Listening post
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| Malan Darras |
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By MATT ELLIOTT World Scene Writer
3/30/2007
Singer-songwriter Malan Darras will have his CD release party online
With the upcoming release of his second solo album, Malan Darras officially marks the the beginning of a new era.
Darras will air his new solo album, "Who Is Malan D.?" Saturday in a free online listening party through his Web site, www.malandarras.com. Rather than have a traditional CD release party, this will put his music out there for more folks, without the added expense of booking a venue.
"I've never heard of anybody doing anything like this before. We just kind of thought it up," said Darrras, in an interview at Shades of Brown Coffee in Brookside.
In one form or another, Darras has been a fixture on the local music scene since 2000, most notably as the singer of the band Rewake, which last year won the Best None of the Above category at the Spot Music Awards for the fifth time, cinching the band's induction in the Spot Music Hall of Fame.
Darras recorded this solo album at his home studio in January and February. The disc will be for sale online on April Fools Day through www.blastmymusic.com.
Darras posted the
"Who Is Malan D.?" is propelled by drum machines, cold melodies from keyboards and pianos, the singer's harmonized vocals and Darras' quirky sense of humor. It's a departure for him, because Darras has the last few years of his music life working in jam bands and groups dedicated to reggae.
His work has always been about "Struggling to figure out the universe," he said. "On this one, it's all just like, 'I am powerful. You cannot (expletive) with me.' "
The album features some cameo performances from Congress of a Crow's singer, Danelle Phillips, and Jacob Fred Jazz Odyssey bassist Reed Mathis.
In addition to a label, he's got a public relations firm working to get his songs radio play, spots on movie soundtracks and media coverage, he said.
Also, Darras recently returned from the South by Southwest music festival in Austin, Texas, where he showcased his new material and met Flaming Lips singer Wayne Coyne as well as Jane's Addiction vocalist Perry Ferrell.
"I'm pumped. I've never felt so good -- ever. Like, this is the biggest deal I've ever done and it just happened by accident."
The album came to him as part of a new lease on life. The singer has more or less been convalescing since he was struck by a hit-and-run driver in July 2006, breaking his left leg and ankle.
Months later, Darras has given up drinking, gotten rid of his crutches and has solidified his relationship with Phillips.
"She's inspired me to become a better person. I'm totally sober now, and not even dealing with drinking or partying," Darras said. "I'm sober now, it's fantastic. I'm proud of that."
Matt Elliott 581-8366
matt.elliott@tulsaworld.com
MALAN DARRAS ONLINE LISTENING PARTY
When:
6 p.m. Saturday
Where:
www.malandarras.com/release
Admission:
free
By MATT ELLIOTT World Scene Writer
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