Daren Sirbough is a Sydney based songwriting lover of expression. His music is made up of catchy heartfelt words and melodies to keep your feet moving and your heart wandering. It is funny to think he only began writing music at the beginning of 2010 when you hear the way he makes music. This calmly collected young chap is a multi-instrumentalist full of quirks and personality. His E.P. Titled, ‘Where we Belong’ will be released on the 14th of November at the Gaelic Theatre.
1. What was the first band you saw live?
I was in year 10 and Usher was touring Australia. It was a phenomenal show. The music, the stage, the lights, the excitement just buzzing around in the air! It was too much for me to handle at the time. When I first saw live music, its like a light went on in my heart. You just understand why people do this for the rest of their lives regardless of financial stability and the right career choice.
2. What’d you learn from him?
I think it wasn’t what I learned in my head about music, but what he had exposed me to. Knowing that there was so much more music to discover got me hungry to sing, play, jam with other musicians, and to one day ultimately end up writing songs!
3. Got any pre-gig rituals?
I tend to disappear half an hour before the show starts. I just like being on my own in that time to get comfortable and think through things before going on stage. I am highly Introverted and so that time beforehand just preparing and relaxing is so vital to me. You’ll generally find me either warming up in the change rooms or walking around outside the venue to get some fresh air. It can get pretty tense just waiting there in the change rooms before you go on and I don’t really like talking right before. You usually have to yell in a venue to talk to someone else and that can ruin your voice before you even start performing!
4. What do you think the most important issue affecting artists in NSW is today?
Finance. Money does make the world go round. People need it to get by and there isn’t much of a support base for artists unless you’re signed. The thing is, unsigned artists will continue to play because they love it, but I wonder what would happen if they all just stopped. Our State would surely miss these musicians/lyricists/storytellers so if you are reading this, please, buy their music, buy the t-shirt, get the random merch they are selling. It is already a joy to be performing for you but knowing that people are buying your stuff is just the icing on the cake.
5. If you weren’t a musician, what do you reckon you’d be doing?
I don’t think I could do anything else. Cut my hands off and I’d probably still be songwriting, teaching and arranging music. I love it too much. It’s all I’ve known and all I’ve really cared about.