Meet Darrin “CC” Cuffie of Breakthrough Music Group in Orange County – Central

Today we’d like to introduce you to Darrin “CC” Cuffie.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Darrin. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I was raised in the capital of the “Motown Sound” Detroit, MI. The nickname CC was given to me by my best friend during the time he and I were members of a touring gospel group. The nickname stuck and is how most of my closest friends refer to me.

“I developed my writing and singing style by listening to some of my favorite artist(s) like Donny Hathaway, Stevie Wonder, Al Green and Stokely of Mint Condition to name a few. However, it is the lasting and memorable impressions of my father (Robert Coleman) and brother (Robert Jr.) singing in church that made the most lasting impression. The passion displayed by my father and favorite singers made me want to have the same type of impact on people.

I like to refer to my musical style as R&B (Reality Based) music that reaches and teaches. I have written and co-written over 200 songs. In early 2009 I took another step forward in my music career and became a part of a dynamic songwriting and music production team called the 3 Kings. This was an influential time and served as a springboard to develop my songwriting and production skills.   My two partners and I formed BeatHouse Music Group and quickly became a leader in the Orange County music scene. The record label became an outlet for some of the top artists and musicians you hear on your radio today. Such as Mo Thugs from the Bone Thugs and Harmony camp, Jarius Mozee (guitarist, bassist, producer), Greg “Beatsmith” Morgan (Sound Designer, Producer for Rodney Jerkins) and many others.

The BeatHouse days were amazing and served as a foundation for me to keep moving forward and forming Breakthrough Music Group in 2019. As the founder of this indie music label, I wanted to focus on creating music that will put a premium on substance over style. Make no mistake the artists that Breakthrough Music Group will bring to the world will not just be style innovators but will also inspire and break new ground in music.

This led to my current project that I produced and released under the Breakthrough Music label called “Chocolate”. It’s a smooth throwback tune that exemplifies the beauty of the Melanin in our skin!

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Smooth road has not been my experience. I’ve worked as a professional Project Manager/Purchasing Specialist for the past several years and Songwriter/Producer by night. It’s an experience like many have had to overcome. However, the time management, discipline and commitment required to pursue your passion is challenging. There are times I’m maxed out mentally or even physically. Nevertheless, you press on to the person I believe GOD has created me to be. The music industry today is very fickle. It seems that it is always looking for the next new thing or most popular style, which I get. However, I constantly have to ask myself do I want to make popular music or do I want to make great music which isn’t necessarily the same thing. Finding the balance to create artistically and get paid for what you do it seems like a battle for your ideology at times. Sell out or Sell more!

Breakthrough Music Group – what should we know? What do you do best? What sets you apart from others?
I am a singer, songwriter, music producer. I love to be inspired artistically speaking and be inspiring! I also love to be in the creative space of bringing an idea or concept into reality. Breakthrough Music will be known for its quality music and will work with artists who don’t necessarily tick all of the standard boxes of the music industry but shows a willingness to color outside of the lines and show their God-given gift(s).

What is “success” or “successful” for you?
Success for me is being able to make a living doing what you love to do. Putting in the work, crafting a composition or lyric that resonates with the audience is what defines success for me. A quote by the great writer Maya Angelou sums it up perfectly, “You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead, pursue the things you love doing and then do them so well that people can’t take their eyes off of you.”

Contact Info:

• Address: BKMG
  2312 Park Ave. #113
  Tustin, CA. 92782
• Email: dccuffie@br8kthrumusic.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bkmg1/
• Facebook: @breakthroughmusicgroup

Image Credit:
Carla Rhea Photography, Skyeview Media

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