We’re looking forward to introducing you to Darien Martus. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning Darien, we’re so happy to have you here with us and we’d love to explore your story and how you think about life and legacy and so much more. So let’s start with a question we often ask: What do the first 90 minutes of your day look like?
I meditate 20-30 minutes before I get out of bed. I brew my coffee and toast a bagel and bring both with me on my bike ride to the beach. Once I’m at the shore, I read some Walt Whitman. His poetry is my favorite. Then, I review my video journal from the previous day and record a fresh one for the current day. I’ve been doing this for a couple years now and it’s powerful. Each day grows out of the one before. Next, I ride back home (which is uphill so I get a little cardio). Eat a bigger breakfast then into my studio, (which is half of my bedroom), to put in a few hours with whatever project I’m into, currently I’m mixing a new album of songs.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am a recording artist signed to Do It Records, which is an independent label within Sony music. I write and produce my own music and my label releases it to my listeners. I have done music for a living all my life and signed a recording contract at the age of 68. This might be what makes me most unique. I studied piano and voice as a child. I received a bachelor of music from Oakland University in Michigan and a master of music composition from university of Redlands. I was the choir director at Palm Springs high school for many years and retired in 2013. At that point, I began producing my own music and self releasing until I signed with the label in 2020. My album, “Pockets” reached #1 on the Amazon charts in folk. Because of that, I was invited to join the Recording Academy and I can vote and submit my music for the Grammy Awards. I have been considered for a Grammy 7 times. My music does not fit neatly into traditional genres, although it generally gets classified as pop, rock or folk. I don’t try to conform to any particular style, but instead I find what I think is the best way to communicate each song that I wrote. I play piano and guitar. I also perform most of the other tracks on my records. I do sometimes bring other artists into the Recording.
Okay, so here’s a deep one: What did you believe about yourself as a child that you no longer believe?
When I was a child, I believed I was supposed to fit in, to be like everyone else. I was never able to do this and it caused me much pain. Now, I realize that I’m a unique individual and I’m so thankful that I DID NOT conform or fit in because I’ve become the individual that I am today. I wouldn’t change a thing about any of it!
What fear has held you back the most in your life?
By far, the greatest fear of my life has been what others thought about me. As I let this go, I find courage to be more and more true to myself.
So a lot of these questions go deep, but if you are open to it, we’ve got a few more questions that we’d love to get your take on. Is the public version of you the real you?
Now, at last, YES! I have no reason to withhold anything about who I am, how I feel or what I think.
Okay, so let’s keep going with one more question that means a lot to us: What will you regret not doing?
At this point in my life, 73 years old, I have absolutely zero regret. Every event, relationship or situation of my life so far, was exactly the best it could be to form who I am NOW.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://darienmartus.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darienmartus?igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darien-martus-02122874?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darien.martus.2025?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@darienmartus?si=UYwJKtxkbcH4X2Yq
