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| Photo courtesy Suzzane Kennard |
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| Darin Southam, a Ricks College alumnus and an up-and-coming music artist, has released his first self-titled album, which is a mixture of classical and contemporary music. |
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His voice combines Josh Groban’s strength, Michael Bublé’s melodic tone and Andrea Bocelli’s romantic appeal. Yet Darin Southam’s combination of classical orchestration intertwined with modern pop provide a unique sound that is completely his own.
“You can’t get away from who you are, especially in music. Music is so powerful,” said Southam.
A new artist by many standards, Southam’s self-titled debut album is gaining praise. The album features three languages, English, Spanish and Latin along with three original songs written by Southam, “The Valley Clear,” “A Way To You” and “Me Puedes Amar (You Can Love me).” Also on the album are revised pieces of “What a Wonderful World,” “Come What May” from Moulin Rouge and Andrew Lloyd Webber’s “Pie Jesu.”
In August, Southam’s developing fan base was excited with the release of his album at Deseret Book, Seagull Book and Media Play. His album is also expected to hit Target, Wal-Mart and Barnes & Noble stores within the next three months.
Many fans have already written reviews on his website, www.darinsoutham.com.
One reviewer from California wrote, “I have listened to this CD about 100 times and I can’t get enough of it. Darin’s voice is so lovely and mellow, it simply melts my senses.”
Southam is understandably thrilled with the enthusiasm his music is generating.
“I haven’t had one person tell me they didn’t like the album; I tell you that without egotism at all…the people’s response has been nothing but positive,” he said.
While acclaim is coming to Southam, he never planned on a career in music. Before his mission to El Salvador, where he learned Spanish, he attended Ricks College. Upon his return, he went on to finish his education at the University of Utah where he earned a degree in Speech Communication. Plans of law school disappeared after a generous individual approached him following a performance he gave at a family member’s funeral. Once the funds came and connections were made with producer Jay Richards, Southam was able to embark on a journey not necessarily prepared for.
“All of a sudden I had a path that was totally unexpected…I wasn’t expecting to have somebody offer money to do a professional album and jumpstart a music career…I haven’t been dreaming about this my whole life. I had a gift given to me, an opportunity placed in front of me [and] I tackled it head on. I accepted it and I am running with it as long as it will go, I hope it goes a long way,” said Southam.
Self-described as a deep person with a passion not only for music, Southam also acts and has played moderate roles in the 2004 Disney channel movies, Going to the Mat and Halloweentown High (III). In the production of these movies, he worked alongside Debbie Reynolds and Kleo Thomas, best known for his role in the film Holes.
Southam’s main motivation for pursuing a musical career lies in his desire to be a role model, and not just for LDS listeners. He said great care was taken in the construction of his album and even his website to ensure his music is for everyone and therefore reaches a lot of different people.
“My purpose is to be a good example to people and to provide people with music that helps uplift the soul,” said Southam. “I want people of any faith to be moved.”
