Daryl Hockin: The Hard Road of a Guiri Singer-Songwriter in Madrid
- June B
- Nov 8, 2024
- 2 min read
Daryl Hockin, a Scottish singer, songwriter, guitarist, and producer based in Madrid, fronts a dynamic five-piece band that has become a fixture in the local indie rock scene. The group features Chris Findlay on vocals and keys, James Jamp on guitar, Matty Tyack on drums, and Alejandro Fung on bass. Their genre-blending sound lands somewhere between singer-songwriter introspection and raw rock energy.
A Unique Approach to Songwriting
Daryl’s songwriting philosophy is simple but profound: “Songs come out of nowhere; you have to catch them before they disappear.” He doesn’t rely on a fixed process but instead captures spontaneous musical ideas, which he later refines. His lyrics, often inspired by love, heartbreak, and a disdain for mundane work life, find their way into songs organically. He acknowledges that writing lyrics is the harder part for him, especially when trying to fit them into existing music.
Self-Producing and Overcoming Obstacles
Daryl has self-produced all three of his albums and is currently working on his fourth. He candidly admits that balancing recording with the demands of everyday life is a challenge, especially without external support. But his DIY ethic has paid off, giving him control over his sound and creative vision.
Despite setbacks—band members emigrating, a global pandemic, and a constantly changing music industry—Daryl’s determination has remained steadfast. He humorously notes that the experience of being an English-speaking musician in Madrid feels like playing the game on hard mode, as his target audience often prefers local Spanish-language acts. Still, his perseverance has built a dedicated following.
Navigating the Madrid Music Scene
Hockin doesn’t shy away from expressing his frustrations with the local venue scene, describing the financial barriers that make it hard for emerging artists. With venues increasingly charging hefty fees upfront, the responsibility of drawing a crowd falls squarely on the artists. This has pushed Daryl to rely heavily on DIY promotion and word-of-mouth, further highlighting the challenges for indie musicians in Madrid.
Upcoming Gigs
Despite the hurdles, Daryl Hockin and his band have several exciting shows lined up:
• Sesión Vermú at Sala Búho Real on November 24, 2024
• Sala Juglar on March 15, 2025
• Sala Maravillas on May 24, 2025
To his listeners, Daryl expresses gratitude: “Thank you. Please take the time to listen properly and not from your phone speaker in a busy bar. Even if you didn’t enjoy my music, thank you. If you did, you are a legend.”
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