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NEW 6/1/06 - Meridian Magazine
Faith Centered Music Association Announces 2006 Pearl Award Nominees

NEW 5/31/06 - Deseret Morning News (Utah)
Pearl nominees announced

5/4/06 - Utah Review
Local Talent Pursues Dream

3 /15/06 - LDSMusicWorld.com
http://www.ldsmusicworld.com/artists/darin_southam.html

2/25/06 - LDSFiles.com
Actor, singer, songwriter, Darin Southam's debut album is easy listening with a smooth sound that is easy on the senses. Find out what makes Darin tick in our interview.

LDSFiles.com recently interviewed a rising LDS star - Darin Southam (www.darinsoutham.com). With his self-titled debut, Darin releases more than his album, but also uncovers a piece of himself.

Darin's new album was released in stores in August of 2005. It introduces 3 original songs that Darin wrote; "A Way To You", "Me Puedes Amar (You Can Love Me)," and "The Valley Clear". In addition to these new sounds, it also features freshly orchestrated hits, such as "What a Wonderful World" and "Come What May" from Moulin Rouge.

Here's our interview with Darin.

Tell me how this album came about.

In this profession, and it is a profession, there are I suppose 2 types of the "right person" to sing for: One is someone who is financially able to get you started. The other is someone who has the right contacts to take you to the next level and sometimes that means all the way.

In my case, the "right person" happened to be someone who was financially able to get me started... this is actually the more difficult way to do it, as I have come to find out, because it leaves finding the contacts up to you!

Incidentally, I was singing along my merry little way performing here and there and, in essence, I sang for the "right person" because after one of my performances, I was approached by this "right person" who proceeded to open a discussion about helping me start a music career.

It wasn't as easy as that though... I had been pursuing other things that were perhaps more traditional, like law school and business school... I did not expect this and consequently had to make a life changing decision; choose a career I love that perhaps won't be as stable or choose a more traditionally mapped out career that may or may not make me happy. Statistics show, most people choose the traditional route, not to say that is bad, but my wise grandpa Nick always told me to choose something I love that makes me happy. That's smart you see, because only when you love something will you ever have enough passion to do something great or to attain to your loftiest potential.

As the story continues... I have always been what I call a "conservative risk taker." I knew I could sing and had confidence in my business sense to keep this thing rolling, so I decided to go for it with my eyes wide open. Music, as you know, is a hard business to make it in. I knew that before I got into it, but I know it even more now that I am in it! All that said, I knew this was an opportunity that I was given for some purpose and I could not turn it down. I won't say I haven't looked back because I would be lying, but I will say I have never looked back and wished I had chosen differently. I love music and I love performing... entertainment is where I belong.

What is the inspiration behind the album?

I guess the inspiration behind this album exists at several levels. I feel the reason God gives us talents or gifts is to uplift, strengthen, alleviate, and inspire each other, but at the same time, I didn't want to make the album, or "my genre," overtly religious in any way. I wanted to create a musical work that would move people, of any background, who enjoyed orchestral, jazz, and pop music. Entertainment is one of the most essential and needed elements of our society - that's why we all need weekends!

I have something to give to the people in this world and I feel like some of it came out in my album... I say some because I plan on doing a few more. This album shows one side of me that is a very big part of me. Recently, I have discovered a more Jazz/Lounge style, which people can expect to hear more of in future albums. You get a little taste of what I am talking about with cut 9 on the CD, "What A Wonderful World."

You wrote some of the songs on the album – tell us how those songs came about?

Well, "The Valley Clear," for starters, was the very first song I wrote. The background came from my life really... relationships I suppose. I wanted to portray how this girl, whom I soon would marry, gave clarity of vision to my future. The song is a story which expresses feelings I have had when I have lost a good relationship (or in this case, waiting for her to return) and also feelings of when that relationship is renewed... and of course it ends happy!

"Me Puedes Amar," is Spanish for "The Nino!" Not really... it means "You Can Love Me," and it was written for the woman I did marry. Knowing Spanish made it a little less intimidating, but going for Spanish on song # 2 was still quite a leap of faith. This song is about trust... the most sacred trust of all. It's about leaving the sometimes lonely life of being single and trusting your heart and soul to the partner of your choosing, knowing that it could be broken. Most people love the single scene and I had my fun with it, but ultimately it is a natural desire to find this deeper relationship. Love is a risk that both people involved take and this song addresses my feelings about the subject. Here is the translation... I think it speaks for itself:

Spanish Lyrics
Si eres quién me puede amar
Me tomas la mano hoy día
Si eres quién me puede amar
Abraza mi alma hoy día

No quiero yo jamás
Sentirme a solas

Si eres quién me adorará
Te daré un beso hoy día
Si eres quién me puede amar
Mi vida siempre será tuya

Existe dentro mio
Un sentimiento

Me puedes amar

English Translation
If you're who can love me
Take my hand this day
If you're who can love me
Embrace my soul this day
I never want
To feel alone

If you're who will adore me
I will give you my kiss this day
If you're who can love me
My life is forever yours

There is inside of me
A feeling

You can love me

Lastly, "A Way To You." This was an interesting one. I sat down a day before we were going to the studio to record our second session and I had to write it fast... I sat at the piano for about an hour and a half and in the last 15 minutes I wrote this song. The melody flowed and the lyrics followed right with it. I drove to Logan, where my co-producer, Jay Richards, assisted with getting it on paper. The song is about that sometimes all to common side of relationships where one of the two, in spite of his or her best efforts, just can't reach the other. It's about commitment and what happens when it isn't strong enough... the relationship dies and one is often left wishing it would have worked out.

Tell me about the Saxon Chronicles.

Ah yes, "The Saxon Chronicles." This film was so fun to make. It is based on historical facts and is one of the most inspiring stories to be told. Set in about 890 A.D. King Alfred, never thought he would survive his brothers to be king, but did in fact and was the last king left to defend all of England against the invasions of the vikings. Through his noble defense and leadership, England still stands today. I felt connected with Alfred at so many levels. Many trials and experiences I have had in my life helped me to understand some of his hardships and made it almost effortless to find his character, which is why I found so much fulfillment in portraying him.

The film itself was made on a shoe string budget but you would never know by watching it. Admittedly, I was very surprised how good it turned out. I was drawn into the movie... it grabbed me and I forgot I was watching myself! That is an accomplishment for me because I am so self critical of my performances.

How did your involvement come about?

Although I have an agent, this opportunity came about of my own initiative. I am a member of the Utah Actors Group and I saw an audition notice posted for the title role in this film. I read the character description and fell in love with the role immediately. I responded to the audition posting and the director, Jeshua De Horta (AKA Josh), who happens to be Andy Garcia's cousin, called me to set up an audition. We talked for several minutes and I was SO impressed with how on-the-ball and studied he was. Sometimes with independents you get lots of people who don't know what they're doing, but Josh was totally on top of things which is another reason I did the film. When I got through with the audition, I noticed Linda McDonald-Hite, who is the screen writer, was in tears. Before I auditioned, Linda had told me how specific of an idea she had for this charater, so when I saw her moved to tears I felt pretty good about things. Josh called me on my way home, which had never happened to me before, and said the part was mine if I wanted it. Of course I said yes, and the rest is history.

What do you expect to happen with the film?

It premiered at the LDS Film Festival and got great reviews. I expect it to go to several more film festivals and to possibly air on the History or Discovery Channel. Josh (and myself) would really like to see it done with a Hollywood budget, so he is not too anxious to sell it just yet. He wants to retain the rights for the occasion that the opportunity presents itself in the near future. As I mentioned, the story is fantastic.

I understand you spent quite a bit of time with a capella choirs. Tell us about that.

A Cappella was fun. It was the elite choir at the University of Utah when I was a student there and I can attest to how fun it is to sing with such a talented group of people. I had a few solos in concerts as well. It was a privilege to sing with them.

What’s next for your career?

The title role in Ron Howard's next film I hope! I recently landed a job with the Discovery Channel. It is a documentary movie, directed by Nick Copus, about two brothers who went hiking down in Chute Canyon in the late winter and one of them fell and shattered his leg. The other brother, Jeremy (who I portray in the film), tries to make it out of the canyon in time to get help that can save his now immobile brother's life. It is an inspiring story about how they both survived seemingly impossible odds and I expect it to air this year sometime.

For music, I continue to book performances here in the valley and I have been working with a band as of late that I anticipate doing a lot of shows with.

Future looks exciting!

1/9/06 - LDSReview.net
A couple of oldies-but-goodies, a compilation album, and a newcomer... Check out our Best of 2005 music!

If you like Josh Groban but wish you could find something just a little bit more mellow, try Darin Southam’s inagural self-titled album. A collection of nine songs, it’s a great mixture of some well-known tunes mixed with a few that Southam has written himself. Look out for the duet he sings with Holly Jo Samuelson, “Pie Jesu” – it’s absolutely beautiful.

11/1/05 - LDSMusicNews.com
High praise indeed

The LDS music market has just found it's equivalent to Josh Groban. Cue Darin Southam. Minus the trademark curly locks of Groban, Southam's genre, style, and talent fall right in line with his predecessor.

Southam's voice is unquestionable the strongest aspect of his self-titled disc, though vocals are accompanied by a full, rich arrangement of music the likes of which you'd hear on any big label disc. The songs certainly wouldn't be the same without the full orchestration backing Southam.

"The Water Is Wide" is the stand-out track of the album, complete with rich strings and orchestration. Southam's voice is clean and powerful and perfectly articulates the touching lyrics of the song.

Made famous by the movie Moulon Rouge, "Come What May" isn't one that I particularly cared for, though it was a song I wasn't fond of before Southam tackled it. His performance is flawless, and if you like the song, his version is at least as good as anything from the soundtrack.

"Me Puedes Amar", one of the few songs penned by Southam himself, has lyrics that I don't understand, but nonetheless contribute to a peaceful, more mellow tune. A flowing guitar solo backed by a string arrangement makes the music all the better.

The original song "A Way To You" has a juiced up, powerful bridge which showcases Southam's range and vocal dynamics.

An arrangement of Dan Fogelberg's "Longer" is included. As with "Come What May", this has never been a song I've been crazy about, though Southam sings the song well.

"How Could I Have Known" is one that could easily be found on any Josh Groban CD with sweet melodies, mellow music, and well-written lyrics.

Andrew Lloyd Webber's "Pie Jesu" features the addition of vocals by Holly Jo Samuelson whose voice is a perfect complement to the style and dynamics of Southam.

The disc closes with the classic "What a Wonderful World". The orchestration on the song is flawless, and Southam sings the song well, though his style didn't seem to fit that of the song as well as it fit with the rest of the tracks on the CD.

Aside from a few questionable song choices, Southam's disc is complete with bursting, crisp vocals and rich orchestration right in harmony with the masterful Josh Groban. High praise indeed.

Review by Cory Reese

10/5/05 - Paso Robles Press (California):
Earthquake victim’s relative releases CD

A funeral isn’t where one normally expects to discover good music, but Marilyn Frost Zafuto, who died in the San Simeon earthquake on Dec. 22, 2003, would probably be happy to know that when her nephew, Darin Southam, sang for her in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, many fell in love with his voice.

Zafuto was very artistic, a lyrical photographer and writer. She encouraged artistic expression in others.

Many fans heard Southam again just two years later at a happier occasion: the wedding of her daughter, Allison K. Frost.

Now, anyone can hear Southam, who has just released his first CD, self-titled "Darin Southam," on Tanglewood Records.

Southam had applied to law school and was about to take the GMAT when a choir director asked him to sing solo. It wasn’t a perfect performance, he said later, but the effect it had on people surprised him. So many came up to him and told him how moved they were by his performance that he said he began to rethink his decision to law school. Instead, Southam performed solo more often and began to study music. It wasn’t long before he searched for and found a producer and recorded his first CD.

It features sacred classical pieces such as "Pie Jesu" (Latin for Merciful Jesus), Spanish songs and pop tunes.

"Darin’s CD was somewhat inspired by his love for his aunt Marilyn," said Suzanne Kennard, Southam’s booking agent and publicist. "She had always kept very involved in Darin’s activities and was very connected to Darin’s family. She would have been extremely proud of Darin’s achievements."

Rebecca C. Howard, arts and entertainment reviewer at the "Desert Morning News" found the album impressive, if a little monotonous.

"A newcomer on the scene, tenor Southam has just released his first CD, the self-titled ‘Darin Southam.’ It’s actually the first track, ‘Figlio Mio,’ that is so reminiscent of Bocelli in crossover pop/classical sound and style. That, and perhaps, the duets with soprano Holly Jo Samuelson on Andrew Lloyd Webber’s ‘Pie Jesu’ and ‘Come What May’ (from ‘Moulin Rouge’). The rest of the tracks settle pretty comfortably around an easy-listening, smooth pop style—like an arrangement of Dan Fogelberg’s ‘Longer’ and ‘The Water is Wide’ for example. ‘Darin Southam’ really has some good things going for it: Southam has a beautiful clear voice that is pleasant to listen to."

She praised the individual tracks but criticized the overall CD for, she said, some thick lush arrangements that "over sweeten," and because the combination of tracks was very mellow.

Based on the listener feedback listed on Southam’s website, www.darinsoutham.com, it seems that "mellow" is just what other listeners are looking for.

10/5/05 - Vernal Express (Utah):
Former Vernal resident signs with Deseret Book

Former Vernal resident Darin Southam, son of Suzi Southam and the late Clinton J. Southam, nephew of the late Marilyn Frost, recently signed with Deseret Book as their newest recording artist.

Whether giving inspiring discourses at youth camps, showcasing his vocal performing abilities on TV, or appearing in movies on the Disney Channel, Southam has managed to promote his talent and captivate audiences across America. Although born in Vernal, he grew up in soggy-but-beautiful Washington State where he developed his love for movies. This is also when Southam developed a love of the motion picture scores and began to collect them. He soon learned to play many of the songs by ear and never really took to the idea of reading music.

Today, Southam still does not read music straight from the page but plays as if he was born with the gift. He is a natural poet, writing his first poem at the age of 12, and now combines his musical talents with his gift of writing to create wonderful lyrics. In his home office is a digital recording piano where he records, then memorizes how to play his songs an melodies.

The talents of music and acting also run in Southam’s family as his mother was the lead singer in The Contessas produced by Motown and Jimmy Webb in the mid-1960s. She also performed in the Civic Light Opera of California.

Recently Southam met up with film composer, Jay Richards, as co-producers to create Southam’s debut, self-titled album. Southam’s songwriting and voice with Richards’ beautiful orchestra arrangements combine to make the album entrancing for many.

Southam’s new album was released in stores in August of 2005 and is available at Deseret Book, Seagull Book, Media Play, and eventually Wal-Mart and Target stores. The album features three languages of delivery with beautiful, clear and pleasant easy listening musical arrangements.

A singer, an actor, a songwriter, public speaker, and an artist; you might ask what Southam doesn’t do.

9/20/05 - The Scroll (Idaho):
Southam touches hearts with music

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.”

By Jodee Krainik
KRA01001@BYUI.EDU

9/14/05 - The Columbian (Washington):
Tuning up for success

Singer Darin Southam has a good idea who will buy his new CD.

"I call it adult contemporary, and it's for more of a mature audience," he said. "I don't expect punk rockers will be lining up to buy it."

Southam, 26, lived in Clark County for 11 years and graduated from Mountain View High School in 1997. He's now in Utah, where he's juggling his fledgling music career with work as an actor. He's already landed three movie roles in less than three years.

Two were small speaking roles in Disney television movies in 2003 and 2004.

In one, he portrays a school bully. In the other, he's a troublemaker.

"I'm already a little worried about type-casting," he joked.

His most recent role is the title character in "King Alfred the Great," an independent film expected to make the rounds at film festivals.

Southam's CD is available at all Deseret Bookstores, including one at 10394 S.E. 82nd Ave., Portland, or 15010 Bangy Road, Lake Oswego. It's also available through his Web site, www.darinsoutham .com.

Mike Bailey's column mike.bailey@columbian.com.

4/15/05 - Deseret Morning News (Utah):
Legal career or music? Singer is glad he followed his heart

Darin Southam didn't start out to be a singer. In fact, he thought maybe law — or even business — might be his calling. But that's not the way things turned out. It was a performance of "Bring Him Home" from the musical "Les Miserables" that changed things.

Southam was singing with a choir, and the director gave him the opportunity to sing a solo. "I never wanted to be the person that was up there singing," said Southam. "But I guess the love of that song kind of carried me through. Although it wasn't perfect, the effect that it had on people was surprising to me."

The comments people made, Southam said, caused him to consider doing more vocal solos and pursue more music education. Over time, one thing led to another, and soon he found himself singing in front of a "meaningful audience." One of the listeners that night heard Southam and made him an offer he couldn't refuse.

"This person offered to help me record a professional album," Southam recalled. "This person didn't just give me money. He said, 'You write me up a business plan. You write me up what it costs, and then we'll see.' "

At the time, Southam said, he had recently applied to law school and was about to take the GMAT. But, he said, "this opportunity was literally just laid in front of me. I think that everybody's life has a meaning, and for some reason this direction was placed in front of me. So I had to make a decision as to which career, and I chose the bolder of the two, which was the music."

The challenge, he said, motivated him to get serious about music as a profession. "I took this opportunity and did indeed write up a business plan. I researched like crazy, online searches, made phone calls." After just a few phone calls he found a producer for his CD — Jay Richards.

It took a lot of time and effort, he said, to be able to do the album, and a lot of work to record the album itself. But the result, the self-titled "Darin Southam," which was released in December, has made everything worth it.

It's a product that Southam, a self-proclaimed perfectionist, is happy with. But what's more, it's something that he feels other people will be happy with, too.

"I feel like I'm giving something that's good to people," he said, "something they can listen to and not have to say, 'Oh honey, cover your ears.'

"I want it to be music that will caress the ears of those who listen to it and let people forget about the mundane things of the world and escape to a better place," he said.

The current challenge, Southam said, is breaking into the market. "It's kind of a catch-22," he said. "In order to continue, you've got to sell, and to sell, you've got to be known. But if you want to be known, you have to sell." Southam got a day job in sales to pay the bills, but he's hoping to start getting airtime on stations such as FM-100 and KOSY-106.5.

So far, Southam said, he has sold about 500 CDs — almost entirely by word of mouth, through his Web site www.darinsoutham.com and Cdbaby.com. But his aim is a lot bigger. "I want it to be different than what comes out of this state in that I want it to reach everyone," he said. "My only purpose is to get this into as many homes and possible, because I want this to reach hundreds of thousands — in fact, hopefully millions — of people."

By Rebecca C. Howard - Deseret Morning News
rcline@desnews.com

HERE for CD review by Deseret Morning News

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