informal cv (pdf click to view and / or download)

Hello and welcome to my website,

Maybe we've never met, maybe you've seen me play, sang with me, watched the live streams, or read a story somewhere about the war veteran who overcame mental health problems by writing songs ... for a 'whistle stop' overview of what I'm about in the present day, the diary is an up to date resource :-)

I've worked in music professionally since 1988, having played my first few songs at a poetry night in late 1984. I was at that time a member of a small amateur group of people who co-ordinated 'Stand And Deliver' events in Greater Manchester, promoting performance poetry and alternative cabaret as part of a 'scene' of grassroots venues that were I believe the catalyst for alternative comedy in the UK.

In my first few years as a performer, I worked alongside many peers and performers of original wordplay and song, many who who to this day continue to create and make a vital contribution to our culture and social development; people such as playwrite Kevin Fegan, writer and producer Henry Normal, comedian and actor Steve Coogan, the much missed comedienne and actress Caroline Aherne, poet Lemn Sissay, poet Nick Toczek, songwriters John Bramwell, George Borowski and Claire Mooney and actor John Thompson were just a few of the names I recall, people who greatly influenced my early years in the creative industries.

I went on to promote bands, comedians and songwriters at a live music venue called The Witchwood in Ashton Under Lyne, where I promoted over 2,500 live music events across 10 years, including a handful of family festival 'in the park' events for our local council, gigs in central Manchester clubs, and a handful of events for the Euro '96 football tournament.

I would work in this time and in the years that followed as a sound engineer, as a local music journalist, a booking agent, tour manager and stage manager, completing a HND in Music and Media Management and producing an album for the Rawfish Records label, whilst continuing to write and perform as a singer songwriter.

As the year 2K came I started to view education and youth work as something I could give back, and in the years that followed I would work as a youth worker, a special needs music and ICT teacher, and regional manager across the North East for Youth Music funded project 'Music Leader'.

I was also invited to London by the RNIB to recieve a Visionary Design Award for my accessible web design work with 'The Bradshaws' radio show.

When the covid pandemic came along, with no concerts to play I launched a Sunday morning live stream show, playing my songs to an online audience out of a small upstairs room at home. 'Darren Poyzer's Sunday Service' is over 100 shows strong, and continues onwards each and every Sunday morning. Through thick and thin my love for performing live has carried me onwards, and in this moment my time professionally is virtually 100% music delivery, working with community groups and event promoters, in bars and at festivals, playing, performing and / or leading singalong sessions.

If we've yet to meet in person, I hope we do soon at a music event to remember,
Thank you for your interest in my work, your support is always very much appreciated,
All good things, Darren :-)

Live Performance FAQ

Community Music / Singing FAQ

Learning & Education FAQ

 

 

Live Performance FAQ
Booking and Enquiries Information (pdf download)

Solo, duo or trio?
I'm good value as a solo artiste, up to two hours with a break if that's what's required, however for special occasions, festivals etc, I often put together either a duo or trio line-up. All musicians bring their own styles and profile to each gig; for example there's outstanding harmonica legend Pigman, or the brilliant fiddlers Fluff and Jamie Parkes, and for that full on two acoustic guitar sound there's Kevin Farrell and Roydan Styles.

Do you play pubs, cafe bars, folk clubs, festivals, weddings, parties, anything?
Yes, anywhere and everywhere there's decent coffee! I have played many festivals, bars, cafes, and folk clubs, including themed events; my original songs and stories are ideal for setting, my cover song list is extensive, and I genuinely enjoy listening to others and taking part in a sing-along. I occasionally work as a compere at festivals, and by special request I perform at special personal celebration events, birthdays, weddings etc.

Can you play an originals only set?
Gladly! I have around 3 hours worth of original songs to choose from, and these work well amplified in lively venues, or can be stripped down to acoustic only for more intimate listening occasions. For originals, there are lots of videos and recordings, please > click here <.

Do you play covers / popular songs by other people?
Yes absolutely, my alter ego 'Dazzler' often takes up the role of leading a singalong. For my covers song list please > click here <.

Are you happy to support another artiste / band?
Yes, I have a wide range of songs and stories to deliver and have supported many high profile artistes and toured with some also. My 'supporting role' cv lists a quite diverse range including Steve Coogan, John Cooper Clarke, Lloyd Cole, Eddi Reader, Wishbone Ash, Hawkwind, Fisherman's Friends, Roy Harper, Glenn Tilbrook, Chris Difford and many more!

What fees do you charge? Do you play charity events?
Fees are negotiable and dependent on the size of venue, the location and the occasion. Pub fees tend to be pretty standard at around £150 for solo / £250 for a duo, whilst special events and festivals often require the trio. Providing it's a cause I support, I am always happy to support charity events in exchange for my expenses. Homeless charities and special needs projects in particular are my preference, however I am always happy to answer a call positively to see what I can do to help ...

Are you available short notice and in what area?
Yes. I travel out of Stockport, near Manchester, 2 minutes from the M60 ring road which links into the M6, M56, and M62. E-mail usually brings a same day reply, a call or text gets a prompt reply.

Do you have sound system and lights?
Yes. My Stagepas 1k (mk2) is an excellent, compact system. My lights are on two stands presently, and are straight forward, bright colours, non-disco.

Are you a family friendly performer?
Yes. I drink water only before and during my work, with a small beer or coffee afterwards. I keep the stories and songs family friendly and accessible for all.

Do you play political songs?
I don't rant or tell people what to think, but I have written a wide range of songs, some with a strong socio-political observation or two at the heart of a rabble rousing set. Some of the events I am invited to play include Wigan Diggers Festival, Preston Peoples Festival, Glastonwick and Belladrum Tartan Heart, and these offer a very wide and eclectic mix of writers and artistes.

Community Music and Singing FAQ

What kind of comunity singing groups do you work with?
I work with a number of groups delivering community singing sessions in care homes and day centre venues, and my associate partners include and have included AgeUK, Alheimer's Society, Just Drop In (Macclesfield), The Bridgend Centre (Bollington), Sunrise Senior Living (Bramhall), Stockport Homes and Whitehill Resource Centre (Stockport).

Do you have song sheets with word for the songs you sing?
Yes I provide song sheets, and the list is constantly being developed according to the needs and preferences of each group, as I can work with any song and genre. With older groups we would usually sing songs from the war years and onwards into the 60's and 70's, whereas with young people's groups we look for songs they know that might also be known by adult audiences.

Do you play any instruments in these sessions?
Yes, usually the acoustic guitar with some harmonica. However, for a wider ranging dynamic we sing unaccompanied and also with original recordings to help with reminiscence.

Do your singing groups perform at special events?
Yes, some of them do, but not regularly as the emphasis is always on fun and singing as an activity. And of course, participation is always optional, and not compulsory for any group member.

Learning and Education FAQ

You are a 'music leader' - what does this mean?
I work to deliver music through informal (community) projects, as well as via formal education and youth services. The term 'Music Leader' was recently introduced by Youth Music (UK) to identify those of us who use our skills as musicians, to the benefit of communities through both formal and informal education and community projects.

Are you available to work in schools and colleges?
Yes. I've spent quite a few years working in part-time roles specifically as a Music Teacher in special needs schools, with children in care (EBD) and those with learning and physical disabilities. I've taught BTEC Music Courses, and run workshops in songwriting and creative writing.

Do you offer guitar lessons?
Yes. Based in and around Stockport, Greater Manchester, I can invite learners to my home rehearsal space, or travel out. As a rule, I like to run an informal 'introductory' lesson to get a plan in place, and then offer a reasonable fee for a series of bespoke lessons. These lessons might include a little music theory, keyboard work, home recording, singing and songwriting etc to enable wider music learning. Young people with some experience of playing music may like to join us at Stockport Music Project.

Do you give piano lessons?
As a rule no, as there are dedicated piano teacher out there better equipped to deliver formal instrument teaching than myself than myself. However, as part of a wider approach to music learning on guitar or music technology, I include piano keyboard learning and opportunities as this enables better understanding of how music works. Young people with some experience of playing music may like to join us at Stockport Music Project.

What Special Needs music support can you deliver?
I can provide 1-1 or small group sessions loaded with music activities with individual support, empowering people to express themselves though music whatever their needs. In the first instance, an informal meeting and a small number of 'get to know you' sessions provide an insight into what exactly is required, and what best short and long term plans could be put in place. I have some equipment at home, however a budget however small can help purchase music equipment that meets the needs of people we are working with. And with a substantial project budget, I can also advise and set up advanced music technology such as Soundbeam, I-Pad apps, Mixers, Controllers and PC software. Young people with some experience of playing music may like to join us at Stockport Music Project.