About Me
Darren Crooks' mother was one of the hardest working Jazz Funk & Disco djs on the southcoast circuit during the 70's and Darren was born into a musical world based around his mothers' record collection comprising of thousands of rare and now deleted Funk & disco 7 & 12"s. Growing up with the sounds of Fat Larrys Band, Parliament, Earth Wind & Fire and Imagination to name only a few and always having access to dj equipment it was a completely natural progression for Darren to grown up with a passion for music, djing and eventually production.At School Darrens passion for music was very apparent. Regulary recording soulful house mix tapes for his class mates and even providing music for the school fashion show! Much to the career advisors disgust Darren knew that not only did he want to play music to people, he wanted to make it. When school finished Darren signed himself up to study music production at college. It was here things really began to happen.At the age of 17, as well as running and djing small low key House Music parties at the weekends in various pubs around the south coast Darren had his head down studying the art of production. It was during this time Darren decided to send a demo to Simon Dunmore the A&R Director and owner of his favourite record label DEFECTED RECORDS. The demo impressed Simon so much it lead to a Job at the label which was to be a 3 year house music affair.At Defected Darren had the chance to work alongside and for the likes of Roger Sanchez, Bob Sinclar, Full Intention, Copyright, Liquid People and his now friend Sandy Rivera (Kings Of Tomorrow) to name only a few. Darren even djed for Defected at the Ministry of Sound fulfilling one of his 'do before I die' aims which was to play Soulsearcher 'Cant Get Enough' at a Defected Party in the Ministry of Sound before the age of 21... Done! It was also at Defected Darren became a product tester for Dj equipment manufacturer Pioneer.Always maintaining his production and dj work Darren became a regular player on the south coast house circuit guesting at venues and nights such as Kindergarten Klub, The Zap Club, Vanilla, Barbluu, Wedgewood Rooms and many more! including guest dj mixes for Power Fm not to mention playing and promoting his own and co-promoted parties Sleepless, Playpen, Champagne PussyKat Klub & That Thing. His energetic style of djing and music selection has ensured a constant flow of dj work and Darren is praised for his ability to work a crowd, regulary striking a balance between what the crowd want to hear and what Darren wants to play. He uses beats, acapellas and his own re-edits to take the roof of any venue that host him or his night.Bringing things forwards to 2007 Darren has enjoyed remixing pop acts which include Upper Street, Michelle Marsh and China Boy High. Turning these otherwise poppy commercial radio records into viable house club records. Darren has also launched a new night called 'CASBAH' held monthly at Portsmouths Number 1 stylish bar Drift, featuring a music policy of House With Rhythm & Soul, a percussionist and additional extensive sound, light and decor, packing them in every month after only a year 'CASBAH' is starting to make some waves in the industry with some big suprises instore for the winter! Now promoting and producing full time following his role as Press & Promotions Manager for Hit factory CR2 RECORDS Darrens Record collection, industry knowledge and contacts ensure he knows what he is doing and certainly wont take any prisoners! With forthcoming productions and big house parties on the way expect to hear his name a lot more over the next few months!Notable Dj Booths Darren has hit:International:
babylon-izhevsk-Russia
Plastik-IbizaPortsmouth:
Drift (CASBAH & Champagne Pussy Kat Klub)
Tantrum, Friscos, & Tangerine Suite (Kindergarten Klub & Sleepless)
Barbluu (Portsmouth & IOW)
Whiteroom
Wedgewood Rooms
Pyramids (Godskitchen Tour)
Bubba
Vanilla (Playpen)
Vbar
Ponana
Subway
Wanted
Bar38
Emptyfish
JongleursSouthampton:
Whitehouse (Rehab)
Fruit (Casbah/Champagne Pussykat Klub)
The Brook(Revive)
The Venue
Mono
Junk (Precious Love)
Apartment 26Bournemouth:
Karma Bar
ElementsBrighton:
ZapLondon:
Ministry Of Sound (Defected In The House/Kindergarten Klub)
Whitehouse (Cr2 Live & Direct)
