IN THE HOTSEAT WITH: Darren Power, Yamaha Europe

Name: Darren Power

Job Title: European Director, Professional Music Division.

What does that involve? Sales and Marketing responsibilities for Yamaha Guitars, Synths, Electronic Drums, Acoustic Drums, Protection Racket (ex – UK) and Line6 Guitar Products across Europe. That involves plenty of head scratching, chin rubbing, many meetings, a lot of email, Excel and some Powerpoint.

What one thing would make your working life easier? A tough one that, my working life.. is well… a working life and with that comes the challenges and in-perfections which I am there to help put right. So easy is not good for my continued employment, as we are then.

The best thing about working for Yamaha? Yamaha is able to take the rough with the smooth and every now and again they hand you a product that will steal the show.

And the worst? N/A Yamaha is actually completely perfect.

If you had a band (or if, in fact, you actually do) what would they be called? Ronnie I am amazed that you are not aware that I was in the greatest ever Acoustic Blues Band: Sugarland Slim – one can check the album tunes on Spotify “Texan Calypso” (re-mastered and re-released last year) available on-line and on-line. Unfortunately Sugarland Slim disbanded in 2004 and as a result Acoustic Blues, as we know it, remained completely unchanged.

Pick three Desert Island Discs…Diggin’ On James Brown – Tower of Power; I Wish – Stevie Wonder and Gimme What You Got – Keb Mo

If you had a golden rule, what would it be? Always live by your golden rule.

What was the last thing you bought in a music store? Three sets of Rotosound Acoustic Guitar Strings complete with free strap from Rockhard Music in Milton Keynes.

Ever had a job outside the industry?  Yes – Trade counter salesman (building industry), Shipping Clerk, Forklift Driver and Warehouse lad (I make a great cuppa).

Best advice you’ve ever been given? Trust your instincts and look for the data before making a decision.

Worst? Professionally nothing registers however personally the guy who recommended I bought his car from him last Summer can have this one.

What would call your autobiography? Can you help me understand that?

Do you do Twitter? If so, how do we follow you? No I don’t however you will find me on the usual Social Media platforms. And on the Twitter subject I recommend a Jon Ronson’s book So You’ve Been Publicly Shamed an interesting insight and indicator etc.