Today we’d like to introduce you to Darius Fentress.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Darius. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
Born in Detroit, MI and raised in Portland, OR, I started playing the drum set at church from an early age, and by the time I made it to high school, I was a featured player in the jazz ensemble. I began to play around Portland with professional bands at 16 years old. By the time I was 18 I started performing with Gospel music legend Fred Hammond.
Over the next 15 years I had the privilege to work with several recording artists in the studio and on tours including: Fred Hammond, Tyler Perry, Yolanda Adams, Kenny Latimore, Chante’ Moore, Kirk Franklin, Donnie McClurkin, Peabo Bryson, Chuck Smith, Israel Houghton, Marvin Sapp, The Whispers, Commissioned, N’Touch, and many more.
While working in the studio environment, I developed a love and skill for studio recording and mixing. After relocating to the DFW area in 2005, I was blessed to have been a part of a Grammy award winning project with Fred Hammond.
These days I am honored to use my gifts and talents serving my local church (Gateway Church) and also playing around town with my band Kingdom Vibes.
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?
The life of an artist/musician can be a winding road of experiences. I personally have gone through many ups and downs as a musician. There are seasons plenty (in terms of gig opportunities) and lean seasons as well. The challenge for me was to learn and understand how to do multiple things that could bring me opportunities and set up several income streams. I would encourage all musicians who are serious about being a career musician or artist to learn a different aspect of your particular field and master it. For me, that was learning how to be an audio engineer. Instead of only getting calls for drums/percussion, I also get calls to record or mix projects. Learn as many things as you can, but make sure to do them with excellence!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into The Fentress Group story. Tell us more about the business.
I am an independent drummer/percussionist with over 20 years of professional experience. I am most known as the percussionist/nephew of Grammy award winning recording artist and producer Fred Hammond. One thing that sets me apart is my integrity as a man and an artists. I am reliable, consistent, trustworthy, and talented. I am proud to represent God and my family in everything that I do.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I don’t believe in luck or happenstance. As a man of faith in Jesus Christ, I believe in His blessings and favor over my life. Everything good that happens to me is because of God’s goodness and favor. There is a Scripture passage in Proverbs 16:3 that I believe is very important to any and all the success I have experienced: “Commit your actions to the Lord, and your plans will succeed.” (NLT)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.kingdomvibesdfw.com/
- Email: bookdarius@gmail.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dariusf/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/darius.fentress
Image Credit:
Cory + Casey Photography
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
