NEWS

Darrell John Selected as Top-Ten Finalist in Two Categories of Songwriting University’s 2021 Competition
Songs to Be Judged by Panel of Grammy- and Dove-Winning Writers
------------
Galveston, TX, December 17, 2021 – Galveston-based singer-songwriter Darrell John has made a big impression in the capital of all things music, with Nashville’s Songwriting University selecting Darrell as a top-ten finalist in two categories of its 2021 Songwriting Competition. Two of his songs – “Elijah Street” and “We Need More Angels” – will be judged by a panel of Grammy- and Dove-winning songwriters who have written for legends including George Strait, Garth Brooks, Dolly Parton, Rascal Flats, Eric Clapton, Alabama, and Aaron Tippin. “It is truly an honor to be selected as finalist and having exposure to this level of professional writers and producers in the music industry,” says Darrell. In 2020, he was awarded second place in the Rock category of the competition for his song “Behind the Wheel.”

Nominated in the Americana category is “Elijah Street,” which was inspired by a conversation between Darrell and his Austin vocal coach, who told him, “You need to drive up here and get some in-person coaching at my studio here on Elijah Street.” The name of the street stirred the idea for this upbeat folk-rock tune that includes both catchy lyrics and Old Testament references. In the Gospel/Inspirational category, “We Need More Angels” is a tender ballad reaching out to the “above” during this difficult time in human history. The song includes the Spanish phrase “manda me angeles” – in English, “send me angels.” “We Need More Angels” will also be featured in the motion picture “Let Me Have My Son,” soon to be released by Messenger Films.
“We Need More Angels” is available on Darrell’s 2019 Nashville-produced LP “It’s All I Can Do,” while “Elijah Street” will be included with more of his originals on a forthcoming EP, set to be released in spring 2022.

Songwriting University’s acclaimed Songwriting Contest offers up-and-coming musicians a chance at up to $10,000, a Gibson Les Paul guitar, and a chance to co-write with songwriters who have produced #1 and top-ten hits across multiple genres. In addition to co-writing sessions, Songwriting University also offers demo and master recordings as well as publishing services.

2020 Recap - and What's in Store for 2021

An update by Darrell John for all what happened in 2020 and beyond.

------------

I hope you are all doing well during this time. Despite a global pandemic, I am pleased to announce a few exciting things did happen last year involving my music career.

For starters, I cut my long grey hair in June after salons were allowed to open!

In the light of 2020, my song, "We Need More Angels", was posted with video images of pandemic heroes. The video got over 20,000 views on Facebook and was highly shared during that time. Separate from that event,"We Need More Angels" has been licensed to be featured in the film "Let Me Have My Son" formerly entitled "The Puzzle Factory". (Messenger Films, Cristóbal Krusen). The release date is unknown at this time.

Next, "Behind The Wheel" won 2nd prize, rock category, in the SUSC (Songwriting University Songwriting Contest), in Nashville with the judges consisting of very notable and distinguished writers.

In November/December 2020, I had great Spotify monthly listener results. I grew from double digits to almost 1,500 listeners! My song, "Happy New Year & Auld Lang Syne" was on a holiday playlist, to my surprise!

The New Year started with a bang! On Feb 1, 2021, I was awarded top 10 in the SUSC Christmas Songwriting contest, by other famous writers, for my song "It's a Santa Claus Thing" (new, unreleased).

As of April 2021, I have no planned performances, but a future trip to Nashville is in the works to do some final arranging, vocals and mixes for the next EP or LP project. After working long distance for the past year, I cannot wait for you to listen to our newest work.

Darrell John’s lifelong musical story shall be continued…

The album, Darrell John, “It’s All I Can Do” has been released and available by CD or download.

An album release and showcase is scheduled for Wednesday, April 18, 5:30-7pm at Yagas on the Strand in Galveston.

Darrell John is now scheduling private home concerts and public venue, one hour performances. These appearances feature intimate acoustic versions off of his album “It’s all I Can Do”, as well as many of his favorite cover songs by well known artists.

Darrell John, solo or with his band, is a great opening act for concerts and festivals.

HOUSE CONCERTS

Schedule and plan a private home concert by Darrell John.

We will soon be sharing the in’s and out’s of how to put on professional home concert. It’s the new best way of enjoying great talent for you, your friends and business associates. It will revitalize your ideas of how to entertain and be intertained. Stay tuned…