Daryl West has been singing and writing his own songs for 16 years
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His first solo project was released on Rammit/A&M. Daryl's romantic words have also garnered him a world-wide publishing deal with BMG Music Publishing which was inked four years ago. His single Nasty has been licensed by Polygram Canada and BeatFactory/EMI Canada and his album has been licensed by Transistor/Warner for South Africa.
Inspired by the singing of Prince, Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder and Maxwell, and the writing of Joni Mitchell, Sting and Marvin Gaye, Daryl says that he considers himself "caught in a time warp" trying hard to merge alternative and R&B music. Daryl has written and produced for local Canadian talent, Christina Morrel, Atomic Fantasy and Black Chrome as well as Gentlemen X, a group that he founded. Gentlemen X's album received accolades from the many countries where it was released including a 1994 Juno nomination for Best R&B Recording.
Although he enjoyed writing for others it was when he wrote the music for his solo album, "When it Rains" In New York that he felt he had finally been able to write from his heart.
"Originally I had intended 'When it Rains' in New York to be the only album I would ever record", says daryl. Daryl sees himself as more than a songwriter or singer/producer but rather a creator. He creates music and then translates it into words. He is also an unorthodox writer. "If it works, it stays", he explains. "When I write, I put myself in the situation, but usually I have also had the same experience", says daryl, "if I don't know what I want to say, I communicate my thoughts through the music."
Also an accomplished musician, daryl plays keyboards, bass, guitar and all percussion instruments. "Usually the beat comes first and then I write the music and the words." Daryl's immediate goal is to receive world-wide recognition for his music which would cement his achievements as a songwriter.
Eventually he would like to be a part of the business of music bringing his experiences as an artist to the table. Writing 'When it Rains' in New York was for Daryl, a mentally draining process that took two years to complete "but the freedom I got from writing it has inspired me to continue on the journey".
