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Darren's Instrumental Music | EMail

Darren Strode Guitarist: FreaknMissy   Credits   Recordings   Updates/News   Buy Music   DS Links	"This guy is real original - featuring sudden tonal changes, bombastic forays, exotic scalar passages, mind numbing flurries . . . all on one track. Keep a close eye on Strode's career, he's sure to be going places." ~GUITAR NINE~ (Review of DS Promo CD) KISS was the reason he picked up the guitar. Practicing chops at an early age, touring in his teens and performing two thousand+ gigs, his guitar prowess is amazing and his ability to learn is incomprehensible. Darren's humble personality allows him to grow because of his ability to receive criticism. Darren is a multi-talented, accessible and methodical individual. He's a budding vocalist; a fine composer and arranger; a true professional in music; a great songwriter; and a promising producer and recording engineer. BACKGROUND From Orleans IN, Darren entered a 4-month guitar competition in Indianapolis. He was pronounced winner over some 150 guitar players by a landslide. Since then, he's won numerous contest titles as well as being asked to judge a few. Since early childhood, Darren was always ready to explore bigger arenas. He was seen on MTV when Red Hot Chili Peppers reviewed choice clips of guitar auditions in LA. No one knew that he had left Indiana for that brief period. Darren recorded all his personal projects. His first progressive rock instrumental recording was "Guitar Absolute" - a recording that gives tribute to the great guitar players and styles that he admires. His blues CD called "Guitarboy Plays the Blues" has been known for his witty lyrics, boyish voice, and rockin' blues guitar riffs. Darren's biggest influences include Randy Rhoads for scales and theory, Jimi Hendrix, Frank Zappa, Joe Satriani, Chris Duarte, Albert King, and Albert Collins to list a few. Darren listens to all guitar players and combines the energy, musicianship and vibe of his favorite influences to transform himself to be known as a modern-day guitarist and musician. He's been featured on Guitar.com, Guitar Nine, reviewed by popular french magazine 'Progresiste' and Expose; chosen as the KROQ winner for Limp Bizkit auditions; and was recently offered the guitar position with Prong. His list of credits continue to grow in all areas, yet his ability to adapt to a variety of musical situations has not hindered his identity - but enhanced it. CREDITS Back to the Top The Studio Musician Darren Strode has recorded everything from children's family rock albums to the club radio commercials. He's graced recordings of several Midwest groups and solo artists stylistically ranging from country to industrial. The Frontman He has also fronted his own indie alternative rock project called "Excursion". Excursion received rave reviews and was on the Top Ten Favorite Band Lists of Indy underground zines. Gigging Musician Darren has composed and arranged original material with several musicians and bands. He gigged regularly in the Midwest with popular groups ranging from rock to blues, receiving features heaped with accolades in publications, and releasing multiple recordings with various bands - some on popular indie labels. Showcase Guitarslinger He's opened with various groups for national to regional artists from Ted Nugent to Chris Duarte; and he's also performed at various showcases, benefits and major festivals, jamming with members from such groups as Poison, Lita Ford, Motley Crue, and John Mellencamp. Endorsed Talent Darren plays "Jefferson Street" guitars. His guitars are especially hand-made for him by Mel McCullough - luthier for regional and national artists. Recording Engineer Darren has recorded all his personal projects as well as his current rock project - FreaknMissy. His producing/recording efforts have been mentioned very positively in Recording Magazine. Darren Strode - Recordings Back to the Top "This is a striking instrumental collection that made an indelible impression upon me. This is a must for any aspiring guitar player and a jewel to treasure for your personal collection. This entire CD is instrumental heaven." ~Muzikman (on Guitar Absolute) GUITAR ABSOLUTE This is a truly exceptional collection of music that's been considered a "must have" by reviewers & guitar players throughout. True guitar enthusiasts who appreciate guitar greats (such as Joe Satriani, Steve Vai, Randy Rhoads, etc.) would enjoy Darren's work on his Guitar Absolute CD. Music soundclips on this multi-talented artist can be found at MySpace.com/DarrenStrode. GUITARBOY PLAYS THE BLUES Blues Revue states,"Darren Strode cuts the monkey loose on 'Guitarboy Plays the Blues'. It's an original postmodern blues full of upscale chords and note crammed leads - like Steve Vai suddenly landing in Oxford, Mississippi, and playing a juke gig." ON-LINE: BUY MUSIC - safe and convenient through BackStageCommerce! Music for DARREN STRODE: Click HERE UPDATES/NEWS Back to the Top His mission is to stay focused, to write great music, to record great music, and to allow every musical situation to be a learning experience - a vehicle for honing his style as a composer, vocalist & guitarist. His vision is to have the music heard as a result. Portions of Strode's "Guitar Absolute" have placed well and remained in the Top 10 MP3 Indiana guitar instrumental charts. Darren & Missy's cool hard-pop electronica sound they self-prescribed as "rocktronica" garnered several features & title wins. They captured attention from interested industry inviting them for showcases in NY & LA. Upon relocating to Los Angeles, this project expanded into a live band feel & vibe which is now FreaknMissy. You can also email Darren here

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