Features : Exclusive Interview with Darryn Yates

Artist Spotlight: Darryn Yates

Darryn Yates shares his inspiring musical journey—from early influences and first performances to navigating the challenges of the industry and finding his authentic voice. With a background rooted in rock legends and a resilient spirit, Darryn discusses his creative process, influences, and the drive that keeps him pushing forward. He also reveals exciting upcoming projects and his vision for the future, emphasizing the importance of passion, perseverance, and staying true to oneself.

Dive into Darryn’s story and discover the heart behind his powerful retro rock sound.

Fresh Music World: Can you tell us about your musical journey and how you got started in the industry?

Darryn Yates: I took guitar lessons at age 13, but it was age 16 when I started singing in my 1st high school garage band. My mother was a huge Elvis Presley fan, so I grew up with Elvis music and merchandise everywhere! When my garage band did our 1st performance in front of people, that is when I knew the music bug had bitten me. 

When I graduated high school, my parents and I made a deal. They would help me get out to the Southern CA/Los Angeles area if I got my college degree out there. I got my degree and then moved into a house of musicians & actors in the middle of LA, Studio City. I worked at KROQ Radio and several record labels including A&M/Polydor Records, Capitol Records, and Ark 21 Records, the label owned by Miles Copeland. (Sting's manager & the brother of Stewart Copeland, drummer of The Police) After being in a couple bands, I eventually started my own all-original pop rock band in LA called On Tracy Lane. 

Fresh Music World: What inspires your songwriting and the themes you choose to explore in your music?

Darryn Yates: I wrote most of the music in On Tracy Lane and it was mostly fun rock songs to party to and just have fun with. After not getting the big break I thought I would with OTL, I moved back to my hometown area of St. Louis, met a girl and started a family. I did a radio and local TV show (The Darryn Yates Show) but ended up having to get regular jobs and I kept getting fired. 

I didn't get any breaks in music or radio and now I wasn't able to make it in the regular world...I hit a very low depressed rock bottom phase. I realized I had 2 choices: stay on this dark path and who knows what might happen or I can try to figure it out and push the pedal to the F'n metal and make some things happen.

I chose the latter and now the well I draw from when I am writing this new retro rock music I am releasing is all about going after a dream with everything we have, saying F all the naysayers, and more importantly proving ourselves right and that we are capable of the dream we have in our hearts. 

Fresh Music World: Who are your biggest musical influences, and how have they shaped your sound?

Darryn Yates: Voice wise my main influences are artists like Tom Petty, Jon Bon Jovi, Gin Blossoms, Soul Asylum. Show wise and energy wise, I loved the big rock shows put on by 80s rock bands like Poison, Motley Crue, KISS, & Quiet Riot. I love driving guitars, loud drums, and big powerful melodic choruses. 

Fresh Music World: Can you walk us through your creative process when working on a new song or album?

Darryn Yates: I would be the worst in a planned writing session because I cannot plan to write. I write via pure energy, vibe, and emotion. I must feel the creative pull. Usually it's a song, lyric or melody in the middle of the night or during emotional times or thoughts. Many of my current songs have been written with tears along with a big FU chip on my shoulder. I record all my ideas on my iPhone voice app, whether it's just a vocal line or a chord progression on my acoustic guitar. I then listen back days later to see if I still like it and want to continue working on it. I then will send my new producer select rough acoustic tracks on acoustic guitar and the ones we pick, we will record.  

Fresh Music World: How do you handle the challenges and pressures of being in the music industry?

Darryn Yates: My 1st go-around in the music business with the band I formed in Los Angeles called On Tracy Lane...this chapter was all about trying to impress a label or play a big show to get noticed or meet the right person to get the big break I always felt I would get. After not getting that big break for years, I for sure felt kinda defeated and that challenge and pressure was no longer fun.

This 2nd time around with the new Darryn Yates retro rock music is an entirely different ballgame. With this crazy thing called the internet, artists can build brands, push their music, and become so good that they can create their own breaks. I have been building my own little ecosystem of success where I don't need a record deal now. If the numbers are right, sure let's go but chances are any type of record deal is going to try and put the numbers to their advantage. In fact, to date I have turned down about 3 label offers because I didn't like their offer or their brand vibe. The pressure and challenges are fun again because it is my game now. I figured out a way to become my own boss, I am writing, producing and releasing my new music on my own. My mindset & work ethic is to become so good that I just simply cannot be denied. I got through the hard part, this is the fun part!

Fresh Music World: What has been your most memorable performance or milestone so far?

Darryn Yates: Actress Lacey Chabert (Mean Girls, Party of 5, Hallmark) played my love interest in an On Tracy Lane song, the original version of "Back to Maybe". The crew I worked with turned an elementary school gym into a rock arena vibe in the Van Nuys area of Los Angeles. Lacey was dropped off in a limo, filmed with us for 4 hours, and then her limo picked her up. So that was pretty cool!  

The most memorable performances were when On Tracy Lane opened for several national acts: Avril Lavigne, Butch Walker, Local H, American Hi-Fi, and Phantom Planet. Another awesome experience was playing overseas in Greenland for the US troops! 

I also am extremely proud of the new music I am releasing after getting through lots of adversity. It's a testament to what is possible when we apply pure heart, grit, perseverance, and determination to go find out what we are truly capable of and to give that dream we have in our hearts...grind hard and give it a real chance. 

Fresh Music World: How do you see your music evolving in the next few years?

Darryn Yates: I believe I am going to stick to variations of my version of retro rock and the themes I've been writing about most likely will not change anytime soon. =) I envision putting a lot of effort into the live show. I want to make them huge events. I want people leaving a Darryn Yates show excited about what they just saw but also I want them excited about the dream they have in their hearts too.

Fresh Music World: What message or feeling do you hope your listeners take away from your music?

Darryn Yates: When listeners listen to my music, I want them to get excited to hop on the Darryn Yates train as I promise them it's going to be an exciting ride and I want to include them every step of the way! I also want them to get excited about their lives and I want them encouraged to go for the goal or vision they have in their hearts! It's a win win! Only two amazing things can happen. You either do it...how cool would that be? Or...you will never wonder 'what would have happened?'

Fresh Music World: How do you balance maintaining your artistic integrity with commercial success?

Darryn Yates: I believe many of the best & most successful artists out there are the ones who would be doing their art with or without commercial success. Success means a different thing to me now than it did when I was younger playing in On Tracy Lane. Success to me now is all about doing what makes you happy, figuring out a way to make it your job, and being a good person that wants to help others. However much commercial success I end up having doesn't really matter. Sure being able to spread my message and music to more people is an amazing thought, but the fact that I am in the game for the right reasons to see how far I can take it...that is everything to me.

Fresh Music World: Are there any upcoming projects or collaborations you’re excited about that you can share with us?

Darryn Yates: I have so many new retro rock songs I am excited to release! My 4th brand new one is called "Swing For The Fences" being released on Halloween most likely and the 5th one "Freaks Rebels & Weirdos" will be released in Dec. sometime. The plan is to keep releasing singles until I have enough for an EP and then eventually a full length album. I am also going to be holding auditions very soon to put the live band together. I can't wait to take this new music to the stage! I appreciate your support and you doing this interview with me means a lot to me. Rock on!