Darryl Shy is no shy musician

It’s not everyday that you meet someone so passionate about what he or she does. In restaurants, shopping malls, bookstores, on the side streets, or what have you – we see countless laborers, too many people seemingly engrossed, yet unhappily so, in what they’re doing. They toil, strive and sometimes if they’re lucky, thrive in a field they had not chosen to be in.

So what does one do when one meets someone so passionate about his music? Write about him. Allot a certain Friday for him, hoping that somehow, he may provide inspiration to those who are in need.

His name is Darryl Shy. Born into a family of musicians, Darryl was exposed to music early on during his formative years in Olongapo. He was born during the heydays of the US Naval Base, and by the age of 18, he claimed his independence and opted to live in the City of Pines. Here, he earned a living and a college degree by singing in bars, seven days a week, six hours a day, minimum.

In 1996, Darryl went to Manila and lived, well, the "normal life." He was employed as a computer programmer in an electronics company and not too long after that, became the IT manager for one of the top businesses in the country. Undoubtedly, Darryl is not only talented with the guitar but intelligent as well. He could easily succeed as a corporate guy, but he had the heart of a classic rock star. Music was like an itch in need of a scratch and that was what Darryl did exactly. Armed with a guitar and one of the most beautiful voices I have ever heard, Darryl strummed on.

I have seen Darryl perform, and I must tell you that his version of songs from artists like The Beatles, Sting, U2, Matchbox Twenty and the like will keep you absorbed in him and his music. His originals are stripped down and simple, yet full of energy. I guarantee you that his music will leave you breathless and keep you coming back for more. Darryl Shy’s music is pure. It’s just his guitar and his voice alone with the audience thoroughly involved in his music, feeling his soul and energy. His music is a genre that crosses over the classics with some kind of alpha-male acoustic influence.

Every now and then, Darryl jams at the ’70s Bistro, The Enterprise Center and Freedom Bar. Darryl also used to play at the Republic of Malate and at some private parties.

Darryl Shy also had the privilege of playing the role of Annas in Music Museum’s production of Jesus Christ Superstar. Together with Darryl were the likes of the Dawn’s Jett Pangan, Rivermaya’s Rico Blanco, Noel Cabangon and Cynthia Alexander.

Although Darryl had the best of both worlds, being a corporate man and being a part-time musician at the same time, did not sit well with him. In November of 2001, he packed the basic essentials for survival and took a pilgrimage back to where it had all started. In Baguio, he again lived as a musician.

It was only last year when Darryl went back to Manila with a renewed spirit and equilibrium. By day, he is a corporate information technologist, but transforms into a passion performer by night. Either as a solo performer or with a back-up band, Darryl will be sure to rock the house. Right now, he is doing an album which will be launched within the year. He plays regularly in Tapas in Ortigas, Bistro 110, and Pep’s in Makati. He tours with rock icons such as The Dawn and is invited to numerous parties and events in the metro and in the provinces.

Pure passion. Pure soul. Darryl Shy is definitely someone to experience. Rarely do we find a musician who is sincere in what he does, minus the rock star image and attitude. Definitely a musician to watch out for who gives new meaning to the word passion.