GET TO KNOW: Col Darcy

Over the years, Col Darcy has built a career defined by substance over hype. Whether addressing social issues, sharing personal experiences or reflecting on the lessons that have shaped his life, the Australian independent artist has consistently used hip-hop as a vehicle for honest storytelling. With his new single 'Pay Up', taken from the forthcoming album 'Redemption', Darcy enters a new chapter rooted in confidence, self-belief and the rewards of perseverance.

Written during a transformative period inspired by fatherhood, travel and personal growth, 'Redemption' promises to be Col Darcy’s most reflective work to date. Its latest preview 'Pay Up' pairs sharp lyricism with assured delivery, showcasing an artist who has earned every step of his journey while remaining committed to authenticity over trends.

So with the new single out now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and influences over the years.

What was the first band or artist you fell in love with? 

NWA was the first group that I really loved and felt a strong connection with, they were my introduction into Hip Hop music when I was around 14 years old through my cousins who would be up on trends as they lived in the bigger city of Adelaide. I grew up in a small country town called ‘Whyalla’ in South Australia so it was very limited to what we had access to in current Hip Hop culture, at CD stores we even had to place international orders for albums if they didn’t have it in stock, and we only had 2 radio and TV stations. I loved their truth telling aspect of their music touching on some racial issues, loved the hard-hitting production of Dr Dre incorporating melody, funk, dark textures and the groups not giving a fu@k attitude and combining some funny themes. 

Did you ever form a band when you were younger and if so, what did they sound like? 

No I didn’t.  I tried to play the trumpet when I was in grade 6 at school, but that only lasted a few lessons as it was too expensive to afford to keep lessons going. I also lost interest as my main priority and dream as a kid was focused on making it in AFL footy.  Maybe if I stuck at it though I could have played in a band for fun.

What has been your primary inspiration in writing music? 

It first started with me writing poetry, self-expressing trauma and adversities that had been yearning to be released since a kid.  Through music this is still my primary inspiration, expressing whatever is going on in chapters of my life at the time. My songs are like time capsules.  Writing music is the best way I know how to release stress, pain and frustrations to understand life, understand who I am and make more sense of the unknown. My fourth coming album titled ‘Redemption’ which was mostly recorded in beautiful Bali in Indonesia, captures less resistance in life.  A new perspective on life, embracing small moments of grace, setting boundaries in relationships and embracing peace and holding onto the most important thing in my life, my family, my daughter. Redemption is a reflective moment in my life bouncing back, having ambition to do better and live a life I want to, an 16 track album that shows growth embracing small pockets of peace, fruits of labour through introspection, vulnerability compiled into a piece of art to be empowering. Inspiration for me comes in due time, in strange, unexpected moments more so when relaxed and once time has passed and life is lived.  Those lessons are then captured. Travel inspires my music, people who I meet, books, and other artists.

What is a song you wish you had written yourself? 

Tupac’s song ‘Changes’. A universal message that’s still relevant today. Also a radio hit song.  It's very hard to pull off those two aspects. A song that reflects the cold hard truth and accepting that some things really don’t change in society.  Today there’s still racism, discrimination and hate, today there’s still corrupt systems. Today there’s still a lack of equality. Today there’s still wars in the world and millions of people who still don’t have human rights and peace… 

If there was any moment in your career you could relive, what would it be? 

Hearing my song ‘How Would You Like To Be Me’ under the old artist name ‘Caper’ being played in the rolling credits at a cinema for the movie ‘A Second Chance Rivals’ which is now on Netflix.  A super proud moment seeing my name in the rolling credits and my independent label/brand name ‘Lion Heart Nation’ makes my 25 years of creating music well worth it.

Which artist would you most love to share a stage with? 

Eminem and Kendrick Lamar at the same time. They are both incredible artists.

And is there an artist you would love to collaborate with as well? 

Hard to choose just one but right now, Kendrick Lamar.

Where do you see yourself in five years time? 

Just enjoying life in peace with my daughter and just being the best supportive father to her that I can be, which is giving all of my time, unconditional love, energy and attention to her.  In between that, traveling to new places, maybe putting out a self-help book, creating a short movie and creating more peace, love and joy.

Col Darcy's ndew single 'Pay Up' is out now. Listen to it below.