Darren co-wrote this quiet and intimate song with Ivor Novello Award-winning composer Jimmy Hartman.
Sweden’s King of Pop Darren is back with a new song called “Hold Me More” – listen here. Darren co-wrote this quiet and intimate song with Ivor Novello Award-winning composer Jimmy Hartman, best known for his work with Lewis Capaldi and Celeste.
In one of his finest performances, Darren’s passionate vocals frame this thoughtful story about a relationship rekindled after trust is broken. ‘Who came and explained it all?’ ‘Because I’ll end up thanking him one day,’ he sings with a nod to his returning lover.
About the song, Darren said, “This is definitely one of the most emotional songs she’s ever sung. While I think anyone who’s been through a breakup can relate to this song in one way or another, I feel it hits differently depending on how you’re feeling at any given time.” There’s a real bittersweet complexity, where the tenderness of reconciliation and nostalgia go hand in hand with the pain of not being sure if you’ll ever be able to completely trust this person again. I really enjoyed writing with the incredibly talented Jimmy Hartman on this song, and I can’t wait to hear about it. More about our sessions. The clarity with which I was writing during lockdown allowed me to feel free and gave me the confidence to create my most original work to date.”
“Hold Me More” marks a new chapter in this important year in Darren’s career as a self-directed independent artist. After releasing his delightful single Can’t Stay Away in the summer, his first international release, the Swedish pop star is ready to cement his place on the international pop scene. “Can’t Stay Away” – co-written by Darren with Jimmy Hartman and BURNS, who also produced the single – has been added to Spotify’s New Music Friday playlist in 23 countries and has amassed over 3.5 million streams to date. The single was hailed by Record of The Day as “the sweet melody we need this summer”, and was complemented by irresistible dance by Phil Fuldner, which smashed the club’s charts in the UK.
Celebrated as one of Sweden’s best-selling artists, Darren has amassed over 400 million streams on Spotify, 30 singles or platinum ones, and 7 #1 albums in the country known for providing the best pop music in the world.
Born in Stockholm to a Kurdish family surrounded by music, Darren began writing songs at the age of 14, and quickly shot to national fame in 2004 when his single ‘Money For Nothing’ (jointly with his friend and Swedish star Robyn) hit #1. He has worked with big names in pop music, including Max Martin and RedOne, and won several Swedish Grammy Awards. Darren grew up as a teenage star and quickly thrived as one of Sweden’s greatest cultural forces, with loyal fans who made him a household name. His longevity was further enhanced when he became the most played artist on Swedish radio in 2018, a victory that was followed by a successful box office tour in Sweden in 2019, which led to a film production for shows. Watch the trailer here. Full of confidence and newfound freedom, 2021 will see Darren fly by with his new music, tailored to a world emerging from a tumultuous year in need of escape pop for soul.
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