Draft of Feature Article- "Darwin's Theory"

"So, how long have you been making music for? Well...I've gone through ten speakers, 3 computers and listened to over 300 albums...that's how long." These are the words of one of the hottest new acts rising up through the ranks of the dance scene. Ryan Cowling or better known as 'Darwin', is one of house's bright young talents, hoping to break through and take the world by storm. Born in south east London and son of two musicians, Cowling has always been surrounded by music. From a young age Ryan has always been known by his relatives as a 'music maestro'. When asked, his mother said "right from the off, Ryan has constantly been hitting something, tapping something and just generally been making a racket."  Well at least for Ryan's mum's sake all those years of broke piano keys and    neighbour complaints finally have paid off. Due to his dad's influence, at the age of 8 Ryan began playing the guitar. Being the lead guitarist of the prog rock band 'The Locals' Cowling's dad was more than happy to give Ryan a push in the right direction. From there, Ryan took up interest in the drums, the piano and the clarinet, and by age 13 could practically form his own band. At 14, Cowling began to take an interest in dance music. Through this spontaneous uptake, for his 15th birthday his parents bought him a set of numark dj decks. From this point on Ryan's, or now Darwin's life would never be the same. With this new found style, came a new name. At first Ryan would have a few friends over and they would mess around blending all sorts of pop hits with no serious intention, but as soon as Cowling found drum and bass, things began to get real. One of Ryan's good friends introduced him into one of the pioneers of drum and bass. 'Goldie'. Once introduced, there was no going back. Cowling said "after I heard just 2 of his songs, I ran home and begged my parents for music making software." On Cowling's 16th birthday he was presented with 'Reason' (a top brand music making software). With this Ryan was unstoppable, he was blasting out tunes left, right and centre, he changed his clothing style, his lingo and most importantly...his name. When questioned about his name, Cowling replied "Darwin, like the evolutionist, you know. Darwin was revolutionary to the theory of life, and like him I'm going to be revolutionary to the theory of music." Now, being signed with 3 Beat Music (an independent British house label), having a hit number one on 'Electric Sound Radio', which subsequently was played on Annie Mac's earlybird mix back in July, and having a regular slot at Mile End's Boiler Room all at the age of 19, is truly remarkable. Who knows, maybe Darwin's the answer everyone's been looking for?