MUSIC INDUSTRY STALWART

Having worked in and around the music industry in the UK and the Middle East for the best part of 30 years, Darren has been called a music industry ‘stalwart’.

Darren has promoted multiple music concerts; written for numerous music blogs and edited two music magazines; he’s provided marketing services for two world-famous recording studios; worked for two music-related membership organisations ensuring songwriters and composers are paid for their creativity; launched a radio station; worked with heritage and upcoming artists; created several promotions to support production music; launched music licences; been a member of the BRIT Awards voting academy; produced CDs, DVDs, books, radio programmes and TV shows; launched two music apps; an online game and spearheaded industry-wide campaigns to promote the music charts.

Here’s a look at some of his music chops – ‘stal’warts and all:

2022 - 2024

* On behalf of MAC Global (Sony Music Entertainment), responsible for marketing, pr, social media; on-site artist liaison and end-to-end event management of music concerts in Abu Dhabi, Dubai, Bahrain, Oman, Sharjah & Kingdom of Saudi Arabia (full gig list)

2020 - 2021

* Executed marketing & pr campaigns for upcoming artists:
* Rxth = 4x singles; 1x EP
* Bull Funk Zoo = 3x singles
* Jin Flora = playlisting for 2x singles

2020 - 2021

* iamCrü - responsible for social media to promote UAE-based music blog
* Launched the UAE Music Powerlist with Lesley Wright
* Ma'ana Music - responsible for social media for Dubai-based music pr company
* secured playlist inclusions for established US & UK artists: Simon Shackleton, Garza, Tyler Stone

2017 - 2019

* Hey Mag - founded a digital music magazine
* Mixxlist - marketed an iOS and Android music app
* event marketing for open-air gig at Dubai Media City Amphitheatre: Take That
* event marketing for Nancy Ajram concert at Dragon Mart 2

2016

* Project managed RedFestDXB - the UAE's largest music festival

2013 - 2015

* Event marketing for the Ivor Novello Awards and the British Composer Awards
* Event marketing for Jamie Oliver and Alex James (Blur) The Big Feastival

2011 - 2012

* AIR Studios & Strongroom Studios
* Launched radio station - Strongroom Alive
* Staged a guitar recording masterclass

2008 - 2011

* Created the PRS for Music Scene>>Heard promotion
* Launched ProDub - licence for DJs
* Managed sponsorship of the John Peel Stage, Glastonbury 2010

2001 - 2016

* Member of the BRIT Awards Voting Academy

2001 - 2007

* pitched & sold TV shows and radio programmes:
* produced TV-advertised double CDs and developed an interactive DVD
* Credited in four music books
* Personally acknowledged in music biographies for Take That, The Killers and The Wonder Stuff.

2001 - 2007

* Rebranded CIN to The Official Charts Company
* Masterminded industry-wide campaigns for the 50th anniversary of the Singles Chart; Albums Chart
* Launched the Official Download Chart
* negotiated a major 3-year sponsorship deal with Coca-Cola

1997

* Launched London Music Week

People Talk

“I am delighted to enthusiastically recommend Darren Haynes for a position regarding knowledge of popular music. I know from experience that Darren is one of the most capable people in this area. His enthusiasm for music, and his interest in and knowledge of pop trivia, is unsurpassed. Furthermore, Darren is a reliable individual with good work habits."
Paul Gambaccini
Radio & TV presenter and author
"Darren’s an absolute rock star when it comes to marketing and promotion. The way he makes things happen seems to border on the miraculous to me. He is honest and direct and genuinely cares about the projects he chooses to take on, so does everything he can to make them a success. I know I can always trust his advice and that he is reliable and true to his word. This means I can relax knowing that he has my back and will not just do everything he said he will but do it with a level of care, creativity and excellence that is hard to find."
RXTH
Singer-Songwriter
“Darren is a rare breed – a communications professional who actually knows what he’s talking about and how to brief a journalist without resorting to the usual bullshit we hear all too often.”
Zoe Kleinman
BBC presenter, reporter & broadcast journalist
“A consummate professional, Darren can turn his hand to most things and my goodness if you ever need a man with a strong knowledge of music in your pub quiz team – he’s a must!”
Sophia Armitage-Chilcott
Music Editor & Entertainment Journalist, Entertainment News, UBC Media
"Darren is valued and trusted member of our team. I have known him personally and professionally for several years. His current role as Marketing Manager at MAC Global is performed diligently, always with the core company objectives at the forefront of his day-to-day activities. His vast experience in the fields of both marketing and entertainment give him a unique skillset we appreciate and value daily."
Daniel Goldberg
COO - MAC Global
"I have worked with many marketing and social media agencies. Many have promised what they can do but none have matched what Darren attained. He addressed my social media and marketing challenges. There was never any need to chase or follow up, he just got on with it and the results speak for themselves. He was also there for any advice or tips, and always testing different platforms and strategies for the benefit of my agency. I would highly recommend Darren for any of your marketing needs.”
Tobie Allen
CEO - Ma'ana Music