I AM A HUMAN (BEING)

Darkpines has truly impressed with his remarkable songs that showcase his immense talent and creativity.

One standout track titled I AM A HUMAN (BEING) features a captivating collaboration with Brother's Crickets, resulting in a composition that captivates listeners from start to finish. The thoughtful lyrics and captivating melodies of this song delve deep into the intricacies of the human experience, resonating with listeners on a profound level.

Equally impressive is Darkpines' solo effort, the haunting and evocative ONDC. With its immersive sound design and mesmerizing melodies, this piece whisks the listener away to a realm of contemplation and introspection.

Both songs clearly highlight Darkpines' professional approach to music-making, showcasing his ability to craft engaging and thought-provoking compositions that leave an indelible impression.

It is worth noting that Darkpines has an extensive history of collaboration, particularly with his best friend under the moniker Brothers Crickets. While Darkpines' album and "O N D C" are solo works, there are plenty of upcoming collaborative projects between the two artists.

Don't miss the opportunity to support Darkpines by reading, listening, and following his promising musical journey.

What 1st drew you to music?

My uncle playing the banjo in the very dark night time around a campfire. I was transfixed and couldn’t get it out of my mind. When I was allowed to play it, I was hooked. I’ve also always loved the way music can make you feel.

Tell us a little bit about yourself. Your (music) background?

I’m a former music teacher and have been making my own music for 25+ years. I play all the instruments and record the songs in my home. I’ve played in bands and written/recorded music for as long as I can remember. This is my first set of work that is just done by me. Much of what’s to come is collaborative with Brother’s Crickets.

May I ask how you arrived at your artist’s name?

Outside my childhood home were very tall foreboding pine trees that swayed in the wind. They became synonymous with the mental health issues I’ve struggled with my whole life. That, and the feeling of pining after something unattainable.

Do you write your own music, or do you collaborate?

Both. I’ve been collaborating my whole life, especially with my best friend whose artist name is Brothers Crickets. Darkpines the album, and O N D C a completely solo works.

A lot of my upcoming music is collaborative with Brother’s Crickets. I have a set of songs that are Darkpines songs that feature BC and vice versa. We have an equal or greater amount of music that we both take equal credit for making. We also control all aspects of production and mixing is typically a collaborative effort on this songs.

Do you have a preferred genre?

Not really. Most of my/our music explores different styles and often includes mixing genres I would lean to are saying it’s alternative pop or hard to classify.

Your most recent release is called "I Am a Human (Being)" Can you tell us about the inspiration behind your song and what it means to you personally?

I struggle with a number of diagnosed mental health conditions; major depression, panic disorder, and OCD being primary concerns. Last year, I went through one of the darkest periods of my life. I was suicidal and having panic attacks almost daily.

Eventually I did an intensive outpatient therapy program, was meeting with therapists daily, and struggling to support my family financially and emotionally.

I AM A HUMAN (BEING) is part of a set of songs called “songs to stay alive to”, most of which are currently unreleased and address these issues. It attempts to flip the script on my own feelings about existence and the order of things.

It also is meant to be a support for anyone struggling with anything in their daily lives. It acknowledges the difficulties of being a human, but still chooses to celebrate being one. I think it’s a song about resilience and acceptance.

How does this single differ from your previous releases in terms of style and lyrical content?

I think this song takes a different stance than some of the more poignant songs I’ve released. The lyrics are repeated for emphasis. Stylistically, this song is meant to sound fun and still be true to my experience.

You have built a nice discography over the past few years. What is the best song you ever released and why?

Thank you! O N D C is probably my favorite of the songs I’ve released. I managed to land on the exact sentiment I was after and musically I think it’s got some really interesting themes.

What song do fans seem to favor?

It’s kind of all over the map. O N D C. Seems to be the most popular so far.

Do you, or would you like to, perform live?

I haven’t performed live in years, but am interested in playing live again. I do have a lot of experience playing live in previous bands and through my experience as a music teacher.

What song, any song, do you think would be fun to perform live?

I think all of them would be extremely rewarding to play live. HUMAN would probably be a lot of fun to play. It’s rarely the song I think is going to be the most fun that ends up being the most fun. Time will tell.

Are there any specific musical influences that have shaped your sound and style?

I think Philip glass and Steve Reich had a huge affect on how I write. Laurie Anderson as well. Too many to name!

Which aspect of being an artist brings you the most satisfaction?

Creating new and better songs as I continue to grow as a musician is my favorite part. I enjoy the whole process, but the most fun is just creating music I like and Brad will like. We’ve always just made music for ourselves. It’s rewarding when the music you connect with as an artist also finds a connection with an audience.

Share a funny moment or positive experience that has happened during your music career.

I’ve played a lot of shows over the course of my time as an artist. A lot of great shows but also a lot of bad shows. Like really bad. Those usually yield the funniest results. I’ve had drum sets fall apart and move while I’m performing on them. Played shows where old people have walked out in the middle of songs. Played shows to just one person. It’s not always funny at the time but it is always funny later.

How do you feel about the relationship between technology and music? Has it impacted your creative process?

The technology has changed so much and has become so much more user friendly. For me, technology frees me from needing to pay for studio time and allows me to create music from my home.

I think there’s a lot of gate keeping around the use of AI, a lot of which is understandable. But I think as long as a human element is driving the creative process technology can be a great friend to artists.

What is your favorite/best outlet to connect with your followers Instagram, Spotify, FB, Twitter, iTunes? How would you want them to follow?

I’d love for followers to follow my instagram and Spotify, especially. I’m also able to be reached directly at darkpinesmusic.

Are you currently working on any projects we should look out for?

I’m currently working on multiple projects, a lot of which is already completed and awaiting release. “songs to stay alive to” is something I’m really proud of and that music will be released in the relatively near future. My/our best songs are on the way.

Is there something you would like to say that I didn't cover?

I’d like to thank everyone who has helped me reach this point in my artistic journey. My parents and siblings who tolerated me drumming in the basement for years and support(ed). My friends and former band mates who’ve taken all or part of this journey together with me. Also, I’d like to thank anyone who is taking time out of their busy life to listen to my music. I still think that’s the coolest thing ever.