Myspace Layouts - Myspace Editor - Image Hosting
About the Director of Digital Insomnia Limited and one half of production outfit "The Rhythm Purists"
Darren is a very open minded DJ/producer. He has many styles up his sleeve, and has worked alongside many top DJs and artists.
Darren mixes up the mood of his DJ sets, always aware of the crowd and their reactions.
"The art of Dj’ing is not playing all the best records that are available in the shops, like so many people think. It’s about playing the right record at the right time, taking your crowd on a spiritual journey into your world and what your musical tastes are, and also keeping true to what you believe in. Don't let the crowd control you, just let them guide you"
The same goes for his production. He has various production styles, mixing elements from one into another. This is what makes him so versatile.
1991 - Darren started out managing a local band called 'Stone High' from Stourbridge, in the West Midlands. This gave Darren his first taste of the music scene, promoting and getting gigs for the band. An early lesson in promotion and management.
1993 - He first touched the famous one's and two's as a future DJ round a couple of friend's houses, (Lee Walker and David Jakeman) and was hooked instantly.
Later that year, Darren went onto Kidderminster College to complete a 2-year National Diploma in Performing Art's, specialising in recording techniques. On Completion Darren purchased studio equipment consisting of an Akai S2000 sampler, Yamaha TG300, 1 Effects unit, mixing desk and keyboard. This sent Darren on his way also in the direction of artist and producer rather than DJ like so many others.
1996 - Was the birth of 'Pink Bomb', Pink Bomb formed: July 1996 (Original members: Rob Preston, Darren Bayton). Darren teamed up with Robert Preston, with 5 years of recording experience already behind him. The self-titled 'Pink Bomb' was the second track that Darren and Rob wrote together.
It was then picked up by Spencer Baldwin of 'Perfecto/East West', Perfecto being Paul Oakenfolds record label. The track was then test pressed up and played out by John Digweed at 'Cream' in December 1996. Two weeks later the guys were remixing 'Tilt's' 'My Spirit' on Perfecto Records.
1997 - Six months later the Pink Bomb boys were signed up to Quad Communications from Newcastle-upon-Tyne with whom 'Pink Bomb' was released as a single. The track received numerous reviews in magazines such as Muzik, DJ magazine and Mixmag where it was voted fifth biggest track of the month, plus a 5 star review in the House section and a 4 star review in the Trance section in the same month.
http://www.discogs.com/artist/Pink+Bomb
Later that year they were joined by DJ Matt Booker, (Cream resident for Cream at the Que Club, Birmingham.) and went on to release their successful second single 'Indica'.
'Indica' sold 8000 copies on 12" vinyl and CD formats. Also making it on numerous compilation albums in 1998, including the 'Ministry of Sound' - 'Ibiza Annual 1998', 'Renaissance Volume One 1998', and various 'Boxed Global Underground' compilation albums.
A total of five singles were released on the 'Quad Communications' label over the past 6 years.
During this time there were a number of remixing works produced, all receiving the Pink Bomb treatment.
1999 - Darren met Ade Brown in Ibiza. A future dj contact.
The third single 'Aftershock' was released, again selling over 7000 copies, and available on several dance compilation albums, including 'Ministry of Sound - Dance Nation Six', and several reviews in all the usual magazine.
2000 - Through a very good friend Dj Harm-on-E, Darren found himself Dj’ing at his first ever club venue called the 'Trance Budda' in Amsterdam. He enjoyed a couple of slots at the club in the basement area, playing funky/progressive tribal beats.
This year also saw the release of the fourth Pink Bomb single 'Iracus'.
2001 - Darren teamed up with Billy Stevens of WOW and 'Earthworm Records', to form part of the Dj’ing outfit 'Gemini'. Enjoying a residency at Club Hidden in Birmingham's Chinese Quarter for six months. They also enjoyed various DJ slots in Cardiff, via Ade Brown.
Remixes of the 'Indica' single were released and gained a place in Mixmag's third biggest single of the month.
2002 - Has seen Darren and Pink Bomb sign off the Quad Communication Label under the Pink Bomb name, and spend most of his time locked away in his studio, working on various styles of music, from house to progressive funk.
A new record label under the name Digital Insomnia Recordings and two new artist names were set up by Darren for his different guises. Mr Filth & Dj-Digital Insomnia where formed, ready for future projects to take place. This is where Darren went solo and started to find a new direction for his own sound
2003 - Recent success for Darren came from winning a competition in February on Radio 1's Dave Pearce, Dance Anthems Show.
The prize was to work with Rui Da Silva in his London studio on a new project. Vocals on the track were provided from an accappella found in Jeff Jefferson's record collection. The track was created as a result of Darren teaching Jeff how to use studio sequencing software, and musical packages.
2004 – Finally the launch of artists 'Mr Filth,' a funky cross progressive style of house music. Something that Darren has been a big collector and player of since he began his days as a DJ. Lots of studio production and experimenting on new styles The new website has been the main focus for Darren allowing him to Branch out into the world of cyberspace.
Also this year will see the launch of dj and producer ‘dj-digital insomnia’. Another artist from up Darren's sleeve, yet another of his aliases. Watch out for some new electro break beat and progressive / house styles from this talented dj / producer. Stay tuned to find out.
Also in 2004, Darren & Billy ran the very successful Flirt event. Located for 7 months at Revolution Bar in Walsall. The event ran through until the end of 2004, when the guys decided it was time to move on to other locations. Embarking on a mini tour of other clubs around the midlands, including Bambu / Birmingham, China Town. March 2004.
Darren has also formed his new Private Music Industry Services business. Named ‘Digital Insomnia Limited’. The aim of this business is to teach young and old students on a private or open college / university based status. From dj’ing skills, music production techniques, midi sequencing. Audio, sampling etc. Plus music industry business side. I.e. setting up your own label, promoting, publishing, PRS, MCPS, DRM, etc.
2005 – Darren has gone back to teaching dj’ing since January at JJM studios where he ran a 15-week dj course funded by JJM studios. Also he is now concentrating on his music production again and teaching private students. Also this year, releasing a remix of old 80’s Classic, Jefferson Starship – “Nothings Gonna Stop us now†on white label. The track has not had the expected success it deserved. But that’s the music industry. Nothing ventured, nothing gained!
2006 – Launch of new tracks in the pipeline for the new Digital Insomnia Recordings Label. (Originally set up back in 2002 but never got chance to launch the label due to other projects) The 1st release of a track called "Karma Groove with a cheeky b-side with vocals from Alison Moyett This marks the first release on the new Digital Insomnia Recordings Label. (Available at hard to find records only)
This was a Track by Artists the Rhythm Purists. This consists of Digital I and Dave Andrews. Digital-I, released a summer soulful bar lounging track with a funked up summer vocal remix from Dave Andrews.
Also this year, Darren has teamed up with 89.6 Deep FM. Playing a regular house and funky house set. Look out for more on this.
Also teaching at a local music college and University as a part time music technology lecturer. 2007 - 2008 Spent most of the year launching Digital Insomnia Recordings. This has been so much fun.
Shout outs Mom & Dad, thank you.
Rob Preston, Matt Booker, Mike Gillenwater, Paul Anthony, ZXX, Bryan Jones, Peter Presta, Spencer Baldwin, Steve Lawler, Pete Gooding, Nic Gillet of Massive Records Birmingham, Sasha, John Digweed, Paul Oakenfold, Mick Parke and Mick Wilson aka Tilt, Dj, Harm, Ferry Corsten (aka Moonman) Dj Tiesto, Armin Van Buren. And anyone else that has either played or listened to our past pinkbomb tracks. Thanks for caining our records guys.
Scott Dawson, James and Andy, Rich Kean / Global Under Ground boys, Paul & Chad from Digital Village - Birmingham.
Rui & Gil Da Silva, Dave Pearce & Lorraine Ashdown / Radio 1. Sophie Travers, Simon Walsh / Size-nine Radio,
Mick Boskamp, Ade Brown, Billy Stevens, Dec Cluskey - Serious Writers Guild, John Bates - My music teacher Kidderminster College, Ashley Sheehan of pro-drum - www.pro-drum.com, Charlotte Birch.
Richie Southall, Bret Muay Thai Middleton, New Shoes Hughes, Jakey, Lee Walker, Harni Zaidi, Beth Nottage, John Hartill, Ste & Julie, Scott, Kevin and Lynne Morgan.
Big Big massive shout to Carl & Wendy & family for all their support in total belief in me and every beat of the night. Stu Stu we love you & Haggy big up! Shout outs to the Gornal Massive. Wazza (weeew) Bird.
Andy Jones, Andy Poole, Junior & Dave from Revolution Bar Walsall, and the rest of the staff.
Michelle & Paul @ Scarlets. Rik James.
more details about us available on my website.
www.digital-insomnia.co.uk