In Memory of Darren W. Bogden (ShadowNinja / RenDar)
(12/05/1988-09/14/2012)
Fun Facts
There was a documentary made about Darren’s life while he was alive. You can watch it here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CSHWZGb1K8Q
The name RenDar was originally thought up by Darren when he took his name and cut it in half to make Dar Ren, then the two parts were swapped and made into one word again, thus making RenDar into a musical alias.
Darren loved to breakdance so much that he would risk his life in order to accomplish such a feat. He would actually take off his oxygen tank and breathing tubes so that he could enjoy one of his favorite pastimes and be unrestricted for a short period of time. Shadow was always taking any opportunity he saw to try and show off, including dancing outside of a concert venue before a local show, all the way to joining in on many events happening at his high school.
If you want to have a ringtone of Darren’s music, you can download them for free at this link; https://www.zedge.net/ringtones?keyword=rendar
Darren loved to mosh and crowd surf, even though his oxygen tank would get messed up and security would have to help him escape the crowd every once and a while due to health issues.
RenDar started in Mesa, AZ in late 2005 formed by front man and guitarist Darren Bogden. Darren being the only member of the band has played a few underground shows mainly, backyards and basements.
When RenDar would play a live gig, although a one man band, he would have a live band behind himself to spice up the evening. The band was believed to be made up of his family members. They played songs from Interpretations and covered a Metallica song with the smoke rolling across the floor.
It took RenDar about a year and a half to release his first Demo and CD, both where dropped in 2008. First came the Demo which came out in late November 2008; then the CD titled "Interpretations" came out in early December 2008. The CD and Demo where recorded by his brother. Interpretations was later Remastered by K0rND0G AKA Korrupted Mind in late 2010.
It took RenDar four years to record new songs. In early 2011 RenDar was talking to long time friend Tom Van Tol AKA K0rND0G AKA Korrupted Mind about recording a new demo, and two weeks before April 1st it was done. On April Fools Day, RenDar released his demo for download entitled "Still Here (It's A Demo)". A month later they went back into the studio to record his second full length album titled "Through My Eyes", which is now up for download with a Funny Download Only Bonus Track called "Emo Kidz Song/ I'm So Emo". The song features his friend and producer K0rND0G, made while trying to set up the recording equipment. The song was way too funny to just hit delete, so it became the bonus track for the CD "Through My Eyes", which came out as a (Rough Cut Version) and is going to be remastered in late 2012.
Darren "RenDar" Bogden passed away September 14th 2012 with his music in the hearts of many.
The albums he worked so hard on and cherished are up for free download as he wanted. RenDar was never about the money, yet more about the music than anything else in the world. With his memory living on in the hearts and souls of his friends all over the states, his music will live on forever.
Final Recordings and Tributes
Darren was trying to record an album using instrumentals that Beast-Man was working on for him instead of playing the guitar as a project called Shadow Ninja which would showcase his rapping skills. However, due to circumstances… Darren was only able to track out the chorus for a love song that eerily resembles him saying goodbye to everyone and not to worry because he will always be here in spirit. Because there was only a chorus and some other borderline unusable recordings, Beast-Man and his younger brother, Son of Poseidon wrote and performed tribute verses to commemorate his memory and finish the song.
Other tribute songs have been commenced since then by various people over the ages.
You can find Darren’s final recording/tribute and all of the other tributes that we know of below.
A Journey of Strength and Resilience
Darren W. Bogden, affectionately known as Shadow Ninja and RenDar, passed away peacefully on September 14, 2012, at the age of 23 in Mesa, AZ. Despite facing significant medical challenges from birth, Darren's life was a testament to resilience and passion.
Darren's life was marked by challenges from the very beginning. Born prematurely at 24 weeks, he weighed less than 900 grams and faced severe health issues due to prenatal exposure to cocaine. Abandoned by his birth mother, Darren was given a short prognosis by doctors. Despite being dependent on full-time oxygen and tube feeding, he became an integral part of a loving foster family, defying expectations by graduating high school at 19.
Discovering Music
At age 12, Darren discovered his love for music, teaching himself to play the guitar and write songs. Music became his sanctuary, helping him cope with the emotional scars left by his early experiences. Inspired by artists like The Beatles and Insane Clown Posse, Darren's compositions reflected his struggles and triumphs, resonating deeply with those who heard them.
Darren's first song, "Alone in the Dark," poignantly expressed the pain of abandonment and the search for purpose. Through his music, Darren shared his journey, emphasizing the importance of finding one's passion and pursuing it relentlessly. His resilience and creativity left a lasting impact on his family, friends, and fans.
The Juggalo Community and Local Music Scene
Darren was a dedicated Juggalo, immersed in the vibrant local music scene. His support for local bands was unwavering; he promoted them passionately and attended their shows regardless of genre or skill level. Darren's presence at local concerts and mini-gatherings in Arizona made him a beloved figure in the community. His commitment to the music scene and his genuine love for music and performance earned him many friends and admirers. He will be remembered by his very outgoing nature along with his legendary chant that all of the locals would join in on at the top of their lungs! “When I say SHADOW, y’all say NINJA! SHADOW! NINJA! SHADOW! NINJA!”
Legacy of Resilience and Creativity
Despite his medical challenges, Darren's gentle spirit and love for his fellow man shone brightly. His music, poetry, and unwavering support for others left an indestructible mark on those who knew him. Darren's story is one of incredible resilience, finding purpose through art, and the powerful bonds of community and family.
A Lasting Impact
Darren W. Bogden's legacy lives on through his music and the lives he touched. His journey from a fragile infant facing insurmountable odds to a beloved musician and poet is a testament to the strength of the human spirit. His life serves as an inspiration, reminding us all of the power of resilience, creativity, and the importance of supporting one another.
Darren's life, though short, was filled with love, music, and a community that cherished him. His contributions to the local music scene and his enduring spirit will never be forgotten.
RenDar had once stated that he didn’t know what his purpose was, but here at RME the vision is clear! Shadow Ninja will forever inspire us to continue to make music and to fight past the odds.
We will never forget you and you will continue to be our inspiration here at RenDar Music Entertainment for the rest of time.
SoundCloud Discography
Darren has two SoundCloud profiles filled with his music and they can be found at the following links.
Videos
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Discography/Lyrics
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Take My Hand
How Does It Feel
Demons Laughing
Alone in the Dark
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Alone in the Dark
The Darkness
Remember
Freak
How Does It Feel
Take My Hand
Demons Laughing
Pushing Away the Problems
Diffferent
By Your Side
Forgiveness
Tears of Emptiness
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Alone in the Dark
The Darkness
Remember
Freak
How Does It Feel
Take My Hand
Demons Laughing
Pushing Away the Problems
Diffferent
By Your Side
Forgiveness
Tears of Emptiness
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The Unknown (Lyrics)
All That Has Become of Me
Unwanted
Superstar
Still Here (Demo Only Track)
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The Unknown (Sound Cut)
The Unknown (Guitar Track)
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Intro
Through My Eyes
What They Say
Broken Wonderland
The Pain Inside
Dirty Strings
Fallen Seasons
Outro
Emo Kids Song / I’m So Emo (ft. K0rND0G)
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