2. “If It’s in You, Let It Out”: Finding Your Sound with Dareen

In this episode, I sit down with singer-songwriter Dareen, an emerging R&B and pop artist known for her moody, ethereal sound and deeply emotional songwriting. Born in Gambia with Polish and Lebanese roots, and currently based in Greece, Dareen brings a multicultural lens to everything she creates. We talk about the tension between making art for yourself versus making it for the algorithm, what it feels like to have a song stuck inside you, and why she’s not rushing to define her sound. If you’ve ever felt like a late bloomer, or like your creativity keeps calling you back, this one’s for you.We Chat About:How Britney Spears and a childhood of moving between countries shaped Dareen’s musical identityHer 10-year hiatus from music—and the moment she decided to come backWhat it feels like to carry a song inside you for 13 years before releasing itWhy she’s rejecting the pressure to “productize” her creativityHow her podcast and music collective, Hymn of the Goddess, uplifts women artists worldwideThe unique challenges (and gifts) of starting a music career in your 30sWhy she believes music should come from alignment—not just hustleAbout Dareen:Dareen is an emerging R&B and pop artist known for blending moody melodies with soft, evocative vocals. Her music delves deep into themes of love and loss, creating a soundscape that resonates with listeners on an emotional level. With Polish and Lebanese roots, born in the vibrant Gambia and currently living in Greece after relocating from London, Dareen brings a rich and multicultural background to her unique sound.Connect with Dareen:Instagram: @dareen.mp3Linktree: https://linktr.ee/darxxnConnect with Julian:Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/julian.jones.9484Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/julianjones417/Threads: https://www.threads.net/@julianjones417Buy my book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0B6QYX6RL