Darrius
2,352 plays
28,024 views
28,024 views
Band/artist history
Singer, keyboardist and songwriter Darrius Lamont Willrich has been building a life devoted to music since the age of twelve. Darrius received his first instrument - a keyboard - at the age of fifteen and has never looked back. From teaching himself to play piano by ear as a teen to graduating Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Music in jazz piano from Cornish College of the Arts in 1994, Darrius has honed his musical versatility and finesse to a professional level.
For over ten years, Darrius has been an integral part of Seattles live music circuit. He is a first-call musician for both traditional and contemporary jazz, funk, R&B, hip-hop and gospel keyboarding. Darrius style evokes comparison to Stevie Wonder and Prince, two artists he cites as major inspiration for their commitment to creative expression.
Yet it wasnt until his 1999 self-titled debut album Darrius that he broke ground and revealed his talents as a vocalist, songwriter and producer. On March 25, 1999 Darrius played to a sold-out CD release party, turning nearly 300 people away due to limited venue capacity. The album is a sexy, soulful blend of R&B and jazz and was nominated for Best R&B Adult Contemporary CD for that years Northwest Music Awards.
Since then Darrius has been teaching piano on a college level and performing in Seattles most popular club venues. There are few hard-hitting musical projects Darrius does not either spearhead or participate in. Just last summer Darrius played keys for Seattle groove/soul sensation Maktub as they opened for Earth, Wind and Fire.
Darrius also writes and performs with the explosive live hip-hop band Source of Labor, who will soon be on tour with underground hip-hop wonders Dilated Peoples and The Coup. Every week, Darrius plays with a nine-piece improvisatory hip-hop soul band called Jumbalaya. Selling out to SRO capacity every weekend, Jumbalaya is easily Seattles favorite live club act. Other local projects include composing for three films by independent Sojourner Entertainment.
It is his mission to leave a legacy of music that inspires and touches people. I want to make people feel the way I felt when I listened to people like Stevie Wonder and Prince hearing and feeling dreams coming true, and through that knowing I could make my own dreams come true.
Darrius next album is due out by Summer 2001. Watch and listen for it!
Hear the Music...Feel the SunHave you performed in front of an audience?I play live all the time in Seattle, WA and love it.
Your musical influences
Stevie Wonder, Herbie Hancock, Kenny Lattimore, Brian McKnight, Eric Benet, PrinceWhat equipment do you use?
Korg Triton, Rhodes, live instruments, REASONAnything else?
Hi Mom and DadHi, I`m a upcoming Rap artist with a major deal. I work currently on my album and need hot beatz. I feel yor music your Beatz are very TIGHT! Please contact me at (mcadriano@okay.ms)
I pay also for Beatz, Peace!I'm still diggin your muzik.......I swear its gotta crack....If you are doing BigThings with "LoveWillVisit"....GOOD! U better be!
But if not......hmmmmm! Holla!Yo D', dis ya boi StefonE'. just sendin you out a shout out. Feelin it son...HEY MAN ITS MATTHEWJAMES FROM FLAWLESS SOUNDS ME AND MY PARTNER DEE LOVE YOUR STUFF LETS MAKE SOMETHING SPECIAL
MATTHEWJAMES & DEE
FLAWLESS SOUNDS
www.soundclick.com/flawlesssoundsAll comments (10)
2,352 plays
28,024 views
28,024 views
Admin
Darrius
@dwillrich
Darrius, U have a very professional sound, great job. Check me out too J.P.