Meet Dario Black | Recording Artist – Singer/Songwriter

We had the good fortune of connecting with Dario Black and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Dario, have you ever found yourself in a spot where you had to decide whether to give up or keep going? How did you make the choice?
When deciding whether to keep going or give up, I believe there’s no such thing as truly giving up. Instead, it’s about focusing our energy on what we truly desire. Sometimes, we need to take breaks to recharge and return with renewed strength and a brighter light to shine. Taking a break doesn’t mean you’re giving up; it’s an opportunity for a fresh start and a chance to view your dreams or goals from a different perspective. It allows you to strategize based on what you’ve learned along the way. So, breaks are essential for growth and progress.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
My journey to where I am today professionally has been anything but easy, but it has been incredibly rewarding. I started out writing love poems and eventually transitioned into music, exploring the different dimensions of love and self-expression. Growing up as a gay Latino artist who sings in Spanish presented its own set of challenges, especially in an industry where such identities aren’t always widely represented or accepted.

One major turning point was moving from Los Angeles to Berlin. While Los Angeles offered great opportunities, I felt the need to explore new horizons. Berlin has opened up a world of collaboration with other producers and creators, which has been instrumental in my growth. This move wasn’t just about changing locations; it was about embracing new opportunities and stepping out of my comfort zone.

Overcoming challenges required resilience and support from my circle of family and friends. Surrounding myself with people who believe in me and share my vision has been crucial. Taking breaks when needed has also been essential for recharging and approaching my goals from fresh perspectives.

Throughout this journey, I’ve learned important lessons about perseverance and self-belief. It’s vital to focus on what you desire and to not see obstacles as reasons to give up but as opportunities to learn and strategize.

What I want the world to know about my brand and story is that my music is about more than just entertainment. It’s about self-empowerment, self-love, and creating connections through universal experiences. My performances and songs aim to uplift and inspire, providing a voice for those who may feel underrepresented. My story is about resilience, creativity, and the power of authenticity.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my best friend were visiting, I’d be thrilled to show them the best of both Berlin and Los Angeles, the two cities where I spend most of my time. Here’s how I’d plan a week-long adventure filled with unique experiences and vibrant cultures:

Exploring Berlin

The first day in Berlin would start with a visit to the iconic Brandenburg Gate, followed by a walk through the Reichstag Building to enjoy panoramic views of the city. For lunch, we’d savor authentic German cuisine at Zur Letzten Instanz, one of Berlin’s oldest restaurants. In the afternoon, we’d explore the Berlin Wall Memorial and the East Side Gallery to experience the city’s rich history and vibrant street art. Dinner would be at Katz Orange, a cozy spot offering a modern twist on German classics, and we’d end the evening with drinks at Monkey Bar, which provides stunning views of the city.

On the second day, we’d dive into Berlin’s arts and culture scene by visiting Museum Island, home to the Pergamon Museum and the Neues Museum. Lunch would be at House of Small Wonder, known for its delicious Japanese-inspired dishes. Afterward, we’d stroll through Kreuzberg to check out local art galleries and vintage shops. Dinner at Markthalle Neun would allow us to sample street food from around the world, and we’d wrap up the day with a live performance at Berghain or a jazz night at A-Trane.

Day three would be all about relaxation and nature. We’d take a leisurely walk through Tiergarten and visit the Berlin Zoo in the morning, followed by a picnic at Tempelhofer Feld, a former airport turned public park. In the afternoon, we’d relax with a boat ride on the Spree River. Dinner would be a farm-to-table experience at Nobelhart & Schmutzig, and we’d wind down the day with cocktails at Prater Garten, Berlin’s oldest beer garden.

Discovering Los Angeles

Our journey in Los Angeles would begin on the fourth day with a morning hike to the Hollywood Sign, offering breathtaking views of the city. For lunch, we’d indulge in a classic LA experience at In-N-Out Burger. The afternoon would take us to the Griffith Observatory to explore its exhibits and telescopes. Dinner would be at Republique, renowned for its French-inspired cuisine, and we’d spend the evening at the Hollywood Bowl for a concert under the stars.

Day five would be dedicated to the beach. We’d start at Santa Monica Pier, enjoying the beach and amusement park. Lunch would be fish tacos at Blue Plate Taco, right by the ocean. In the afternoon, we’d explore Venice Beach, walking along the boardwalk to see street performers and art. Dinner would be at Gjelina on Abbot Kinney Boulevard, and we’d enjoy a sunset cocktail at High Rooftop Lounge in Venice.

On the sixth day, we’d delve into art and culture. The morning would be spent at The Getty Center, exploring art collections and beautiful gardens. Lunch at The Grove would include some shopping, followed by an afternoon at LACMA and the La Brea Tar Pits. Dinner at Bestia in the Arts District would offer a delightful Italian meal, and we’d catch a movie at the historic TCL Chinese Theatre in the evening.

Our final day in Los Angeles would be dedicated to exploring downtown. We’d start with a visit to The Broad to see contemporary art exhibits, followed by lunch at Grand Central Market, where we’d try diverse culinary offerings. In the afternoon, we’d explore Little Tokyo and enjoy some Japanese sweets. Dinner at Bottega Louie would feature delicious Italian dishes and pastries, and we’d end the trip with rooftop drinks at Perch, enjoying the stunning views of the LA skyline.

Since I travel between Los Angeles and Berlin, this itinerary is a perfect reflection of the unique blend of history, culture, nature, and culinary delights these two vibrant cities have to offer. It provides an unforgettable journey for anyone looking to experience the best of both worlds.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have so many incredible people to thank for their support and influence on my journey. First, I want to give a huge shoutout to my sister Maria for always standing by me and being a constant source of support and encouragement. She has been there for me through every step of my journey.

A big thank you goes to my friend Tiffany in Miami, who has been capturing amazing shots during my music videos and shows. Her talent behind the camera has helped bring my artistic vision to life.

I’m incredibly grateful for Isasi, the Cuban music producer, whose friendship and collaboration have been invaluable. Together, we’re creating something truly magical.

I also want to thank my choreographers and dancers, Leidina and Roger, for pouring their energy and creativity into our performances. Their dedication has elevated our shows to new heights.

My partner deserves special recognition for supporting me on this journey of music and art. Their love and belief in me have been a source of strength.

I am deeply grateful for my family, whose love and support over the years. Thank you to everyone who has played a part in my story.

Website: https://www.darioblack.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/iamdarioblack

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@DarioBlack

Image Credits
Photo 1 by Annika Rose
Photo 2 by Tiffany Sanchez