Soulful, warm, hypnotic and passionate are just a few of the words that have been used to describe the vocal styling of Darnell Kendricks, the newest rising star to join the collective progression of the soul music community, yet the key to this artist’s soul lies just beneath his lush tone saturating every note, lyric and song.

The California native has skillfully churned his deeply rich and textured voice into “Strawberry Lemonade,” his debut offering released in 2006 in its entirety on Japan’s BMFN Records. With thought-provoking lyrics and simple melodies appearing on album highlights such as “Willing’” and “Yours Truly,” both of which were lifted as international and stateside remix singles by West End Records (New York) and Superb Entertainment Records (UK), Darnell is continuing to set more than just Detroit's music scene on fire where he now resides. His voice rings with an authenticity, but the infectious quality of his words and sounds don’t just stop there. As a regular presenter on The Darnell Kendricks Soul Café, a weekly syndicated radio show also steadily creating a global buzz across the airwaves, and a featured artist on SoulTracks.com in 2007, Darnell has found that true ministry of music has everything to do with the life and longevity of the song. A unique phenomenon is formed when the words match the emotion of the song. “If you can listen to something ten years from now and that life form continues,” Darnell says, “then you’ve suddenly tapped into something far greater than ever imagined.”

Discover where his passion for music developed and you’ll see that during his formative years, Darnell’s musical roots were heavily influenced by the offerings of notable legends like Twinkie Clark and Marvin Gaye. His foundation in the essence of Gospel music created a means of connection to the human soul-a place of awakened spirituality and true inspiration. “Music is a relief of life, it balances things out. I’ve recognized that my conviction and purpose when it comes to music is to inspire. People are more prone to being inspired when they don’t know they’re being inspired. Spirituality was always natural, a way of surviving and coping and making sense of my life. Music was one of my expressions, and I’m thankful for that type of relief.”

Darnell holds steadfast to the belief that his lyrics are born from "life's inspiration" and clearly speak to humanity. Darnell's philosophy is that "songs are already written in the Heavens, and artists are blessed to be vessels to birth them into this dimension of life." His live performances at local events across the Detroit area have gained a great following, rave reviews and countless opportunities to share his life’s inspiration with the multitudes.

So what makes Darnell different from the rest? He’s developed his own niche and brand of smooth soul-genuine, sincere and embraceable.“It’s not untouchable, not like a star,” says Darnell, “It’s basically life. That’s what excites me about this career; people are more apt to hear when you have that kind of attention grabber.”Although his music is indeed provocative and intriguing, there’s still something endearing about the significance of Darnell Kendricks’ sound. “It’s the purity of it all, real musicianship. That’s how I see my music; I see it as a craft and a joy to me.”

For Darnell, being a talented force to reckon with amongst his peers in the burgeoning soul music industry has helped him maintain a spirit of humility and reveals the motivation supporting his melodic inferno. “This soul movement is still pure and innocent enough for people to hone their craft, and that’s how we all can enjoy this life in a different way.”

Presenting a variety of musical fusions all spiced and flavored with Jazz, Soul, Gospel and R&B, Darnell has no limits in his approach to music, and wants to eventually expand his writing into jingles and even musical theatre in the future. “There are so many things that I want to do, but I believe in practicality.”He also aspires to one day work alongside such musical greats as the aforementioned Twinkie Clark, Donald Fagen and Michael Franks.

Still, he’s as humble as they come and represents the one trait many soul music artists desire. When asked what he wants people to get out of his music, Darnell simply replies, "I want people to feel good; to be inspired and uplifted, healed and determined, hopeful, loved, and encouraged. My music would mean nothing if I wouldn't be able to accomplish these things."

For Contact and Booking Information please call 313.363.2995 or visit www.DarnellKendricks.com