Books:
My first book The Sweet in the 1970s published by Sonicbond came out in July 2021.
My second book Suzi Quatro in the 1970s came out in July 2022.
My third book Slade in the 1970s came out in May 2023.
Rock writing:
On the rock front I have written for the classic rock and metal website Get Ready to Rock.
Folk writing:
On the folk front I was a regular contributor to the Bright Young Folk website and I also contributed numerous CD reviews for the now sadly defunct fRoots magazine.
Hastings local scene:
On a local level, I have written gig reviews for the Hastings Independent and for local websites covering the Hastings area, including numerous music features for the Hastings Online Times.
Music PR:
As well as music blogging (which I do purely for the love of it) I also provide music PR support on a professional basis. Clients have included the Lust For Life band (featuring Glen Matlock, Clem Burke and Katie Puckrik), the late Gillan guitar legend Bernie Tormé, New Wave Of British Heavy Metal icon Thunderstick, Americana singer-songwriter Little Lore, prog rock outfits Fine Soft Day and Across The Sea, folk singer-songwriter Roly Witherow, acoustic duo Milton Hide, folk-rock combo Green Diesel, prog-folk duo Dandelion Charm and art-punks Maniac Squat.
You can find details about my music PR work at Darren Johnson music PR
Other writing:
My previous professional life was in full-time politics and I frequently had articles published in the national and local press, like this piece here for The Guardian.
Some other music websites I follow:
SMART: Seventies Music And Retro Talk
A useful resource for information on set-lists at live gigs is setlist.fm the set-list wiki – it’s something I often make use of in double-checking the set-list of a band I’ve just seen.
Darren's music blog 