Darren Holden is a versatile performer with an exceptional vocal range, as well as an accomplished musician and prolific songwriter. In his early career, he performed across Europe winning several composing awards in various competitions. He has worked with country music legend Rodney Crowell on a song for the Celtic Harmony Festival and collaborated with R'n'B artist Montell Jordan, and Lindy Robbins.
Darren's second album Live & Learn saw him get industry recognition when he was nominated for 'Best Country Male Artist' in the 2004 New Music Weekly Awards in LA.
In 2005 Darren wrote Through Hell and High Water in dedication to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. As one of the most downloaded songs of the year in the US, he was praised for the touching lyrics, and heartfelt message. The song is on his 2006 Roadworks album. All original material, the album is a fine blend of ballads and rock songs resulting from two years of writing and recording on the road touring with Movin' Out.
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Darren is currently a member of Ireland's top folk group The High Kings. But he continues with his songwriting, collaborating with a number of songwriters, and to look for opportunities to develop his solo career and perform his own music.
Darren Holden, the story so far!
Born in Kilkenny Ireland, Darren is a prolific songwriter with exceptional vocal talents. At the age of 16, his first band 'Wanted' extensively toured the UK, Europe, and the US, developing an excellent reputation for their country-rock style. When they disbanded, Darren turned his concentration to his song writing, twice competing in 'Irish Song For Europe' coming a close second on both occasions. He was invited to perform throughout Europe, winning several prizes and composing awards in various competitions. His early solo career saw him support Boyzone, The Backstreet Boy's, East 17, Paul Young, Bonnie Tyler, Peter Andre, and Belinda Carlisle. During this time, he worked with producer Ray Hedges (Take That, Boyzone, B*Witched, Towers Of London). He also worked with country music legend Rodney Crowell on a song for the Celtic Harmony Festival, as well as collaborating with R'n'B artist Montell Jordan and Lindy Robbins. His 1998 debut solo album 'Suddenly' is a pop album of original and cover songs which included his self penned top 10 hit After Tonight.
Darren's next career break took him to America where he was cast as the lead vocalist in Riverdance. While in NYC, Darren recorded his second album, Live & Learn, a collection of original traditional/contemporary country songs from recording sessions in both NYC and Nashville. The album, released in 2002, gained Darren much deserved industry recognition and he was nominated for 'Best Country Male Artist' in the 2004 New Music Weekly Awards in LA.
In 2003, he successfully auditioned as the lead vocalist/pianist in the Tony Award-winning hit Billy Joel/Twyla Tharp musical Movin' Out. This saw him once again performing on Broadway with another extensive 3 year tour of the US, Canada and Tokyo. Darren was ever present as lead 'Pianoman' on the original US tour, from January 2004 until January 2007 giving an impressive 1300 performances. The show gained him a huge fan base for both his interpretation of the Billy Joel back catalogue, and his own music. He also became a regular face on American Prime Time TV, clocking up more than 500 appearances on CBS, FOX, NBC and ABC. His natural ability in front of the camera charmed both presenters and the millions of viewers. He was also invited to perform at the White House Christmas pageant for President and Mrs Bush in 2004.
The latest album 'Roadworks' was released in 2006 having been written and recorded on the road while Darren was performing in Movin' Out. It has a fine blend of both ballads and rockier songs, most of which are co-written by Darren. The opening Track Bad Tattoo was produced by Billy Joel's guitarist/bandleader Tommy Byrnes. The album includes Through Hell and High Water, a song Darren wrote with Bryan Steele in dedication to the victims of Hurricane Katrina. Released in November 2005, it became one of the most downloaded songs of the year in the US, gaining him much praise for the touching lyrics, and heartfelt message. The album was released in the US, and also in Japan where it was hugely successful selling over 20,000 copies.
Darren has appeared in concert at The Cutting Room in NYC and the famed Whisky A Go-Go in LA, performing his original songs backed by members of the Movin' Out band. He has also regularly performed with "The New York State of Mind" band which features The Billy Joel band with Darren taking the place of the main man on piano and lead vocals.
Darren is currently a member of Ireland's top folk group The High Kings, with two platinum discs under his belt. He is also proud to have performed with the group at the 2012 White House St Patrick's Day Reception, at the personal invitation of President Obama, for a second time in his career.
Performing with The High Kings is keeping Darren very busy. But, he is still very passionate about his song writing, collaborating with a number of songwriters, while seizing every opportunity to progress his solo career and perform his own music.