MUSIC snuck up on Darren Hart in high school and has grasped a hold of his being ever since.
Hart, also known by his stage name ‘Harts’, the young multi-instrumentalist, producer and composer from Melbourne has let music dictate his future, carrying this gift to Margaret River on June 13.
Watching friends play guitar throughout high school, Hart couldn’t be left behind.
He played drums for years before he was naturally drawn to the guitar, wanting to play melodies and escape the rhythmic section.
From the guitar, he moved on to the keyboard, bass and everything in between.
Hart said he didn’t know what music he enjoyed until he started to play.
The fun nature of the blues and funk intrigued Hart, his current style a reflection of what he enjoys playing.
Surrounded by the sound growing up, with a family of music appreciators rather than players, Hart said being surrounded by his father’s music as it played throughout the house had a strong influence on his current love of the genre.
“It made me realise what I like about music,” Hart said.
Hart almost enjoys music too much, with his creations blazing across all genres.
The hardest part is defining where it belongs, he said.
“I don’t have a specific name or genre to put onto my stuff,” Hart said.
“We can’t really describe it.”
Hart said it was difficult to reach a fan base when he didn’t dedicate his work to a specific genre.
Instead, he experimented and wrote for himself, exploring ideas he would be proud to put his name to.
One of the trickiest parts of music creation for Hart was not falling into the trap of mimicking those who inspired him.
It is the vibe of Prince and Hendrix that flows through Hart’s instrumentation, so much so he has fallen under the eye of Prince himself.
With aspirations to remain unique, Hart said the positive feedback he had received from Prince was a form of encouragement when he needed it most.
Prince encouraged the new direction for the EP, with Hart leaning heavily on the blues/rock influence his sound has become known for.
Embarrassed yet encouraged by the overwhelming praise for his work, Hart said the idea his work was loved and respected by the public acted as a motivation to go further and explore every avenue he felt could express his work.
One of these avenues will be Settlers Tavern on June 13.
Entry is free, doors are from 9pm.