Darren Eedens & the Slim Pickin's - Darren Eedens & the Slim Pickin's (2019)

"Darren Eedens and the Slim Pickin's from Cardiff, Wales revive the late 80's, early 90's alt-country or cow-punk genre before the more all-including term Americana was created. Deeply rooted in traditional country and mountain music but presented with an edgier punk-energy, switching from guitar to banjo, "Rye Whisky" was a standout from their soon to be released self-titled debut on April, 12.
Think of Hank Williams meeting Ralph Stanley ready to party on steroids, while the Sex Pistols are laughing somewhere."

Known in his travels as “The Dirty Little Picker” Darren Eedens has been relentlessly on the road and releasing steadily for 4 years. A Canadian Musician known for his abilities on his home soil that now calls Cardiff, Wales home as he tours Europe more and more.

An old soul filled with story telling imagination, Darren Eedens, bends truths, and creates upbeat rhythmic tracks with hauntingly morbid lyrics. With his many influences ranging from the honky tonkin’, folk and bluegrass pickers of the past, he uses his unique and powerful voice to captivate anyone within earshot. With an unmatched live energy, he shares his views on life and more often death, shedding a beautiful light on the tragic tale. Standing on tables belting out words beyond his years, audiences are silent, only adding the necessary stomp clamps to many of the entirely acoustic pieces. You can catch Darren Eedens playing hard and fast, with his banjo, guitar and mandolin as his weapons of choice, sometimes using his voice as his only instrument. It is not uncommon to find Darren belting lyrics out at the top of his lungs, picking more notes per bar than most people can wrap their heads around. He breaks any barriers that one would expect to find when attending a show to see a solo act. His energy is unmatched and from the first note picked literally has the entire audience ready to move and party, yet can bring a crowd right down to an absolute silence while he picks a ballad of love lost.

He brings his music everywhere he can, and has every intention of bringing it to a venue near you. Touring many parts of Canada, United States, UK and Europe, he travels with nothing but his instruments and the clothes on his back; he puts every penny earned into travel, food, and making more music. Darren has toured with acts such as Juno nominated Emm Gryner, and has shared the stage with the likes of Royal Wood, Melissa McClelland, and Luke Doucet.

Upon releasing his latest EP Darren has proved that being the hardest working musician he can is truly what pays off. Writing and performing more than ever. He finds himself playing live shows 4-7 nights a week around the greater Toronto area sharing the stage with some of Canada’s finest. In a short 2 month span Darren performed opening for (comedian) LOUIS CK at a sold out SONY CENTRE in Toronto, he played an intimate performance with singer songwriter JULIE DOIRON at Ryerson University and opened a sold out show for RURAL ALBERTA ADVANTAGE at THE PHEONIX all the while finding time to create new material, bring the live performance to a whole new level.
With 3 European/ UK tours under his belt in one years time Darren has just released his first full length album titled “OF MY WORD”

Darren’s career is on the upward slope and his music is sure to reach you; whether it makes you simply tap your toes, drink a few to many beers, dance away, or reflect on the lesser evils of the world, you will not forget him.

Darren Eedens is proudly endorsed by Deering Banjos, The Loar, and Blueridge Guitars.

Tracklist:

01. 31
02. Forget Me Nots
03. Don't Trust
04. Rye Whiskey
05. On the Line (The Laundry Song)
06. Well, Well, Well
07. Mama Smiles
08. Come Home to You
09. Whiskey and Bars
10. Hit the Ground Running