Genre:Rock
Darren Hart, known as Harts, is a musician, singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist, composer and music producer from Melbourne. Often labeled as "A one-man music-making machine", he writes everything, plays all the instruments, records and produces all his music single handedly in his bedroom studio.Spending the past few years developing his sound, Harts has become known for his Jimi Hendrix-like guitar playing and unique blend of Funk, Pop, Rock and Soul music, which has earned him praise worldwide. Most notably from iconic music legend Prince, who flew Harts out to his Paisley Park Studios in Minneapolis, USA to meet and play with him last year saying, "He reminds me of how I was at that age".After returning, Harts' independently released his 10 track debut album 'Daydreamer' in September 2014. The album quickly gained positive coverage in many music publications such as Rolling Stone Magazine, NME, The Guardian, Herald Sun, Sydney Morning Herald, Vogue Magazine and many more. The lead single from the album, 'Red & Blue' was an alternative radio hit in Australia, landing a spot on Triple J's Hit List and many Independent and Alternative radio playlists around the country.“A supernaturally talented young buck who’s mastered Hendrix’s blistering guitar shredding and the electro-funk pop perfection of Prince in his Eighties prime.” – Rolling Stone AustraliaFollowing the success of the album, Harts' two latest singles 'When A Man's A Fool' and 'Breakthrough' we're both Alternative Radio hits in Australia, making it to their week's #1 most played tracks on Triple J & Alternative Radio. The two singles featured on a brand new EP, titled "Breakthrough" which was released in June 2015 and followed by a 20+ date Australian and New Zealand tour. Accompanied only by a drummer, Harts effortlessly recreates the songs live - juggling between shredding guitar, laying down keyboard, bass and vocals with a loop machine and sequencer.Those dates added to the already impressive number of shows Harts has clocked up in 2015. From his own sold out headline gigs to wowing an audience of 10,000 opening for Rod Stewart at Hope Estate, to rocking stages at festivals such as Splendour In The Grass, Groovin' The Moo, The Hills Are Alive, Maroochy Festival and most recently, Bigsound ,
Harts won the “Guitarist of the year “award from the AU music live awards 2015 .“Melbourne funk-rock guitar genius and undisputed next big thing Harts took to the Foundry’s stage and validated every single breathless comparison to Jimi Hendrix, disco legend Nile Rodgers and Prince” – Music Feeds @ Bigsound 20152015 also saw Harts take on Triple J's Like A Version, performing an impressive cover of Daniel Johns' 'Aerial Love'.Harts is now working on his upcoming second album, he also played various showcases in the U.S throughout October 2015, including Culture Collide in L.A and CMJ in New York, before returning to Australia for performances at the 2015 AIR Independent Music Awards, The Age Music Victoria Awards and a special run of festivals over the summer Falls festival 2015 , NYE on the Hill , Groovin the Moo , Blues Festival Byron 2016 and has been accepted to SXSW 2016.The brand new single, titled “All Rise (Play It Cool)” is a dance-floor, rock ‘n roll and gospel funk infused blend of dirty guitars, funky bass, pounding drums, classic horns – all with an fun and energetic “Don’t worry about a thing, get up and dance!” attitude. Harts says:
“I really wanted to write an up-tempo classic rock and roll tune. With whatever we may be going through in life, just a little reminder for us to take our minds things for a moment and have a good time while we’re here.”