Meet Darren Quam

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Darren Quam a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Darren, thank you so much for taking the time to share your lessons learned with us and we’re sure your wisdom will help many. So, one question that comes up often and that we’re hoping you can shed some light on is keeping creativity alive over long stretches – how do you keep your creativity alive?
Well there are many different ways to keep the creative process alive. I have found success in a few different ways. One way is to try to always be open to it. Inspiration can come at anytime. Sometimes when it seems very inconvenient but if you follow the spark you may wander into something great.
Another way is not to try to force anything. Just trying to be true to what is happening and not trying to control the process but more to see where it takes you.
My favorite way is to take a break and do something else outside of your craft. For me as a musician when I am at home I am always playing shows, practicing, writing, or recording. So, to get a break from this I go travel for a few months every year. Traveling is a wonderful way to see the world in all different perspectives. Traveling always brings me some fresh inspiration and really keeps alive the creative process for me. In the last few years I have really enjoyed traveling around South and Central America. A lot of my songs are inspired by these adventures.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I’m a musician from Battle Lake, Minnesota. I play a few different instruments but the guitar is my main instrument. I perform, write, and record music. I stay busy by playing an average of 125 shows a year at all different types of venues. I have a band called “Darren Quam and Friends” and I also play solo shows. I’m always practicing and trying to improve my craft. Currently I have just finished up recording my new EP “Rainstorm”. I have already released one single off the EP and another single is set for release February 9th. The whole EP will be released February 16th. You can find it on any major streaming services under: Darren Quam “Rainstorm”. I also have 2 more EPs and a few singles that I have written, recorded, and released in the past few years.

There is so much advice out there about all the different skills and qualities folks need to develop in order to succeed in today’s highly competitive environment and often it can feel overwhelming. So, if we had to break it down to just the three that matter most, which three skills or qualities would you focus on?
1. Persistence. Things don’t just happen overnight. It’s important to not give up and to put in the effort day after day. 2. Not to compare your craft with others. Everyone is different and has different ways to do things. It’s good to take inspiration from those who you look up to but not to let yourself down by comparison.
3. Following the spirit and feelings of the music. I sometimes see people lose track of the music by wanting to play some fast, technical riff to impress people. This maybe right for some people but I feel it is more important to play with feeling from the soul. Keeping it simple and soulful is always a good way to go.

To close, maybe we can chat about your parents and what they did that was particularly impactful for you?
I’m extremely lucky to have such an amazing family. My wonderful parents Dennis and Nancy have always supported me along the way. It’s hard to say what has been the most impactful thing they have done for me because everything they have done for me has been positively important. I would have to say just the way they raised me. They taught me to be honest, positive, hard working, kind, humble, grateful, and so much more. They also gave me the freedom to be who I am today.

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