9 Questions with Gregory Darling

Gregory Darling has been compared to everyone from Elvis Costello to Elton John to Billy Joel. A successful recording artist in Europe since the mid 1990s, Darling is finally bringing his melodic brand of pop to America. With lush orchestrations and Darling’s unique vocal delivery, his music possesses a timelessly classic feel that is unparalleled in today’s music scene. I had the opportunity recently to interview Darling about his influences, his goals, and his upcoming album.

 

Let’s start with something current. Tell me about what you’re doing now. Well, I’ve been writing loads of new tunes for my new album and other projects, as well.


Tell me about your upcoming album, Songs Under the Hat. What can we expect from the new album?
This album will feature various songs from the last 3 albums.  Since the albums Shell, Stew Americano and Coloured Life have never been released, nor promoted, in America, we figured this would be a good way to get folks acclimated to past albums and songs.

 

How would you describe your music to people who may have never heard it before?

Organic Pop, is the best way to describe it. Meaning that the songs are quite melodic, backed by real instrumentation. There is absolutely no sampling of any kind on these albums. We record to analog tape, then transfer the information to a contemporary platform for mixing and mastering.

 

 

What do you think makes you and your music different from other artists?

Very good question. When I first started singing and writing, I had no identity whatsoever. Like many young artists, we tend to replicate the ones we look up to. For me, I used to emulate Prince. Then I got into the likes of Bowie, Lennon, Sinatra, Freddie Mercury, etc. After years of infusing these influences, traveling, loving, winning and losing, I started to develop my own style for singing and writing. I've always had an eclectic taste and appreciation for all types of music and artists.

 

When did you become interested in making music? What inspired you to become a musician?

I was 8 years old. I heard my father singing Salve Regina on vinyl.  It was that very day that I knew what I wanted to do.

 

What is something your fans may not know about you?

I'm nearly blind in my left eye, from a detached retina.

 

Have you ever had any strange/humorous encounters with fans?

Many years ago, while on tour, opening for The Moody Blues, I thought I heard a woman yelling "I want The Moody Blues" after every song. And I would reply something like "Hold on to your horses.” The road manager pulls me aside and tells me the she wants me to see her tattoo, not the Moody Blues. So after the show, she comes back stage to proudly show me her brand new Darling Cruel tattoo. It was beautiful, scary, and humbling all at the same time.

 

What drives you as an artist?

Watching other great artists do their thing and doing my best to keep the fan in me.

 

As an artist, how do you define success?

Understanding and appreciating my place in the world.