Darren Mathiassen

Enthralling, exhilarating and enigmatic, Darren, or D. as the music scene knows him widely, is one of New Zealand’s most in-demand drummers. Equipped with an all-rounder attitude and an outstanding skill set, he performs with a variety of artists. These include both his country and the world from the USA, UK, Europe, and Australia, to Japan, Hong Kong, and Singapore.

Thrilling and fresh, Darren’s electrifying feel and exceptional grooves have become integral to the thriving homegrown sound of Aotearoa, through groups and artists such as Trinity Roots, Age Pryor, Charlotte Yates and Rhombus. His long-standing bond with sensational soul sister, Hollie Smith, has produced both top selling albums and headline performances at festivals around the globe. Due to his wholehearted musicality, Darren is constantly sought to collaborate in a wide range of exciting projects. Currently he provides his rhythmic presence to the flourishing leading lights of. Among others Bella Kalolo and the Soul Symphony, Sacha Vee, Iva Lamkum, Fredericks Brown and Tyson Smith crossed his path. These also include Deva Mahal, as well as his own award-winning dirty rock hip-hop trio, THE NOK. Creating invigorating and ingenious music is keeping him pretty busy…

Darren has the honour of opening shows for global superstars and legends such as Mos Def, Coldplay, Dr John. Further artists are Simply Red and Taj Mahal among others. And a few of the festivals and events he has appeared include: Glastonbury (UK), Blue Note Festival (France), Winter Olympics (Canada), Blues & Roots Fest (Aus/NZ), Rhythm & Vines (NZ), Big Day Out (NZ), WOMAD (NZ), and Grand Points North Festival (VT,USA).

www.darrenmathiassen.com