“From the moment Darien sings his first note, you will get shivers down your spine and a lump in your throat. He evokes gentle tenderness, passionate angst, and raw emotion with vocal refinement...Darien’s lyrical genius takes center stage and it wouldn’t surprise me he earns some lyric writing awards. He is a songwriter and a poet who shows no fear. He is not afraid to use multiple genres if it suits the song. He is not afraid to let his voice quiver if it yields raw emotion. He is not afraid to wear his musical emotions on his sleeve. The result of this songwriting bravery is incredibly refreshing and engaging. “Wandering aimless, I know I ain't blameless. I've just come to tame this thing called life. Suddenly I'm sure I am shameless. Hit me with the light.”...Whether Darien’s songs are about exploring our ability to love and heal or a metaphor for what humanity has lost in a world filled with turmoil, Darien shows us—through emotionally packed music and lyrics—that we can still feel and we can feel deeply and it is our emotion, uncovered and revealed in his songs, that will save us.” - Bryon Harris
““Martus creates from his own history and musical integrity, and does not fashion his music to fit current trends. “If I’m doing my own thing as an independent producer, why not do my own thing?” he stressed.”” - Marshall Smith
“ ...off-beat...intriguing...what is eerily perceptible is the ways that we're so much alike...when it comes to the things we tote around each day, and what these mundane items say about who we are...The slate of 14 songs range from quirky to thoughtful and evocative...witty...loving..." Stage Raw re: Pockets ” - Lovell Estell III
“Striking original music”
— Los Angeles Times
“A wonderful musician”
— Drama Logue
“Darien Martus' tracks, ranging in tenor from funk to balladry to patter are a major plus." ("Some Love")”
— Variety
“Martus' pulsing rhythms and soaring melodies..." (Homeless: a street opera)”
— LA Reader
“Bay Area Drama Critics Award Best Musical Score "Some Love”
“Desert Theatre League Award Best Original Musical "The Incredibly Awesome Pied Piper" ”
“University of Redlands SAI Composer's Award ("Iron John")”
“Oakland University Alumni Arts Achievement Award in Theatre”