time I have been nominated for five RIANZ NZ Music Awards (that's the NZ 'Grammy'), including for Most Promising Male Vocalist and Top Male Vocalist. I've had multiple charting singles and albums from 1988 up to and including my latest 'Getting Sober For The End Of The World' which debuted at #20 on the mainstream NZ Music Chart in October 2020 and was nominated for Best Folk Album at the 2021 Aotearoa (NZ) Music Awards.

I've sung on a huge range of advertising jingles, and movie soundtracks from local clients all the way up to Australasian-wide campaigns for multi-national corporations.

PLEASE NOTE: This rate is for (non-credit) demos/pitches or amateur/semi-pro self-releases. Custom deal for more professional releases available - just ask.

I'd love to hear about your project. Click the 'Contact' button above to get in touch.

Languages

  • English

2 Reviews

Endorse Darren Watson
  1. Review by Mihi Raroa
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    by Mihi Raroa

    100 % Recommend this Awesome Muso

  2. Review by Tereora Crane
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    by Tereora Crane

    Darren is probably one of NZs few musicians and songs that could be regarded as our “Eric Clapton”. Watson is the ultimate “Journeyman”, evolving through time while tethering his craft to his undeniable blues roots. His catalogue is a testament to his mastery of the guitar and storytelling songwriting. Personable, reflective with a mind for social justice and the plight of the common people. A true craftsman in a time where music is being wrestled away by increasingly powerful algorithms.

GenresSounds Like
  • Elvis Costello
  • Robert Cray
  • Elmore James
Gear Highlights
  • Universal Audio Twinfinity 710 Mic preamp
  • Warm Audio WA76 compressor/limiter
  • UAD Apollo Twin X
  • Audio Technica At 4047MP
  • Warm Audio WA47 Tube Microphone
  • Properly treated recording space.
More Photos
More SamplesSongwriter, producer, guitarist, vocalist, engineer, producer