Today we’d like to introduce you to Darren Eubank.
Darren, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
Six years ago, Chima and I were busking on the corner of 7th and bishop. People asked us two questions; where can we get your music and when your next show. We didn’t have an answer but decided to get serious about answering them. Fast forward to now and we’ve built D and Chi. a 6-piece band that filled with genre-bending hooks and harmonious melodies and have been blessed to play in 2 Countries, 35 States and over 180 College shows across the country. We’ve released an EP, 1 full-length album five singles and in 2020 we’ll release our second full-length album.
Somewhere in between all that, I met my wife Brecia and we got married on 1/12/19 and were basically taking over the world. We own RISE Performing Arts Center together. Right now, it’s just a dance studio but we’ve got plans in motion to expand to other arts other than dancing.
In October of 2019, I launched DEAD Consulting, an artist development think-tank designed to help other musical artists navigate their way through the music business, define success, and elongate their music careers.
In 2020, I’ll be revealing some more plans I have to take over the world as well. *Laughs sinisterly*
Call me an Entrepreneur I guess. I think my passion to see people grow and to connect people to art comes from my background in church. I’m a Worship Pastor and have been for eight years. Much like the church loves to connect people to the lord, I use my music and things I created to bring people together.
I’m a college dropout. I failed College algebra six times (true story) so I rely on general connection and career resume to speak for me. I’ve always been creating opportunities; I hosted an open mic in Deep Ellum for two years, when I lived in a loft I hosted a Music series each month to pay my electric bill and when I moved into a house, I did the same. Supporting friends is always worth it.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Something I tell my clients is, “You won’t get support from your friends and family until you don’t need it anymore”. It’s a sad truth. So hardships are expected and boy they come like the dawn. In my line of work, sacrifices are basically a second job. Time, Money, Relationships, Sleep, did I mention money. Thats why it’s important to figure out what success is to you because some days the silver lining is a pretty skinny line.
In 2019, I sold just about every piece of equipment I didn’t use daily to pay bills, was three days away from getting kicked out of my apartment at one point.
My Band just went through a transition in 2019 when we lost our manager of 5 years to Universal Music Group (universal records) in the spring and fired our College Booking Manager this summer. We knew that was gonna be tough but the fall of 2019 was a beast to handle. So many times, it would’ve be easy to quit it all, go back to school and start the 9-5 everyday job.
I’m not wired like that though.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with D and Chi – tell our readers more, for example what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
My companies are all babies but I’m in it for the long haul.
D and Chi: Co-Partner – Lead Vocals, Rhythm Electric, Acoustic, writer, Manager
RISE PAC: Co-Owner – Social Media Coach, Director of Event Planning
DEAD Consulting: Founder – one-stop-shop for Artists looking for help on the career journey.
I specialize in people. I get that from my mom (RIP) she’d spend hours in Brookshires grocery just talking with people. I’m known as the guy who can get it for you. Those people that say “I know a guy” or “I gotta guy”…I’m usually that guy.
I’m most proud of the fact that what I do actually matters. Not that other jobs don’t but being able to tell people you can pursue a passion and get paid doing it. You don’t have to chase stability doing something you hate.
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
I’m launching a College Booking Agency with Chima Ijeh and my Wife in 2020. We’ve toured on the college circuit for four years and have learned the ins and outs. Its time we teach our friends and fellow musicians how to take their music to new levels.
RISE PAC has a building in our sights to buy and it would go along way towards the expansion.
Also, I lost 62 pounds in 6 months in 2019. I plan to lose a whole lot more in 2020.
Pricing:
- 1v1 consultations with DEAD Consulting $35/30 minute session
Contact Info:
- Address: 206 S, Tx-342 Suite D, Red Oak, TX 75154
- Website: www.dandchimusic.com
- Phone: 4692455902
- Email: darreneubank@gmail,com
- Instagram: @dieseldowork25
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/dandchimusic
- Twitter: @dieseldowork
Image Credit:
Main Picture: Larry Gee; Street pic: Lou Lander; Camo shirt: Fela Raymond; Black/white: Jarod Grimm
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