In fall of 2008, after three days of partying at San Diego Street Scenes, a partly "falling out" Ryan Aicklen and Darin Jay Lehman decided to go back to Ryan's Los Angeles studio to jam for the very first time. The resulting jam session left the two young guns speechless. Live Electronic Funky Jam was the only way to describe the improv music that seemed to flow through their veins and burst out of their very pores. The Collab Project was soon born and the duo soon found themselves buying endless flights back and forth between San Francisco (Darin's base) and Los Angeles (Ryans base.) Overcoming a 400 mile displacement, the duo put their energy into producing and thanks to their extensive network of friends (family) have been quickly laying down the foundation that is sure to support them.
The Collab Projects high energy output while they perform and their expansive coverage of multiple genres should be a great addition to any show or festival. AND The Collab Project is looking to bring the party with them where ever and when ever everyone is ready to get down.
Darin Jay Lehman aka DJ is a New Jersey native who migrated to Santa Barbara in 2003 to attend the Santa Barbara City College. Growing up DJ was greatly influenced by reggae music and lived in Jamaica part-time. At an early age he was introduced to the world of music festivals and was a recognized face among those backstage at most Marley family concerts. At the age of thirteen, DJ began to learn the bass guitar by jamming with his guitar wielding friends. Music became a passion for DJ throughout his teenage years and live electronic bands such as Infected Mushroom joined DJs favorites along with Pink Floyd and of course THE GRATEFUL DEAD. In 2006 after an intense year of touring with the U.S. festivals, Jake Lehman (DJ's cousin) with the help of UCSB produced a music festival called Chillavista which DJ helped in organizing. Since Chillavista, DJ has been hot on the scene, continually touring with all major festivals and lending a helping hand with THE DO LAB at Lightning in a Bottle, Rothbury, All points West, and many other festivals. All this while still managing to tour around with The Disco Biscuits, STS9, Phil Lesh, and many other musicians who influence him. As the folder that holds his ticket stubs quickly becomes impregnated with hundreds of shows, DJ more and more is learning to step it up and throw the parties.
Ryan Aicklen was born in Camarillo, in Southern California. At a young age Ryan realized how great his own passion for music was and began to play the guitar before he was ten. He was engaged in his school jazz band and eventually joined his high schools drum corp. It was in high school that Ryan found is love of classical guitar. After high school Ryan returned to California to attend music school at Cal State Northridge. Ryan was already comfortable recording music long before he returned to California and had already produced multiple styles of music ranging from jazzy instrumental to hip hop inspired jam. Using his creative talents and multiple genre influences Ryan has now been focusing on infusing music with programmed electronics, LIVE ELECTRONICS. Following in the footsteps of his musical influences such as Frank Zappa, Pink Floyd, The Grateful Dead, STS9 and many others Ryan is exploring all the endless possibilities. Take careful notes when watching Ryan play live as he easily switches from keyboard to synthesizer to shredding that guitar.
