Meet Darren Gillis, an ‘award-winning’ Australian Country Music Artist whose musical journey is woven from the threads of personal experiences. Drawing inspiration from the tapestry of life, Darren has skilfully crafted a diverse collection of country tracks that serve as melodic reflections of his unique perspective.

In August 2024, Darren tested the waters in Western Australia and commenced a tour throughout the wheatbelt and Midwest regions, performing live country music at various caravan parks, hotels and festivals.

In September 2024, Darren entered the Lancelin Busker’s Festival and received an award for first place winner. It was at that event; he was tapped on the shoulder by a representative of the Chapman Valley Country Music Festival who asked him to participate in the Emerging Artist Competition.

In October 2024, Darren completed a three-day songwriter’s workshop, facilitated by Connie Kis Andersen as part of the program. Darren performed at the opening of the festival with the other participants and won first place, becoming the Emerging Artist Winner of the Chapman Valley Country Music Festival.

On Christmas day 2024, Darren set off with his caravan and guitar towards the iconic Tamworth Country Music Festival, performing at various locations in South Australia, Victoria and New South Wales along the way.

In January 2025, Darren performed for the entirety of the Tamworth Country Music Festival, a life-long dream. He secured a position in the 2TM discovered competition (top five) where he performed in front of Zac and Geroge, Taylor Moss and Jimbo Stokes. He also performed on the FanZone Stage, JB HiFi Stage, Blue Room, Riverside Stage and various other locations during the festivities. He attended the Golden Guitar Awards, mingled with country music icons and was inspired by the experience.

 In February 2025, Darren paused his tour, took a quick flight home and attended the Western Australian Country Music Awards at the Boyup Brook Country Music Muster. At the event he won the People’s Choice Award.

Darren completed his tour in April 2025 which led all the way to Queensland and back to Western Australia. Upon returning to Western Australia, he performed numerous home-coming shows in the Great Southern, Wheatbelt and Fremantle regions.

One significant home-coming show was situated in Tambellup, Western Australia. Darren worked in partnership with Saint John Ambulance and another solo artist to raise money for a new ambulance. The show was titled, “Tambellup needs a new ambulance Country Music Fundraiser”. The support from the township was overwhelming. Over 200 people attended and $17000 was raised from ticket sales, sponsors and other competitions. 100 percent of the proceeds went to Saint John’s Ambulance, Tambellup.

In May 2025, Darren was nominated and was a top five finalist of the Western Australia Music (WAM) Song of the Year – Outstanding Regional Category for his original track, “Cuss the Black Dog”.

In June 2025, Darren was nominated for ICMA Best Male Artist. The results will be determined at the 2026 Tamworth Country Music Festival.

Darren has written, recorded and released several original country music singles which have found themselves in various country radio charts. His hit song “Drink” was featured on Country Music Television and made its way into the semi-finals of the International Songwriting Competition.

Darren is planning to release an album soon so stay tuned on further details.