Darius Martin – Sparks Don’t Fly

By starrymag | November 15, 2023

By: Malasha Parker

 

 

Q) You write mostly R&B pop songs and you are inspired by artists like Michael Jackson and Marvin Gaye. What else has inspired your music and personal sound?

 

A) Some more things that inspire my music and personal sound would have to be self-expression and raising the frequency of the planet, starting with myself. I’ve actually been doing a lot of research on frequencies and how 432hz along with other frequencies can have an effect on your health and wellbeing.

 

Q) Your newest single “Sparks Don’t Fly” with Shantal Vella was recently released. Tell us about the story behind the song.

 

A) The story behind “Sparks Don’t Fly” was basically me making a song to my younger self on relationships and when you know it’s time to walk away from something that is damaging, not only you but the people around you. Without Shantal Vella coming through, we wouldn’t have been able to make the song as meaningful and as impactful as I feel that it is.

 

Q) How did Shantal Vella get involved in this project?

 

A) Shantal Vella got involved in this project because firstly, God’s time is perfect and she has a beautiful voice, but also when we sat down to talk about the song and what we wanted to do, I could tell she also had a story to tell. What better way than to put it into music!

 

Q) The song is about bringing awareness to domestic violence, homelessness, and sexual assault. Showing people in those kinds of relationships that they are not alone. What was the writing process of this song like for you?

 

A) The writing process for “Sparks Don’t Fly” started with a very deep conversation I had to have with myself about things I’ve experienced and or seen before. I knew unless I got really vulnerable and talked about things, I feel uncomfortable about, I couldn’t hit the heart strings in the way God has intended. These are people’s life stories we’re singing, whether it’s mine or someone I know, it’s important to feel your emotions no matter how uncomfortable it makes us feel.

 

Q)  You are a partner with the non-profit organization, Doorways. Some of the profit from “Sparks Don’t Fly” will be going towards the organization to help support it. Why is this organization such an important one for you to partner with and allow to be used as inspiration for your music? 

 

A) Doorways was one of the firsts I’ve worked with for a non-profit but far from the last. I felt that if I could create art that talks about domestic violence and abuse of all sorts, then why not use that same art to create a form of income for a community of people who can use it. I want everyone to know that they’re not alone in this world and I’ll do whatever I can to make sure they feel that.

 

Q) How has being able to show these sides of yourself through your music changed you and impacted your personal journey in life?

 

A) Being able to show my vulnerable and emotional side through my music has changed everything for me. I used to be so closed off to expressing myself and how I truly felt, but now I know life is too short to not express yourself through words, music, art and anything really. This human experience is nothing but a learning process that we all go through, so why not enjoy it and say how you really feel while finding the balance of controlling your emotions, so they don’t control you.

 

Q) You said you are heavily inspired by real issues of the world and real life experiences as a way to speak through your music. How do those emotions affect the recording of the music? 

 

A) Every emotion you have can be used for good or bad. For me, I try my best to use all of these emotions when recording, so when I pour my heart and soul into a song you all feel the passion. You can have the greatest voice in the world, but if you don’t sing each word more passionately than the last, people won’t necessarily be able to connect the way they should.

 

Q) What is the process you use when creating your music? How do you start visualizing your next songs?

 

A) The process I use for creating music isn’t always the same and that’s the beautiful thing about it for me. Every day is a new day, and you wake up not knowing what’s going to happen in the hours to come, just like creating a song. Of course, I might write the entire song out on paper and have an idea of what it should sound like, just as you plan your days. But when the instrument comes on and you start to really feel the music in your soul, anything can happen! That’s why I love to freestyle – you never know what you might come up with on the spot!

 

Q) Is there any advice you would like to give to those who are experiencing domestic violence, homelessness, or just feeling alone or detached that you haven’t been able to express through your music yet?

 

A) The advice I have for anyone going through abuse of any form is this, “This too shall pass.” Don’t lose faith, hope, and yourself trying to change people’s behavior or minds. Someone can only love you as much as they love themselves and God. You’re not the reason for anyone else’s problems but your own. You got this!!

 

Q) You like to present songs that have great island sounding beats and some with a more R&B sultry sound as well. How do you think your sound has grown in the last couple years?

 

A) My sound has grown exponentially in the last couple years. I went from straight hip-hop and 808 to a collective of genre-bending songs that range from country, EDM, R&B and even pop. I feel as an artist, it’s wrong to claim a genre of music because nothing you ever do is one thing (at least for me). I like to view all music as something you spend time and effort on to change the world or change yourself.

 

Q) What are the plans for your next project? Will you be releasing an album or an EP in the near future?

 

A) My plan for the near future is definitely an EP, followed up with an album, but I’m in the studio daily to just create new music. With that being said, I’ve really been enjoying dropping songs every month!

 

Q) Who would you love to collaborate with on a song in the future?

 

A) I would love to collab with Andre 3000 someday and I would love to get on a track with Ink!

 

Q) What would you like to say to the fans and supporters of you and your music?

 

A) To my fans and supporters, I would like to say thank you, God bless you, and I love you forever!