Music in my Hart

From playing the saxophone in primary school to being a full-time DJ; it took a year for Darren Hart to acquire his serious skills behind the decks. He is now one of the most sought-after DJs in the U18 club scene. Check out our Q & A with this talented young star.

When did you start DJ’ing?
I started around three years ago. At first, I practised in my room off a controller. After a year, I moved onto my goal of playing live at events.

Where did your love for music start?
I have had a passion for music for many years. I think it started when I first played the saxophone in primary school, at Clifton Preparatory.

Can you remember the first time you tried to DJ?
My first time trying to DJ was actually very confusing and frustrating. Back then, I taught myself everything. But I’ve always loved to try new things so I gave it 100 percent effort.

What was the first gig you played; tell us about that experience?
My first event was overwhelming. I had won a competition to DJ at Grom Event’s grand opening, called ‘Revolution’. It was hosted by Ayanda Ngidi, Andile Ngidi and Kyle Graham. My time slot was the opening set, at about 7pm, so I was pretty sure I wouldn’t have a massive crowd. But in the end, the crowd reached about 500 people! I’d never been so stoked with the results and feedback.

What does DJ’ing mean to you?
Sharing my passion with others is where I’m at my happiest, to be honest. It just brings so much energy and passion into my life. I always say that behind the decks is my happy place!

When did you believe you had become a successful DJ?

It was when I started receiving bookings for gigs almost every weekend… although, it wasn’t just that. I won the Party in the Park competition, which was very tough: the first two DJs to reach 1000 likes on his profile on the
Party in the Park page won the competition and got their first booking for the event! After that win I knew I was going somewhere with my career. Then, in April this year, I was booked to play at the first Wonderland U19
event hosted in Durban so it definitely has been a great two years of DJ’ing for many big festivals and events.

What kind of music influences you?
I love the genres of ‘Minimal’ and ‘Rolling Electro’.

So, where you do DJ regularly? Where can we find you?
I normally play for Grom Events U18; most of their U18 events are all outdoor festivals! (More information at www.gromevents.co.za or www.facebook.com/GromEvents)

What do you hope to achieve from DJ’ing?
At the moment, I’m working on my producing so I hope that will get me further in my career.

Who are your favourite DJ’s?
Comah and Martin Garrix.