Check Out ‘Imaginary Stage’ From Local Artist Just Darren

Ryan
3653 days ago.

imaginarystage1

Local musician Just Darren released his first song, “Imaginary Stage”, today.  The song was produced locally by J.R., who was part of the team that won a Grammy Award for Best Gospel Album last year. The pair are currently working on Darren upcoming EP, White Picket Fences.

Here at RealLifeSTL, we ‘ve had a rough cut of this song for maybe a month. Just Darren is Darren Jackson in real life. Darren and I have been friends for several years. I’ve always been impressed by Darren as a person. He’s really one of the most likable and inspiring guys you will ever meet. In his day job, Darren is the Director of Job & Leadership Training at Mission: St. Louis. Back in 2010, he started the Jobs For Life program at Mission: St. Louis that is now JLT. The program takes at-risk mean aged 18-35 and seeks to give them the training to become leaders in their workplace, community and families. It’s one of many at Mission: St. Louis that is changing St. Louis one person at a time. I remember when Darren first started JFL. I’m amazed that it has now grown to include a second site and has partnered with some big-times companies in St. Louis to place its graduates. It’s truly an inspiration for not just St. Louis but other cities across the country as well.

Darren hopes to inspire people through this music and reach the “My parents made me go” college students and the “I wish I would’ve” professional to go after their own dreams and not ones that others have for them. He elaborates in the press release:

“They’re typically the people who have ended up where they are because society told them to.” Darren says. “At the same time though, they’re brilliant hard working individuals. Imagine what would happen if they used that energy and intelligence and focused on the things they love! I’m not against college or people who work for corporate America.” he says. “I’m just throwing out a fishing line of encouragement for those who don’t want to be there and are afraid to leave.”

“Imaginary Stage” is the first song that Darren has ever recorded. It tells the story of someone who sees what he or she can become in the seemingly menial tasks of working in a fast-food restaurant. Everything from cleaning toilets to washing windows to mopping the floor. The female voice you hear below is that of Darren’s wife, Danielle Elise.



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Ryan

Ryan is a weird dude. He doesn't cook, yet owns a plethora of kitchen gadgets. He rationalized buying a SodaStream while unemployed. He counts Step Up 2: The Streets as one of his favorite movies along with Footloose, Rent, Grease and Paul Blart: Mall Cop. He loves Mizzou but only wants them in the SEC so he can tailgate in Nashville. He owns a ShakeWeight and AbLounger, but still loves him some John Donut and Billie's Fine Foods. You can get more of Ryan at iLoveSoulard.com or just check the stool on the far end of the bar at iTap in Soulard.

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