Damon K. Clark recently released a stunning new track titled Holy, which I loved. It’s a fantastic piece of music and one I wanted to share with the world. Find out a little more about Damon below…

By Jane Howkins

You recently released a track titled Holy, which we reviewed. What can you tell us about the song? What does the title refer to?

Holy is basically about a past relationship in which I felt completely seen, accepted and empowered by a lover for the very first time. I was truly loved; all of me. The good parts and the ugly parts. It was almost like being worshiped. I’ll never forget that and I’ll never settle for less now that I know that kind of love.

Has the pandemic hindered your work much?

Honestly, no. I was ready for a break from performing. In 2020 and 2021, I spent most of my time writing and developing a new style. I didn’t start performing again, despite offers, until late October into November of 2021. I went on tour in Mexico to showcase my newest material.

What is the writing and recording process like for you?

The writing is cathartic, methodical and highly enjoyable for me. I tend to fully notate my songs (all the parts) in a music notation software. I like to make sure I have sheet music for the band so that we can play live. Then I export that as a midi, drag that into a DAW and sing all the scratch vocals that I can think of at the time. After that, I send the session to Sam Harvey, my producer. He elevates it to art.

Now, recording… I hate it. I don’t know why, but I hate it so much. I’d rather roll in the carcass of a dead animal than record my voice. I know that sounds weird, but I dunno. I just don’t’ like it. But I know that’s the only way to get my music recorded and out to the universe, so I do it. There’s something of the process that every musician hates, I guess.

Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?

Yes. I’m planning to release a single called I’ll Blame Myself in the near future and there are a few other songs that’ll come out as the year progresses.

Have you started writing for an EP or an album?

I’m writing an EP, but if it happens to turn into an album, that’s fine too.

What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?

Honestly, me. I know that sounds narcissistic, but I’m in the writing phase of this part of my career. I’m not really being influenced by any artists because I’m not listening to other artists. Maybe next year.

Where are you based? What is the music scene like in your part of the world?

I’m based in Dallas, Texas, USA. It’s a vibrant arts forward city. There’s every form of music, dance, visual art, etc. you can think of. There are also a myriad of venues. Most people think you have to be on the coasts, New York City or Los Angeles, to make a career in the arts or be taken seriously by the globe. Not true. Dallas has many great artists who hail from here and developed their craft here early on in the scene, and some still live here. The late Bernard Wright lived here for years. I got to work closely with him. Besides being a genius, he was a kind and generous mentor to me. I’d played jazz as a flute/clarinet/saxophonist, but never really sung jazz. Bernard really helped me and taught me to scat and improvise with abandon. He is loved and missed.

There’s also Kelly Clarkson, Tevin Campbell, Selena Gomez, Eryka Badu, Demi Lovato, Saint Vincent, Nora Jones, Jazmeia Horn, Nick Jonas, Edie Brikell, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Lisa Loeb, and I could go on and on. So many great artists that you know grew up and honed their craft right here and a few still live here. And that’s just the singers. A ton of very famous actors were born and raised in Dallas as well.

Do you have any tour dates lined up?

I don’t. I’m not anxious to tour again since I’m focusing on getting my new material out.

What can people expect from one of your shows and why should people come and see you perform live?

Intimacy, vulnerability and raw truth. I’m laying it out for the people. You can also expect great vocals and storytelling. I take the audience on a musical/emotional journey and I hope to transform the evening into a magical experience. You’ll laugh. You’ll cry. It’s better than Cats. Ha!

Any last words for the fans?

I may not be touring, but I might show up near you. Make sure to hit me up on my website or social media for updates so you’ll know when I’m visiting you your town or city. And lastly, without YOU, there is no me. I’m grateful for each and every one of you!