Darren Watson . Musician . Teacher . Producer
About Darren Watson
'Darren Watson is possibly New Zealand's greatest living blues exponent.'
Gary Steel | Witchdoctor
Darren Watson isn’t a household name in Aotearoa, but he probably should be. A true guitar virtuoso, if he had chosen almost any genre but the blues he would almost certainly be more widely-known. As things stand Watson is massively respected and he has made a lasting impact in the industry he’s dedicated most of his adult life to with his original and distinctive style. His career has been filled with accolades and accomplishments, including charting records, and multiple NZ Music Award nominations. Behind all the hype and acclaim is simply world class musicianship, fine original songwriting, and a lifetime of recorded performances that continue to amaze.
Former Leader of Legendary '80s Blues Band - Chicago Smoke Shop
Darren Watson's musical career kicked off in style as the leader of the legendary '80s Kiwi blues band, Chicago Smoke Shop. This iconic group, which a nineteen year old Watson formed and led from 1985 to 1991, left an indelible mark on the New Zealand blues scene and set the stage for his incredible solo career.
Sharing the Stage & Studio with Legends
Over the decades, Darren has had the privilege of sharing the stage with some of the greatest names in blues, country, and roots music, including Koko Taylor, Doctor John, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Robert Cray Band, Billy Boy Arnold, Tony Joe White, Keb Mo, Buddy Miller, Emmylou Harris, George Thorogood, and Midge Marsden.
He's appeared on albums with Kiwi icons like Neil Finn, and Midge Marsden. Played guitar on an album behind Aussie soul legend Renee Geyer. Recently US blues guitar legend Rick Holmstrom (Johnny Dyer, William Clarke, Rod Piazza) who is currently musical director to living soul royalty Mavis Staples, played some mean Pops Staples-esque tremolo guitar on Darren's latest album, Getting Sober For The End Of The World.
A Legal Battle for Free Speech
In 2014, Darren made headlines when his single 'Planet Key', which satirised then Prime Minister John Key, was banned from sale or broadcast by the Electoral Commission. He fought this through the High Court and eventually all the way to the Court of Appeal, standing up for free speech and artistic expression, winning a landmark ruling that protects artistic freedom of expression in Aotearoa.
