Former NFL footballer Darren Waller retired and committed himself fully to a music career, and has truly shown to his emerging fanbase that he is dedicated to creating impactful and important music. Waller has been creating music since 2021 but has accelerated his music production this year, already releasing five singles, and prepping for bigger projects coming soon.
In our interview, Waller showcased the true humanity and care he has for his own impact and the creation of his music. He looks to find more peace and gratitude in his music career but is still able to find more satisfaction in things outside of music.
Waller Enjoying His Music Career
Shifting careers like this will always be difficult, but Waller has certainly made the most of it. He found a real home while making music during his football career, and has been looking forward to dedicating his time to music. “A transition from football has been something I’ve mulled over for a few years now,” Waller stated. “Music is always what I found myself gravitating to during my free time, so now that I’ve made the decision to retire, this is one of the things most excited about spending my time doing.”
As previously stated, this year is shaping up to be a big year for him, as I even reviewed his most recent singles, “Mind Games” and “It’s All In Your Head”. He says to be on the lookout for a 4-track EP coming soon, recorded in his backyard, being extremely determined to give people as much music as possible before an album comes.
Waller has cultivated some great collaborations with artists like JRod, The Game, and Euroz but has other dream collaborations with big-name rap artists like Kendrick Lamar and Drake. Other dream collaborations are as he says, “All over the place,” including Coldplay, Khruangbin, and even wanting to rap over a Hans Zimmer beat.
Waller enjoys his studio process, being able to go in multiple directions. ” I don’t go to the studio every day, so when I do, I’m usually going with a few tracks that are fully written or at least a hook and a verse for them. But over the last few years, I’ve developed a love for cooking up on the spot with the producers I work with, and magic always comes from those sessions. […] I love how fluid my creative process is.”
Waller’s Dedication to Discuss Vulnerability and Addiction in Music
Throughout his emerging music career, Waller has been vocal about his struggles with addiction, courageously speaking about it throughout his music. Lyrics often talk about how hard it was or how he wants to change other’s outlook on addiction.
Through this, Waller finds new ways help his battle as well. “Continuing to be open about helps me as well because addiction is a lifelong battle,” Waller says. “The disease is constantly trying to find new behaviors to manifest itself through, so I gotta stay on point and practice what I preach.”
Waller does not want others to fall down a similar path he did, and with his charity, The Darren Waller Foundation, he looks to prevent the youth from avoid and overcome addiction. The foundation has impacted the Las Vegas community, providing 60 individuals with struggling with addiction grants to receive professional recovery care.
Music continues to be a guiding light for Waller, even allowing him to come to terms with his own emotions and feelings. This vulnerability has turned him to feel more purposeful and being more active in life, whether it is finding peace in nature or traveling around the world.
Speaking about vulnerability, he says, “I try my best to create music that is authentic to my real life. […] Walking in vulnerability is what has allowed me to tap into my purpose.”
The Positive Effect of Music for Waller
The biggest takeaway from the interview with Waller is how much positive energy radiates from him when discussing music. Music is a gateway for tons of people, and Waller has turned to it to create an uplifting foreground for himself and others.
He wants to be a true model for younger audiences, showing imense care for uplifting others. “The root is that we don’t know how to soothe ourselves and cope with life and all its complexities,” Waller states. “So I’ll always be on the front lines of preaching this message. I want young people to look at me and see that it’s possible to take care of yourself and be in tune with your emotions while also having an amazing life with no limits!”
Waller wants to create music that is not only authentic to himself, but is able to reside in his listeners in a positive light. He appreciates the hope people are having after hearing the stories discussed in his music, giving them motivation to be more vulnerable or open.
He is also fond of taking in the messages of others, wanting to synergize with others trying to push a similar positive message. “I love to spend time with and digest content from people who are on the same path because it encourages me to do the same” Waller discusses. “I think the best place someone can get to is committing to a path of growth without needing anyone to motivate you to do so.
The benefits of Waller’s early music career are endless. It gave him a positive outlet for the early stages of discomfort in his sobriety journey, connected him to best friends, and even slowed the fear of being judged by others. But most importantly, it allows Darren to be Darren. “Music also helps me become aware and form relationships with all the versions of me: sensitive Darren, spiritual Darren, confident and competitive Darren, anxious Darren. It’s been so fun and scary at the same time.”
Waller will continue to release and continue this loving relationship he has with music. Many will continue to be inspired and invigorated by his positive words within his music. Waller has found a true home in music, and looks to be cozy there for years to come.
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