Chris Darby got an awesome write up, and from the sound of it, a spot on the cover of this weeks Redeye magazine in Chicago. The publication is associated with the Chicago Tribune. Here’s what they had to say about Chris: Chris Darby of Portage Park has held a lot of titles: carpenter, bike messenger, busboy; but the one that’s earned him the most recognition is folk musician.The singer-guitarist formed the band Them Damn Kids in La Grange nine years ago with friend Rolland Gairroes, whom he met in college in Missouri a few years before.Darby says his lyrics and sound are rooted in his own “working class” experiences. They’re heavily influenced by his folk peers in Chicago and states he’s visited in the Midwest during his tours, making his connection to the genre an easy fit.“It seemed to come up naturally, I guess. There wasn’t really a plan,” said Darby, 30, who considers lyric-based tunes to be folk music.Darby’s new plan is to tour the Midwest for six weeks this summer with a stop June 10 at the Red Line Tap in Rogers Park as part of a three-day songwriter festival. Them Damn Kids, which produced four full-length albums known for their hushed vocals, is on hiatus, so he’s a solo artist now.Over the years, he’s performed 400 shows in 30 states, including a residency at Uncommon Ground in Lakeview, and hosted songwriter showcases for local folk musicians and those on tour.As he’s toured the country, Darby’s met musicians at shows and through friends of friends, who’ve lent him a couch to crash on. He’s returned the favor by giving touring artists a place to stay and gas money.Darby said he’s felt comfortable relying on others because he belongs to a tight musician network.“It’s pretty safe,” Darby said. “If someone seems like a loose cannon, I just sleep in my car.”Darby admitted the lengths that he goes to for other musicians is “pretty extensive,” but he praised Chicago’s folk population as “really communal. People are interested in what other people are doing and willing to help each other out.” Read the full article here. Congrats, Chris!

Chris Darby got an awesome write up, and from the sound of it, a spot on the cover of this weeks Redeye magazine in Chicago. The publication is associated with the Chicago Tribune. Here’s what they had to say about Chris:

Chris Darby of Portage Park has held a lot of titles: carpenter, bike messenger, busboy; but the one that’s earned him the most recognition is folk musician.

The singer-guitarist formed the band Them Damn Kids in La Grange nine years ago with friend Rolland Gairroes, whom he met in college in Missouri a few years before.

Darby says his lyrics and sound are rooted in his own “working class” experiences. They’re heavily influenced by his folk peers in Chicago and states he’s visited in the Midwest during his tours, making his connection to the genre an easy fit.

“It seemed to come up naturally, I guess. There wasn’t really a plan,” said Darby, 30, who considers lyric-based tunes to be folk music.

Darby’s new plan is to tour the Midwest for six weeks this summer with a stop June 10 at the Red Line Tap in Rogers Park as part of a three-day songwriter festival. Them Damn Kids, which produced four full-length albums known for their hushed vocals, is on hiatus, so he’s a solo artist now.

Over the years, he’s performed 400 shows in 30 states, including a residency at Uncommon Ground in Lakeview, and hosted songwriter showcases for local folk musicians and those on tour.

As he’s toured the country, Darby’s met musicians at shows and through friends of friends, who’ve lent him a couch to crash on. He’s returned the favor by giving touring artists a place to stay and gas money.

Darby said he’s felt comfortable relying on others because he belongs to a tight musician network.

“It’s pretty safe,” Darby said. “If someone seems like a loose cannon, I just sleep in my car.”

Darby admitted the lengths that he goes to for other musicians is “pretty extensive,” but he praised Chicago’s folk population as “really communal. People are interested in what other people are doing and willing to help each other out.”

Read the full article here. Congrats, Chris!