Today we’d like to introduce you to Darla Fox.
Darla, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
My name is Darla Fox, and I am a singer-songwriter from Montclair, California. I grew up in a very musical family – my grandma owned a music studio where she taught music lessons, so I was always surrounded by instruments and singing. I began performing at the age of five in musical theatre, and I spent several years learning to act, dance, and sing. Early in my teenage years, I began playing piano, and I developed an interest in songwriting.
Starting high school was a difficult transition for me – to cope with these changes I started playing guitar and immersed myself in my songwriting. I wrote dozens of songs and performed at as many open mic nights as I could. When I was 15 I auditioned at a booth in the Ontario Mills, not thinking anything would come of it, but I then ended up being “discovered” by an upcoming company called bBooth and a management company called CMG Management. For the next two years, I worked very closely with the artist development associates and performed in various locations through LA and Hollywood and in events such as the Jingle Ball Pre-Show.
Even though the company eventually dismantled, I used my experiences with them to continue my music career, and since graduating high school I have been working as a professional musician, performing in venues all over California. Now I am working on my first EP, which I plan to release in 2020!
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
My road has definitely not been a straight line, it’s been more like a winding river with many boulders and unexpected obstacles along the way. As much as I love music, this isn’t the field you go into if you want an easy path. Ask any musician who is trying to “make it” in this industry, and they’ll tell you that the hardest part about this is taking a leap when there aren’t any guarantees. You have to believe in yourself more than anyone else does so that in the moments when other people doubt you, you can motivate yourself to keep going.
Because I was “discovered” so young, I had developed this idea that I was set – I had a way into the industry! When the company fell apart and I never even got my contract, I was heartbroken and confused. It was definitely a humbling experience. I felt frustrated because I would have to start over, but I decided I had two options: one, give up and never even have the chance to make it, or two, keep going and see what happens. So I chose the second and I haven’t looked back!
I have been very blessed to be surrounded by a musical family who understands my passion and supports my dreams, but when I first made the decision to pursue music full-time, I was also met with plenty of “what ifs” and people who told me it was a waste of time. I just choose to focus on those who do believe in me and more importantly, I focus on the fact that I believe in myself!
Can you give our readers some background on your music?
As a songwriter, I’m really proud of my original material. I consider my music to be a unique blend of pop, country, and folk, and I really strive to capture my life experiences in my music, but also I aim to tell the story in a way that is relatable for every listener. I love a great upbeat song with a strong hook that gets stuck in your head for days, but I’m also a sucker for a beautiful ballad that pulls at your heartstrings. I aim to achieve relatability and emotion in all of my music, and I do not show my work to others until it has reached that standard for me.
I am very passionate about the craft. I am also very proud of my voice. I study and practice very hard to make sure that my voice can let the songs shine. I believe the voice is the vessel to bring these songs to life, and whatever artist performs it needs to connect emotionally to the song. Even when I am singing cover songs that I haven’t written, I spend time studying and thinking about each song and the story behind it so I can really express the underlying emotions.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
If I had to start this whole journey again, I would tell myself to be patient and to accept the discomfort of growing. In the beginning of my career, I held myself back from some opportunities simply because I got in my own head or compared myself to other artists. There were several times I almost quit because I doubted my abilities – now I’ve grown to a level I never expected to reach. Now I look forward to the growing pains because I know that I can only get better if I continue to work and push myself out of my comfort zone.
Contact Info:
- Email: [email protected]
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darla_fox_music/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darlafoxmusic/
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCv9-z5YMKMXbHts-rR8ZXLQ
Image Credit:
Rebekah Cromey, Rylee Maher
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