Bio

Born 6th February in New Zealand, he has spent the majority of his life travelling overseas. Darren aka Didgedaz is an infamous character in the Australian dance music scene having been involved in hundreds of events over the last 7 years. Through this he has developed a unique style and approach to electronic music, combining tribal didgeridoo and percussion, with organic and electronic samples, DJ grooves, inspiring visuals and of course the all important message.

This journey began with a life changing dream, in which an Aboriginal elder came to him playing the didgeridoo (yidaki) on his head and singing an ancient language. Darren took this as a sign that he should travel to Australia in search of knowledge about this instrument and its culture. Amazingly, days later he was offered to sail across the Tasman in a 12m yacht called Fand, with a friend and Greenpeace veteran, Chris Robinson. The choice between responsibility and security or intuition and adventure had to be made quickly. It was. Letting go of all expectations and familiarity he set sail for the great Southern land and a life changing experience.

The music defines a journey of a whitefella dreaming, discovering his song lines; the ancient paths travelled by many indigenous people and sung into existence over the eons. Their "dreamtime" stories (as Europeans call them) hark back to an era before "civilization", before "time", before "mind", when humans were free, trusting, innocent and aware. Didgedaz produces songs relating to all the realms he has experienced, attempting to create an 'other' worldly scene. The outcome appeals to those looking for an musical journey where a heartfelt storyline is present. The intention being to transport the individual deeper into a collective consciousness where ancient wisdom is assimilated into the modern world to bring about the positive change needed for Earth repair.

During his time with aboriginal people they seemed to put a lot of emphasis on self-discovery, ceremony and knowledge stating that these things are the key to deeper understanding of the real world we live in. The dreamtime is here and now. The earth is as aware as you and I, the responsibility is to share the gift of the future. I decided long ago that many things we, as a society, are doing are not appropriate or sustainable for other cultures or the living system of our planet. By shattering the myth of the Western dream and rebuilding it with more sustainable concepts and ways of living, I arrived at a place of great satisfaction knowing I had changed many firmly conditioned ideas about the way it is seen.

The evolution continues through music, art and further enquiry to seek the highest level of awareness in this life. As a performer I hope to send a loud and clear message to my audience, the media and establishment that the continued destruction of the environment, with pollution, institutionalized aggression and cultural homogenization, for example, is no longer an acceptable way to behave in this world. With the emotions generated through the music we can transmit powerful messages of disapproval, peace, tolerance, joy and understanding. In my small, unique way I am happy to bring another voice to the choir of greater glory for our collective consciousness and planet Earth.

Band Members:
Darren Jaya