In 2010 and 2011 Darius showcased a number of Big Band songs that he had written himself when he performed across the UK with the Barison's Swing Band. 

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The songs written by Darius included "Bada Bing Bada Boom", "Crazy Love", "Jack" and "Again". He also performed a Big Band style version of his hit single "Colourblind" and "Devil In You" which was taken from his 2004 album "Live Twice". 

His inspiration for his new style of writing was personal. The idea for the new direction came about through talking to his grandfather. “We sat down in hospital where he was having treatment and he was telling me about his life. The radio was on and Fever came on, and he said it wasn’t the original. And then my little brother was playing the latest Michael Buble song at home. It’s the only style of music that has a cross-generational feel.”

He talked more with his grandparents about big bands and what that music meant to them, why it was important in a social and cultural context.

“It was woven into everyday life. The music was used to motivate the troops, and people loved it when the big bands would get together in the studio and play across the airwaves on the wireless, or in the dance halls of the day.

“It gave rise to the invention of new dances. It was the pop rock and hip-hop of its era and still special to this day. I’ve been lucky to perform with a number of incredible orchestras and there’s nothing more exciting than hearing the best musicians in Europe playing classic standards that Glenn Miller and Benny Goodman played back in the day of the big bands.

“The show transports the audience to a different era and does so with the most incredible musicians playing standards as seen through the eyes of the big band leaders. It’s a glimpse back to those days and what it would’ve been like to hear that music in its original context.

“In terms of my voice, big band and swing music is totally suited to it, especially after being tutored on Popstar To Operastar. That taught me so much about opening up the voice and using deeper resonances.

“I don’t think it’s very compelling to hear a 19- year-old sing songs about heartbreak and lost love,” he said. “You’ve got to live a little. The idea of falling in love at 19 is very different to being in love when you’re 80. You have to bring the experience to those songs. I feel I’ve come full circle and am able to do these songs with authority.”

Songs written by Darius and performed at British Big Band Night at Kempton Park in June 2011 can be heard below.