About The Darph

The Darph is a Chicago-based multi-instrumentalist specializing in moody soundscapes mixed with 90s grunge-inspired alt rock. The result is a mix between ambient, lofi, and singer-songwriter styles. The ultimate goal is to keep finding new ways to connect with people musically, to experiment with sound, and find new ways to create familiar yet not-quite-normal sounding music. Liminal Music, if you will.

Self portrait of The Darph at Bear Dance Studios (Above)

Bear Dance Studios

The Darph currently works out of his home in a converted room lovingly referred to as Bear Dance Studios (a reference to the painting of the same name).

For nearly five years he's worked from this location just outside Chicago in a little nook inside a neighborhood that's both very private and still a short walk from both bustling city and quiet forest preserves. In recent years gardening and nature have become an important part of the writing and recording process, as an outlet and a space to be alone when things get too hectic.

The Process

The writing and recording process usually starts with just a feeling. From there The Darph retreats into the studio to begin experimenting with synths, samples, tape loops, and generally trying to get the texture of a sound before choosing any arrangements.

Atmosphere

The vibes in the studio are never complete without a cat napping somewhere nearby and a little mood lighting at night. Sunset is the perfect time to start a session, while you don't need any artificial mood lighting, and continue on until you can't see and have to play by the glow of your pedals.

Other Projects

The Darph has always been an experimental, instrumental project. Since 2023 I took some time off from this project to focus on a more personal project that is more traditional sounding indie/folkd rock called Midori Moss. When things get dull around here and there hasn't been an update in a while you should check out the Moss project because that's probably what I'm focused on. I'll be going back and forth between the two projects as I see fit depending on what music fits each genre.

Both projects can be found on Bandcamp and everywhere you stream music.