DarRa is a very interesting musician his diverse rock n roll style will remind you of Duran Duran mixed in with Power Station and a dash of Chic. Think Rock dance, a mix of post-disco, post-punk, and new wave with Top of The Pops, always with a message and a meaning behind the songs and the music videos as well. Taking on a variety of issues in his songs which ultimately transfer into his music videos. A quick note on those… his music videos will remind you of when MTV actually showed Music Videos, they are along the same creativity of Michael Jackson’s “Thriller” or “Smooth Criminal”. If anything they are mini movies with music they will take you on a visual as well to a lyrical journey.
Dar.Ra made more recordings through the 90’s with 21st Century Records on the hugely successful ‘Havin It UK’ series with an act called ‘Bliss’ and scored a number 1 with a track called ‘New Dawn’.After a trip to Australia due to the demands of the dance music industry, Dar.Ra had a further 2 top 40 records with Ultra Love Machine on Festival Records, and remixed tracks by Frankie Goes To Hollywood, Tears 4 Fears and Savage Garden.
Coming back to the UK in the Cool Britannia period he set up ‘Sky High Recordings’ the pre-runner to Kusha Deep and had more success with ‘Urban Harmonix’ feat Rachel Brown (Faithless, Groove Armada) on a track called the ‘Pleasure Zone’ which became one of the first internet number 1’s on People Sound, supported by the DJ Legend Judge Jules.Back to Australia in the 2001 he teamed up with Orlando Allen from the Gong Family. While working in the Gong studios in Byron Bay the boys created an unsurpassed album by the ‘K Collective’, that goes deep into the world of using musical frequencies to move mountains inside the body and mind. The album is called ‘Breathe’ and is a piece of music that has helped thousands of people find solace since its release around the world in 2004.
The Kusha Deep story then takes its first step as a radio production company for Juice Fm/Totally Radio in Brighton UK, producing a pioneering internet radio show called ‘KDL’, while internet radio was still in its infancy. The show found friends around the world, particularly in Silicone Valley where programmers would email in saying how much the show helped them focus. KDL lasted for 18 months playing all that was cool in the world of Chill Zone and Atmospeheric Beats.Feeling the need to make music again Dar.Ra then set up a recording studio and started putting down tracks for his first solo album called ‘Soul Hours’ which was a collection of songs written over a ten year period while on the road. The release was supported by UK Radio. Dar.Ra played to over 1 million people while featuring on BBC Radio Cambridge, BBC Radio Norfolk, BBC East and BBC Peterborough on the new music show with Sue Marchent.
His Album comes out soon follow his socials at the bottom for updates and more!
Here is what we had a chat on...
- What drew you to the music industry?
I thought it was better than working in a factory. I got an offer to audition for a band as a singer and got it, left the factory and went on tour for the next 20 years.
- Who are you inspired by?
People who think outside the normal constraints of what is deemed possible. I admire people who strive for fairness in the treatment of animals, who go up against the forces that seek to keep us divided by politics or religion. I’m inspired by people who push boundaries of creative thinking. That’s what makes humans special for me, the ability to make beautiful things happen.
- Please explain your creative process
I get most of my ideas when I’m sleeping, I have a dream catcher so they are there when I wake up and I just write it all down and then work from there. My waking time is spent observing the oddities of human behaviour which also goes into my storytelling. That’s all I am at the end of it all is a storyteller!
- What’s an average day like for you?
I don’t get average days, each one flows differently. Some days flow better, I have learned to ride the tricky ones and stay out of the way when things are not going how I would like them.
- Is there a hidden meaning in any of your music?
All the songs have deep storylines, it’s not hidden if you listen to the words. I don’t do backwards words like Judas Priest as I want you to know where I’m at from the get go.
- Do you collaborate with others? What is that process?
I don’t tend to write with other people that much as I Usually hear the finished piece, I do however collaborate with production and work with one of the best producers in the world right now Harvey Summers. We have a non speaking relationship in the studio we communicate through telepathy. We know what needs to be done and just allow it to happen. We are able to leave our egos at the door, which always gets in the way of the creative process. Most bands die as a result of it in the end.
- Please discuss how you interact with and respond to fans
I don’t have any fans I have friends who support the work, we are more like family and speak honestly about everything we are going through. I love to feel I can help the Sonic family if they are going through stuff and need someone to talk to.
- What is your favourite part about this line of work? Your least favourite? Why?
Music is at the core a healing device that brings people together, without we would be lost. Imagine going out for a night and sitting in silence, or waiting at dentists and no music. Or flying without something to tune into. Music is huge in our lives, yet it gets the least respect in the eyes of some people who just think musicians are there to be used for free. Musicians are just as important in society as a Doctor or a Politician.
- Have you ever dealt with performance anxiety.
Nerves are part of the process they are telling you to step up and lift up peoples spirits. If your getting anxiety about performing then something’s wrong with your belief system. You’re there to do a job and heal others while healing yourself.
- Tell me about your favourite performance venues
Camden Palace in London was the best venue I love those old theatre venues with red velvet seats and gothic infrastructure. Metro in Sydney is also a cool venue to play!
- What advice would you have for someone wanting to follow in your footsteps?
Wear Adidas.
Follow DAR.Ra on social media for exclusive photos, behind the scenes looks and video message update @KushaDeepMusic https://www.instagram.com/dar.ra.brady/