Darius Christian is our NY Entertainer of the Week.  Check out our interview to learn more about his passion for music, his song Bright Eyes, and what he loves about NYC!

upfrontNY: When did you find your passion for music?

Darius Christian: I distinctly remember riding shotgun in my dad’s car around age 9-10. Theme and Variations came on the radio, an Aaron Copland arrangement for small brass orchestra. I was hooked immediately.

 

upfrontNY: What does music mean to you?

Darius Christian: Music is a necessary tool/medium for expression. Similar to water/food, it brings me life. It allows me to connect with humans all over the world and serves as this beautiful human equalizer.

 

upfrontNY: How did you discover the trombone and when did you know you wanted to be a trombonist?

Darius Christian: I initially discovered my love brass music at an early age around Middle School years. I was drawn to the complexities of trumpet and trombone and was motivated to play in regial county and state jazz and concert bands. By age 16 I was doing concerts at the Meyerhoff Symphony Orchestra  hall (Baltimore) with student ensembles and quickly there after starting performing in Baltimore City with my own high school rock band.

 

upfrontNY: You have 10+ years of classical and modern jazz training. Can you tell us about this and when you knew this was something you wanted to pursue?

Darius Christian: It was somewhat by accident.  I initially went to school for a general music education degree. I quickly discovered that I wanted to become a specialist in my instrument in the sense of working towards Mastery:  my understanding of sound, technique, Harmony and basically becoming the best version of my self as an artist.

 

upfrontNY: Can you tell us about the song Bright Eyes?

Darius Christian: About 5 years ago in New York City I was teaching it at a school in Harlem. The students were from all over the world especially in areas of South America. They were so ridiculously excited to learn about jazz music and ethnic music that I was inspired to write a song that captured the energy of learning and the innocence of being an excited yet studious kid!

(Cover Art: Jimmy Niekamp)

 

upfrontNY: How does it feel to share this song with others?

Darius Christian: Its like huge relief. This song has been a work in progress for nearly 5 years! It took quite some time to get it right and share it with the world.

 

upfrontNY: You have worked with some great artists including Rihanna, Macklemore, and Kesha. What has been one of your favorite memories?

Darius Christian: My all-time favorite tour memory was finishing a expansive and intense 9-week tour with Macklemore and Kesha and having a massive food fight on stage with all of the bands and crew members in front of the audience (15 thousand people!)

 

upfrontNY: Who do you hope to work with one day?

Darius Christian: Oh so many…mainly Reggie Watts, Tyler the Creator.

 

upfrontNY: What has been one of your favorite venues to perform and what is your dream venue to one day perform?

Darius Christian: Honestly, The Bowery Ballroom has been one of my favorite venues. It is such a dream playing for 500-2000 person venues. Where it’s intimate and high energy!

 

upfrontNY: You also have experience modeling. How did you get your start with modeling and what do you like most about it?

Darius Christian: This was mostly based on a very vital connection that I had while working at the Blue Note jazz club in New York City. Right after grad school I was an intern at the infamous jazz club which led to me eventually performing there. Tommy Hilfiger reached out to this jazz club seeking Jazz musicians which led to me Landing a huge campaign with Gigi Hadid. From there I’ve worked on pretty amazing campaigns for Nike, Footlocker, Cadillac and more! I’ll be featured in a dope campaign for Adidas this late fall 😉

 

NYC FAVORITES

Music Venue:  Rockwood music Hall

Spot to find inspiration: Arlenes Grocery on a Thursday night for ‘The Lesson’

Restaurant: Greenpoint Fish And Lobster

Place to relax: Greenpoint BK waterfront

Favorite thing about NYC:  The I will break you yet build you up atmosphere