New York’s soulful wondervox, DARIEN makes a welcome return to the REEL PEOPLE camp to front their brand new single ‘SURE’ taken from REEL PEOPLE’S forthcoming long player ‘GOLDEN LADY’. Injecting some welcome sunshine into the winter months, ‘SURE’ is a soulful groove laced with Latin guitars and percussive beats, drizzled with DARIEN’S delicious vocal. Housing up the party is soulful maestro FRANKIE FELICIANO who delivers a stunning warm mix ripe with sublime key work. In addition REEL PEOPLE MUSIC’S darlings of deep, THE LAYABOUTS, cook up a dynamic, edgy mix showcasing their fresh and dramatic soul-tech sound.

In 2001 Oli Lazarus founded Papa Records almost simultaneously launching Reel People on to the soulful underground stage. 12 months later Reel People’s debut single ‘Spiritual’ was unleashed which Featured Kiwi jazz maestro Nathan Haines on flute. In 2002, multi talented musician and writer Mike Patto joined the project. Oli had been auditioning musicians for further recording sessions; Patto was introduced by mutual friend Phil Asher. Reel People’s hugely acclaimed debut album ‘Second Guess’ was released on Papa Records in 2003, refreshingly broad in its tastes and saw collaborations with a wealth of talent from the soulful underground. The album propelled the band into the limelight, spawning a whole host of now soulful classics including: ‘Can’t Stop’ ft. Angela Johnson, ‘Butterflies’ ft Dyanna Fearon and ‘The Light’ ft Vanessa Freeman with remixers Dennis Ferrer, Kenny Dope and DJ Spinna involved in the projects.

With the success of the band came the demand for live shows. Reel People Live was incredibly received on a global scale with constant tours around Asia, America and Europe. Highlights included Tokyo Jazz Festival with Herbie Hancock, Blue Note clubs (Japan) and V Festival & T In The Park (UK). Reel People caught the attention of Defected Records boss, Simon Dunmore and as a result ‘Second Guess was re-released with extras in 2005 including the smash single ‘The Rain’ with Sharlene Hector. In 2007 Reel People unleashed their second album ‘ Seven Ways To Wonder on Papa records. This was marked by a new single ‘Alibi’, featuring talented New York singer Darien. ‘Alibi’ hailed Reel People’s official return to the clubland fray; it was a delicious slice of sun-drenched Latino soul. The new album ranged from sweet Omar-voiced soca groove ‘Outta Love’ to the Shalamar-inspired soul-disco bomb ‘Amazing’ with Tony Momrelle (Incognito, Sade) and Imaani (Incognito). Both of which were released as singles in addition to ‘Upside’ with remixes from Dennis Ferrer, Rasmus Faber and IG Culture. In 2008 Mike Patto left for other projects. But meanwhile, Oli’s friendship and exciting working relationships with 24-carat Incognito vocalist Tony Momrelle and London-based studio don Toni Economides meant that new ideas and creative platforms where there to develop the Reel People sound. December 2009 saw the launch of new label Reel People Music with ‘Star’, a feel-good, jazz-funky lick fronted superbly by Tony Momrelle, followed earlier this year by ‘It Will Be’. 2011 sees the launch a their brilliant new LP ‘Golden Lady’ sporting a collection of new and exclusive Reel People songs featuring Tony Momrelle, Darien and Shezar. The album also includes a variety of tracks from label cohorts Choklate, Simon Grey, Renn, BSTC, and Phi Asher’s new project, restless soul Fun Band.

Artist Darien Dean hails from Mount Vernon, New York, this soul singer burst onto the scene with alluring vocals and a distinctive stage presence. Fed a healthy diet of Hip Hop and Classic Soul, this multi-talented MC, singer and dancer, honed his abilities as a producer, arranger and engineer to craft a more authentic approach to contemporary songwriting. Darien’s spirited musical style earned him a coveted spotlight at the 2010 Soul Beach Music Festival in Aruba, opening for Mary J. Blige. He was crowned victor of the Budweiser Superfest 2010 Battle for the Crown of New York and ultimately the Grand Champion of the competition. International recognition followed the release of his hit single ‘Alibi’ with UK band Reel People and again recently with his collaboration with Angela Johnson on ‘All In Me’ . Darien’s avant-garde delivery of timeless music with provocative social themes demands a rooted footing in the genre of Soul Music.