Darren Nicholson: Making Music That Matters

Mandolinist, guitarist, vocalist and songwriter Darren Nicholson is no stranger to success. As a solo artist and former member of Balsam Range, Nicholson has achieved what is only a dream for many. He’s a Grammy Award nominee, a 13-time IBMA award-winner, has had multiple #1 charting singles, and has appeared numerous times on the Grand Ole Opry stage.

For him, this is all great, but several years ago, he realized some things in life are much more important. He discovered that happiness isn’t found in commercial achievement; it resides in 100 percent honest contribution to both the inner creative self and the contentment of others. He spoke candidly about his path out of alcohol addiction and how that path—and being sober for four years now—has brought tremendous new insight.

“Because I’m in recovery, I’m in a program that’s an ego deflation program,” Nicholson explained. He said this has resulted in him not chasing the same goals and finding himself “further away from commercial music.” He now strives for what he refers to as “facilitation music.” It’s no longer about his goals but about trying to bring joy and meaning to the lives of others. That means focusing less on high-profile appearances and more on community events, private affairs, and smaller things where he can connect to people in a real way with truly authentic music. He and his backing band now play “music that matters.”

“The way our music is showing up is as part of a community. The goal is to share joy through music,” he said.

Nicholson now eschews the old ways of chasing the spotlight. If those bright lights shine on him, he’s grateful, but it should be a byproduct of making honest music that speaks directly to people; attention, validation and profit shouldn’t be a goal.

“Most musicians, they want to win,” he said. “They want to get a nomination…they want to play this or that stage.”

He said he used to be that way but is no longer. He wants to put his heartfelt music out there, and so be it, “as opposed to trying to force my plan on the music industry.”

“I don’t want to be a star anymore,” he said. “I want to make music that enriches other people’s lives.”

By all measures, this new path is resulting in unintended positives. Since ending his 15-year stint with Balsam Range in 2022, he’s already released two albums with Mountain Home, with a third on the way. He garnered positive reception to those records, notably his solo debut, “Wanderer,” spawned two #1 charting singles. 

“After 15 years, they [Balsam Range] kept doing fewer and fewer shows,” he said. “During that last year, I did 20 dates with them and 180 dates on my own.”

He decided to embark on solo work, and it sounds like he is grateful for the experiences he has been given since taking the plunge.

“After getting sober, all of a sudden, I had all this free time,” he said. “I threw myself into music. I wanted to write new songs…I feel like I’ve kind of had a rebirth – mentally, emotionally and physically.”

He’s written at least two songs addressing his path to soberness and the minimization of ego-driven career impulses. His gospel song “Leave it in the Hands of the Lord” – which reached #1 on the gospel charts – addressed feelings close to his core. Another tune – “I’ve Been Down, but I’m Not Out” – is upcoming on his next album and co-written by Becky Buller. It is also about the struggle faced by so many.

Nicholson is excited to have recently announced a lineup change to his Darren Nicholson Band, including the additions of Avery Welter (guitar, vocals) and Aynsley Porchak (fiddle). They join Nicholson with bandmates Kevin Sluder (bass, vocals) and Richard Foulk (percussion).

Nicholson’s forthcoming album—expected to drop in dribs and drabs as singles over the coming months—is as yet untitled, but Nicholson said the already completed album will feature 13 tracks and, in addition to Buller, includes contributions by Kristin Scott Benson (banjo), Deanie Richardson (fiddle), Zachary Smith (bass), Colby Laney (guitar), David Johnson (dobro), Kevin Sluder (vocals), and Jennifer Nicholson (vocals).

“This is the third record where I’ve written or co-written every song,” Nicholson said. 

The performer said he is filled with gratitude for a life path offering enriching lessons and opportunities for personal growth and the good fortune of growing up in western North Carolina. It’s a genuine hotspot for making a living in acoustic music. On Friday and Saturday nights at his childhood home, he said, “There’d be a pot of coffee on, and 10 or 12 musicians picking.”

“Here in western North Carolina, we kind of consider ourselves as stewards and ambassadors for old-time mountain music,” he added. It sounds like Nicholson now embraces that role with a new seriousness, striving to build even more friendship and community through music.