darren eedens

darren eedens is a Canadian solo musician who performs acoustic-rooted country, bluegrass and progressive bluegrass material. His songs draw on folk and bluegrass traditions, but he is also known for combining upbeat rhythms with dark, morbid lyrics and for writing from a perspective shaped by stories, life, and death.

Style and performance

He performs with banjo, guitar and mandolin, and sometimes uses only his voice. His live shows are characterised by high energy and a stripped-back acoustic setup, with performances that often include him standing on tables, bars, or chairs and singing at full volume. His voice is described as one of his main instruments, and his performances often aim to leave audiences quiet and focused before building into a stomping, communal feel.

Career

He tours across Canada, the United States, the UK and Europe, carrying little more than his instruments and essentials while putting his earnings back into travel, food and making more music. He works regularly in the greater Toronto area and plays live frequently.

In September 2009, he is offered the chance to begin touring and releases his debut album Owls; and Other Birds of Prey. That release contains nine of his early songs and helps establish both his sound and a recognisable visual identity, including porcelain owls placed around venues during shows.

In September 2011, he releases Cardboard Caribous; and Artificial Trees, a three-part release that presents different sides of his songwriting. It includes upbeat tracks, gospel-leaning material, bluegrass influences, a cappella pieces, and slower ballads.

Collaborations and shared bills

darren eedens tours with Juno-nominated Emm Gryner and shares stages with Royal Wood, Melissa McClelland and Luke Doucet. He also opens for comedian Louis CK at the Sony Centre in Toronto, performs with Julie Doiron at Ryerson University, and opens for the Rural Alberta Advantage at The Phoenix in Toronto.

Live reputation

His performances are built around heavy touring, hard playing and a strong stage presence. He is presented as a musician who breaks the usual expectations of a solo act, combining acoustic playing with a theatrical, physical delivery and lyrics that often focus on difficult or tragic themes.