By Micheline Bowman

On the field he played for NFL teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and the Washington Redskins.  While he continues to pursue his sports passion playing professional football, his off the field hobbies have turned into a new passion and future career.

Meet Darnerien McCants the professional football player, Darnerien McCants the artist and Darnerien McCants the R&B singer. Now don’t be quick to judge that he’s just another athlete trying to break into the music world.  I think Darnerien has done his homework and realizes that it’s not going to be easy getting into the music game. He has a genuine love for music and takes his singing career seriously as he devotes hours to rehearsals and performing at various venues allowing audiences to see and hear another side of him.

I had the opportunity to see him perform live in December 2007 outside.  Yes outside!  It couldn’t have been more than 32 degrees at the time.  I knew that he was serious about his music when he agreed to perform for the annual community event Fox 5 in D.C. sponsors each year. The outside elements were very cold, but from the time he grabbed the mic, and the camera was on him…he was in his element.  Singing and performing just came naturally to Darnerien.

The television viewers had the chance to see and hear him and I wanted the web readers to have that same opportunity.  So I introduce to you, the myvoicedc readers…Darnerien McCants. 

Micheline- When most people think about you, they think football but you have been doing more than that I’ve noticed.

Darnerien- Yeah right now I’m working on my music career and doing some modeling.

Micheline- Wow that’s a different direction than playing football…how did the music side of you come about?

Darnerien- On Saturday’s when we would clean the house…V103 would be on the radio and I remember growing up and hearing my aunt singing Patti Labelle and other songs.  It was like music was always just a part of me from a child.

Micheline- So would you say your first talent was music and not sports?

Darnerien- Well I started playing sports at age 9 and singing in school around the same time. I would always have solos in school and I use to mimic Michael Jackson.  I remember when I was in the 5th grade and I had a winter concert, my mom said I couldn’t go and I just stopped singing. It was during the last few years in college that I started to pick it up again. Most people didn’t know I could sing.  My two best friends didn’t even know.  Most people thought I was crazy and talking to myself.

Micheline- I hear you’re also an artist?

Darnerien- Yeah…art is another thing that is kind of just in me. Coach Jimmy Ray, (Former Redskins Offensive Coordinator) he said something that touched me. “Never be ashamed of your talents.  Don’t waste them because you shame God of your ability for blessing you with the talents.”  I knew that I wanted to sing and show folks that I’m a talented singer, artist and football player.  I’ve been drawing since I was a baby…that is my natural talent.  I could draw anything I saw.  The hardest part for me was to draw images in my head.  When Coach Spurrier came to the team I released my art work. Then the next year I started balling on the field so it made it twice as easy to bring the music out.

Micheline- You have a lot going on and you seem to be listening to some good advice.

Darnerien- I’m today’s Renaissance man.  Once the message was given through Coach Ray, I just went with it. Football doesn’t last but for so long.  Regardless of how good you are or people think you are if they want you gone…you’re gone.  I’m still young so I figured I might as well get it out now while I have a following.

Micheline- Who are some recording artist you listen to?  What’s on Darnerien’s IPOD?

Darnerien-  Old School and mostly instrumental songs. I write my songs so I’m thinking of different ideas and concepts.  Also, Michael Jackson, Maxwell, all the Motown artist from Marvin to The Jackson 5, Temptations and on.  I’ve been listening to the same music since I was little.  I do like Chris Brown…Keyshia Cole and Beyonce (laughing)

Micheline- What are some of your plans for 2008?

Darnerien- I really want to perform more so people can hear me and not just see Darnerien the football player.  I want to work with bigger and better producers.  If you can sing that’s good, but if your beat isn’t hot you’re not getting on the radio. I’m trying to surround myself with more people in the music business.

Micheline- With your love for music and singing now, how long do you see yourself playing football?

Darnerien- I will be happy to walk away in a few years and start coaching.  I think my final calling would be to coach the young guys. But for now…I’m pushing my self titled C.D.  “Darnerien My First 7”

Micheline- And how did that name come about?

Darnerien- This was my first project and we recorded about 20 songs. I kept 10 songs, and then chopped it down to 7.  There are actually 8 on the C.D. as a bonus track.

Micheline- What can folks expect to hear?

Darnerien- I’m a balladeer…folks keep saying I need a club hit, but I fit into the grown & sexy mode.  Maxwell, Brian McKnight I fit into the sound.  I have no problem singing ballads. My favorite top 3 songs are “Baby, Baby”, “Lonely” and “Come Home”. My music is nice with smooth ballads.  You can relax, sit in the tub eat strawberries and drink champagne.  You won’t be bouncing off the walls, throw this in and chill out.  People aren’t making love music anymore. My goal is to bring back love music for people to hear.

Micheline- You sing, but can you dance?

Darnerien- I just finished my second video… I have some dancing skills. (Laughing)
We’ll we are going to see…I stole it from the book of Michael Jackson.

Micheline- Okay you know I have to ask this next question for the woman who will be reading this.  Are you in a relationship?

Darnerien- I’m single but definitely dating.  I’m into a woman who is intelligent, loves kids and has patience. I want her to be sexy, but more of a sexy style.  It’s more mental than physical. 

Micheline- Tell me a little about yourself?

Darnerien-I’m the oldest. I have 2 brothers and one sister.  I always had to set the example. I’m originally from here…Maryland. I was born in Baltimore, grew up in Howard County and graduated from Arundel High School.  I have a Doberman Pincher named “Joe” I got from a rescue program.

Micheline- Where can people get your C.D.?

Darnerien- You can find me on Itunes, Rhapsody and cdbaby.com
Currently I’m working on distributions deals. The guaranteed way to keep up on me is my website www.darnerien.com  and www.myspace.com/darnerien

Micheline- Any last words you want to share with the readers?

Darnerien- Yeah…I want folks to support me and get my C.D. I have a lot planned for my future so watch out!   I’m your typical man on his grind, keeping it simple and trying to get my music out there. If  I’m singing, I’m  Darnerien, If I’m painting I’m Darnerien McCants and if I’m playing football I’m McCants 85 or whatever number is on my back. (laughing)

By the time I wrapped up the interview I got to learn 3 sides of Mr. McCants just like I introduced to you. When I’ve seen him out and about at various events, he was just himself.  Laughing, joking and connecting with everyone.  With his music and art career emerging, I know he’ll be successful once he steps away from the game of football.

 I played his C.D. while typing up this interview, and I must say…for his first project, I did enjoy it. Grab yourself a copy and check him out for yourself.

Listen to:

Baby, Baby

Lonely