Today we’d like to introduce you to Darin Smith.
Hi Darin, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I’ve been a musician my whole life beginning in the church when I was a child and ended up going to college to study jazz in Florida. I ended up moving to Alexandria because the music scene in the DMV is pretty lively. I eventually found a comfort zone practicing my horn in popular areas and playing gigs. I eventually started a business and me being a musician my full-time job after Covid. The demand for live music in outdoor areas surged pretty high and it jumpstarted my career. I’m now pretty much only play my sax for work
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not really. I’ve had a lot of pitfalls. I’ve literally shed blood sweat and tears to be able to perform today. I went to a really intense college band program. “ think whiplash.” And wow that shaped me to be a great musician and also put a lot of trauma in my life. From friends passing away unexpectedly through hazing incidents and accidents, to a crazy band director trying to extort me for $5000. It was a pretty rough road, but nothing brings me joy than being able to peacefully play my horn now.
As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about what you do?
I am a jazz musician! I carry the heritage of jazz and promote the history. I pay the bills by paying for average and upscale private clients. I most proud of the ability to buy all of the equipment to do functioning jobs. Fun fact I made all the money to buy the equipment playing outside. I was able to buy about $20,000 of equipment to get my business started by just practicing on the street
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My high school band director Victoria Miller. In high school she used to make us fun raise for all of our band trips by doing exactly what I’m doing. We were able to basically travel around the country on our own dime by using just our horns. My parents, of course, for buying me my first horn. My old friend Terrell, who I first played with in high school also comes to mind
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.dejaysax.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dejaysax
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/17UsUqfd4g/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dejaysax
