We recently had the chance to connect with Darren Quam and have shared our conversation below.
Hi Darren , thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Whenever I pick up a guitar and start to make a music connection time seems to just fly by. After that I feel like I am on the right track.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m a musician from Battle Lake, MN. Most of my work is done performing live. I have 2 separate shows.
One is that I perform solo. For the solo shows I do live looping so I can create multiple layers of guitar parts. I can sing, play guitar solos, harmonica, add bass lines and more creating a full sound. Although I also enjoy playing a simpler arrangement of fingerpicking and singing. I incorporate many styles of music including blues, rock, folk, and reggae. I play a mix of original music and cover some of my favorite songs. (Mostly from the late 1960s & early 70s)
The other show I do is with a full band. We go by “Darren Quam & Friends”. We are a four piece band. Jonathan Hunter on drums, Moises Luna on bass, Justin Ness on guitar, and myself on guitar and vocals. We also play a mix of original music and cover some of our favorite music ranging from Led Zeppelin, Jimi Hendrix, Pink Floyd, CCR, and many more. Recently we have just finished recording an album and it will be released October 17th 2025. We worked very hard on this new album. It contains eight original songs. We are printing it to vinyl and CDs as well as releasing it on all streaming platforms. We recorded the whole album in my home studio utilizing an old farmhouse I live in. Then I took it to my friend Aaron Sunde who mixed the record before sending it off to be mastered by Rare Form Mastering.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
When I began traveling and backpacking in other countries it really changed the way I see the world. Before that growing up in a small town I had a different view of the world. While traveling I realized that we are all just humans trying to live a good life. Although we may have small differences as to what we eat, how we dress, and different beliefs, we all are the same deep down.
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes. Often there are times when I feel like giving up in the music business. Its not an easy job as some may think. When you pour your heart and soul into something and if it gets rejected it’s hard not to want to give up. No one really sees all the work that is put into the job. There is a lot that goes on like booking shows, promotion, scheduling, creating and recording music, rehearsals, equipment maintenance, and so much more. It’s a lot to do, and sometimes when it seems to be getting you nowhere you are gonna feel like giving up. But in the long run all the hard work pays off.
Sure, so let’s go deeper into your values and how you think. What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
Being true to yourself. Especially in music. Now a days there are tons of people trying anything they can to “make it” or get more followers. In the short term it may get you more followers but those new followers are there for something that is not you. If you are true and honest with yourself and your art, your fans will appreciate and support you for who you are. You are then free to always be yourself.
Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
Yes. That is something that is very important. Although we all would love some praise and instant gratification, that is not the reason for doing our thing. To always give it your best even when you think no one is paying attention is important. It doesn’t matter if there are 2 people or 2,000 people at a show, you have to give it your best. The praise is not the goal. Putting out all the good energy you can give is the goal. If people want to pick up on it or pass it by that’s up to them.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.darrenquam.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/darren_quam?igsh=MTlkb3l3cHBhcWV6bQ%3D%3D&utm_source=qr
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/share/19ekpiKoAN/?mibextid=wwXIfr
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/channel/UCg6BsBMkIibJ7vmRo2P8WHw?si=AyDXAXQwIyiDqMHF
