Darren has been involved in every facet of magazine publishing, from authoring articles and commissioning original works to design, artworking and selling advertising. He frequently writes under the pen name, Nick Stephenson.
Hey Mag
Darren founded “Hey Mag”, a music magazine, in 2018. It was distributed for free on digital platforms such as Yumpu.com. Collaborating with magazine publishing veteran Lesley Wright, he established a strong editorial foundation. By the sixth issue, he assumed full editorial control, managing over 60 pages of content in each edition. The December 2018 issue received over 1.1 million views Yumpu.com.
This edition includes an exclusive interview with 17-year-old sensation Billie Eilish, who opens up about fame, therapy, and her new relationship. UK legend Sir Paul McCartney unveils his new children’s book, while Mabel Alabama-Pearl McVey discusses her upcoming album. Take That’s Gary Barlow shares songwriting insights, and newcomer Leah Depala from Dubai is featured.
The magazine also delves into the ‘Despacito Effect’ on modern Latin music, features a rising Colombian reggaetón artist, JuanDa Lotero, and showcases five promising Peruvian bands.
15,728 Views
Our UK festival guide highlights the best music festivals across the country. For those looking to travel, we feature the coolest international festivals on the planet. Explore the evolution of dancing in fields and impress your friends with fun festival trivia.
Plus, catch up with UK hip-hop stars Children of Zeus before their UK tour, dive into the songwriting genius of Tim Fraser, and debate whether 1989 was the best year for music ever.
5,455 Views
Discover Ava Max, the chart-topping newcomer making waves worldwide, and see how Jamiroquai has super-charged their kaleidoscopic funk grooves. Meet the Kurdish singer, born in a Syrian refugee camp, who is pushing for diversity in the music industry.
Learn from world-renowned DJ and Detone boss Darren Emerson (ex-Underworld) with his six tips for running a successful record label. Explore the best underground parties in Paris and enjoy our curated selection of must-see music documentaries.
10,108 Views
Issue #3 Dec 2018
British singer-songwriter Jess Glynne opens up about fame, while Icelandic neo-classical genius Olafur Arnalds brings glacial cool. UAE-based band The Boxtones return to their rock roots, and we dive into the spaced-out world of Japanese hip-hop producer Shin-Ski. Discover five emerging Chicago acts to add to your radar and learn how to secure your band a gig.
1,102,140 Views
Issue #2 Oct 2018
Featuring the legendary ‘Modfather’, Paul Weller, and an exclusive interview with Kathy Sledge, renowned for her success with disco-era supergroup Sister Sledge.
Discover the prolific career of classical musician Errollyn Wallen and delve into the whirlwind year of South London rapper Ramz.
Guest contributor, Mosely Trybez, advocates for important conversations regarding mental health issues in the world of hip-hop.
10,343 Views
Issue #1 Aug 2018
In this inaugural issue, dive into the world of UK singer-songwriting sensation RAYE, catch up on news about the wealthiest hip-hop rappers, explore the profile of A.R. Rahman - dubbed the Mozart of Madras - and an exclusive interview with British DJ & production duo Hollaphonic.
10,533 Views
Novo
“Novo”, a print only publication, was distributed across the cinema networks in UAE, Bahrain, and Qatar. Its content comprised film reviews, engaging articles, and advertisements. Global brands such as IMAX, Coca-Cola, Mashreq Bank, BEin Sports, Emirates Airline, Etisalat, HSBC, Qatar Airways, and the Bolshoi Ballet partnered with Novo. In the capacity of Brand Marketing Manager, Darren contributed articles aimed at captivating consumers and enhancing brand perception.
Cover: ‘Rogue One’
Contributed:
* Novo The Haunted House Of Cinema<br>
72 pages
Cover: Arnold Schwarzenegger in ‘Terminator 2’
Contributed:
* Seats, Eats And Cinema Treats
* From Tots To Teens: Tips For Your Child’s First Cinema Trip
96 Pages
Cover: Valerian
* Novo Can’t Help Falling In Love With Regional Language Movies
96 Pages
Cover: Guardians Of The Galaxy
Contributed:
* The Mozart Of Madras: A.R Rahman
* Sound Bites – Foley In Film
84 pages
Cover: Natalie Portman in ‘Jackie’
Contributed:
* Meeting The Stars Of Kaabil
* Bring On The Bollywood Boys
* The Big Interview with Shah Rukh Khan
* Ballet In Cinema
100 pages
The Works
“The Works” was a quarterly membership magazine distributed to all songwriter and composer members of the Ivors Academy (formerly BASCA). Darren introduced a digital version to complement the print edition and spearheaded a revamp of the magazine, modernising its tone and design for a forward-looking appeal. He served as editor for four issues, overseeing the transition to a more contemporary and engaging format.
Cover: Women Of Classical Music
Cover: Christine McVie
Contributed:
* Ms Mac Is Back
Cover: Errollyn Wallen