Today we’d like to introduce you to Darian Burns
Hi Darian, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Before I began working in music, I started a music blog called Dope Hip Hop as a freshman in college. After that, I interned at a music public relations firm for a semester before getting hired part time as a publicity coordinator. During this time, I was working to expand my knowledge and skillset in other areas of the music industry such as digital marketing, distribution, booking, etc. I started managing some artists and working with a few indie labels, I was also the rap director at the radio station KTSW 89.9. Once I graduated college I was promoted to a full time music publicist at the firm and I was responsible for landing press coverage for artists that were trying to promote their new music releases and concerts/tours.
After some time, I left the firm and founded Burning Records Music Group, specializing in artist management, label services, and concert booking for indie artists. Burning Records Music Group grew tremendously in the first year and had an official SXSW showcase in 2023.
In 2024, I accepted the role as the DFW Promoter for Sofar Sounds which has been amazing. Sofar Sounds reimagines the live music experience through curated, intimate performances in hundreds of cities around the world.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It definitely has not been a smooth road, which I think most people working in the music industry would say the same thing. I’ve had to carve out my own lane, and with that comes the inevitability of making mistakes and taking some wrong turns. Those experiences have taught me resilience, adaptability, and how to learn from setbacks. Each challenge has ultimately strengthened my ability to navigate uncertainty and chart a clear path forward.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the DFW Promoter for Sofar Sounds, my role is to book and promote concerts, drive ticket sales, expand our number of venues, and cultivate partnerships. I am also an artist manager for Homeboy Sandman and a consultant for artists and labels specializing in release rollout strategy, digital marketing, music distribution, publishing, and more.
I am proud of being able to give a platform to talented local artists to share their music with an audience of music enthusiasts that will appreciate it. I’m proud to be able to spotlight the amazing local businesses that host our shows across Dallas-Fort Worth. And I’m proud to play a role in creating special and unique experiences for the guests that attend the shows.
What sets me apart from others is that I’m not afraid to fail. I see failure as an opportunity to learn and grow rather than as a setback. I’m not one to shy away from challenges and I don’t allow failures to hinder me from taking on new opportunities, projects, or ventures. This resilience and willingness to embrace the learning process have been key to my personal and professional growth.
What are your plans for the future?
I’m looking forward to all the exciting Sofar Sounds shows that we have planned for in DFW in 2025.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darian_burns/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/darianburns/
- Other: https://www.sofarsounds.com/cities/dallas-fort-worth
