THE SCENE: Darcy Kerr's musical journey
"My music journey started at soon as I could tap my fingers or make noise. The first instrument I learned was the chanter when I was around 4 or 5."
ARTIST - Darcy Kerr
What's your style of music?
My style of music covers quite a broad spectrum including drum and bass, reggae, blues, dance.
Tell us about your music journey, where did it start?
My music journey started at soon as I could tap my fingers or make noise. The first instrument I learnt was the chanter when I was around 4 or 5.
I had a fascination with pipe bands when I was little, I always looked forward to the ANZAC parade. I remember feeling a shiver up my spine hearing the pipe band play, that’s something that has stuck with me.
The way music makes you feel. From then I learnt a bit of piano and then guitar while also mucking around on the drums and bass.
Who have been your music influences?
I have a lot of musical influences but I would say Shapeshifter, Katchafire, Kora, Stevie Ray Vaughn and Jimi Hendrix would have to be my top 5.
I grew up listening to a huge variety of music from all different genres. I was also influenced by a lot of local musicians including Tuna Bradshaw, Marty Astone and Dave Glass. These guys got me playing gigs with them from when I was about 14 and always encouraged me to push myself musically.
What does the creative process look like when it comes to you writing songs?
I don’t really have a strict writing process. I usually come up with hooks, rhythms, lyrics etc at the most random times and places, I’ll get my phone out and record the idea then when I feel like writing ill play around with the ideas in my studio until I come up with something that I like.
What's been the most enjoyable gig where you have performed your own songs?
I love playing festivals and outdoor events but my favourite gig where I’ve played my own music probably has to be Covid Paloozaa at the Southland Musicians Club.
It was right after lockdown during covid and there was just such an awesome vibe.
I think because everyone was in lock down for so long everyone was just grateful to be able to listen to live music again and the artists were stoked to be able to share their music with a live audience.
What song have you attached for The Southland Tribune audience to listen to?
Break Free
How did that song come about, and why is it so special for you?
I wrote this song during lockdown, you can interpret it in different ways but for me it’s about breaking free from the stress that builds up in everyday life and sometimes you have to take a bit of time out for yourself to replenish your wairua.
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