Darren Parry

As a published singer/songwriter Darren has a renowned reputation for writing well crafted, melodic songs that have caught the attention of some of the biggest names in the songwriting world. Darren beat over 6000 entries from around the globe to win the 2004 UK Songwriting Contest with his song, “Reality”; judged by members of ‘The Brit Panel’ (of ‘BRIT AWARD’ fame).

He has been recognised with prestigious honourable mentions in the USA ‘Billboard’ contest and in 2008 achieved similar recognition in the USA ‘Song Of The Year’ and USA ‘Unisong’ contests (with his song, “Slippin’ Away”). Judges included members of Rolling Stone Magazine and guest judge, Beyonce. 2014 saw him achieve a runner up position in the USA 'Song Of The Year' with his contagious track "So Into You" (judges included Lenny Kravitz, Alicia Keys, Don Henley, Phil Collins and Gwen Stefani).

Darren has toured all over the world over the past 10 years, especially the USA (40 of the 50 USA states), Hong Kong, Britain and France, including singing as a tenor with the famous Black Mountain Male Chorus Of Wales (patron, Bryn Terfel), The Graceland Band and Sounds Familiar band. Born in Merthyr Tydfil, South Wales, the only child of Bill and Diane, he was obsessed with music from an early age. His mother would play Motown records that became part of his DNA and fuelled his love for melodic, hook laden songs that was embellished by him growing up with 80's Rock and Pop. He became fascinated not just by the singers and musicians of these songs but by the songwriters and producers that were behind the hits. Darren soon studied the songwriting magic of Desmond Child, Diane Warren and the production talents of Mutt Lange and others that inspired him to write his own self-penned songs.

Darren is no stranger to appearing on our screens having appeared /performed on TV shows such as; BBC 1’s “Test The Nation” (with Phillip Schofield and Anne Robinson), BBC 2’s “Let Me Entertain You” (with Brian Conley), BBC2’s “Identity” (with Donny Osmond), BBC “Music Under The Stars” (with Bryn Terfel and Michael Ball), "Cuppa TV" (breakfast show). Other performances include an ITV Christmas Special production from Cardiff Castle, BBC/S4C broadcasts of Welsh Rugby matches (singing on the Millennium Stadium pitch in front of 70,000 fans) and various appearances on Welsh BBC/ITV news bulletins.

Darren has performed with/shared the bill with amongst others...Michael Ball, Bryn Terfel, Goldie Lookin' Chain, Scouting for Girls, Steve Balsamo, The Story's, Simon Bowman, The Sweet Inspirations (Elvis' female backing singers), D.J. Fontana (Elvis' original drummer), Chris Needs (MBE), John Barrowman, Peter Karrie, Dave Sharp (The Alarm) and Henry Priestman (The Christians). Darren (Feb 2013) lent his vocals to a charity single called "A Miner's Song" (written by his friends Dan & Laura Curtis) to help raise money for the Welsh Miners Memorial Fund. Other Welsh artists/celebrities on the single include, Ioan Gruffudd, Michael Sheen, Jonathan Pryce, Aled Jones, Joe Calzaghe, Matthew Rhys, Dennis O'Neil, Wynne Evans and many more.

As well as being a successful solo artist in his own right Darren has written songs and produced for other artists such as Andrew Mark Jones ("Hit You In The Heart"), Nina Jones ("Never Let You Go", "Promises") and Lee Gilbert ("Soar", "Take Me As I Am"). Darren has co-written with renowned songwriters James Warren (The Korgis), writer of worldwide hit "Everybody's Got To Learn Sometime", Steve Balsamo (Slash, Cliff Richard, Meatloaf), Larry Williams/Dazzle Music (worked with Charlotte Church), Juan Lozano and Dan & Laura Curtis (written for Ramin Karimloo, Lea Salonga, Paul Potts etc.). Darren's songs have featured many times on BBC radio, SKY TV, Freeview, Freesat, Lufthansa Airlines, The FOX network, Big Centre TV, Nation Radio and on radio stations all over the world. He is diverse a singer/songwriter as he is prolific, having written songs that continue to appear on... Country radio, Pop radio, R&B radio, Rock radio, AC radio, AOR radio, Soul radio, Easy Listening and more!