Question: Hey everyone it’s ya boy Darren Southern Plug Brown, here with a mega Southern Plug Exclusive. Introducing to some,(artist's name). So, tell our readers that may not be familiar with you or your work just who you are and what it is that you do exactly.
Answer: Hey Darren, I’m DJ Cooke or LedFiddle. I play the national anthem for events to celibate our country, those that have fought and fallen for our freedom! I’m an Army combat veteran myself and feel it’s my mission! I also build guitars!
Question: So, what inspired you to start your journey as an guitarist?
Answer: Early on I wanted to be a guitarist! But life took me other directions. During that time I served with some magnificent people in some tough places! I wanted to combine my skill as a guitarist and my mission to empower veterans into one thing. So playing the National Anthem n guitar just fit!
Question: How and when did you coin the stage name Ledfiddle? And how do you feel that title fits you?
Answer: Well… it just kinda happen! A buddy of mine and I would call guitars “getfiddles”. I started building guitars and having the idea of performing the National Anthem when I was still on active duty. I felt like “getfidddle” was too country for other musicians. So I changed “get” to “lead” then everyone pronounced it as in first place “lead” so I changed the spelling to “Led”
Question: Do you have any upcoming projects or announcements to make?
Answer: I am constantly networking to play the National Anthem as well as other projects! I love music in general! I am involved with several artist with studio work and always looking for opportunities to play the National Anthem live! My next live goal.
Question: What would you say is the quote on quote secret recipe for your success?
Answer: Never stop pushing your boundaries!!!! The day you stop trying to better yourself is the day the person that wants what you have, wins!
Question: What was your favorite part about what you do?
Answer: There is a power in music that does not exist in any other art form! I can use my guitar to make you smile or cry. But no matter which I have you feel, you are in my realm so you can let go of yours and relax!
Question: Name a time where you've faced adversity in your career? And, what impact did it have on you or your career?
Answer: I cater to veterans. I do this because I feel there is a sacrifice made by veterans that most will never understand. I have had several veterans try to take advantage of me and my business and that’s just so disheartening! That has been difficult because in the military we are taught to treat each other as brothers and sisters. It has made me more guarded but more appreciative of the brothers and sisters I learn I can trust!
Question: Is there something in specific that you want people to know about you or your art?
Answer: I want people to remember America! “We the people” means something to me! Patriotism is not about apolitical party or a branch of service, it’s about love and mutual respect! When I play the National Anthem my goal is to give everyone in the audience goosebumps thinking of those that have sacrificed for our freedoms!
Question: How do you juggle your personal life and professional life?
Answer: A huge part of all this for me is showing my son that you can do anything you set your mind to. One of my sons biggest heros is Ty from Dude Perfect! When we got tickets to see him live my son came running into my room and said “dad ty plays guitar! Build him one please!!!!” So… I did. And my son , wife and, I gave it to Ty at the Dude Perfect show in Charlotte! I include my family in all aspects of what I do! Without them…. I would not be who I am!
Question: What advice would you give those wanting to start their journey in your field?
Answer: Don’t be inside the box! Learn your instrument but then bent the instrument to show the world you! Do something new! Because you can play like your favorite player does not make you as good as them. Always remember the best of the best played like no one else at the time they became famous!
Question: Who would you say is your biggest inspiration and why?
Answer: That’s tough!!!! But the one band that made me obsessed with music is Nirvana! Following Kurt Cobain's influencers brought me to blues! All music is connected!
Question: Ok we do this every interview! What creatives would you absolutely die to work with? Answer: Dave Grohl, Ken Mo’, Buddy Guy, Tom Morello, J Massis, snoop…. I mean so many!!!!
Question: Tell our readers how they can book you and connect with you on the world wide web and on the socials.
Answer: Email: ledfiddleguitars@gmail.com on Instagram @ledfiddle
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