DAMIEN is an Australian musician who recently released a captivating new tune called Nowhere, which I really enjoyed. If you missed the track, you can also find it at the end of this interview!
By Jane Howkins
You recently released a single titled Nowhere. What can you tell us about the track?
The track is reflective of my own experiences of rejection and heartbreak – that moment when, after a time of connection with another, you suddenly find yourself alone again… but possibly even more so for the experience.
How has the reception to Nowhere been so far, and where can the song be purchased?
The reception has been great. It has been the second most streamed song of mine to date and achieved that milestone in only a few days. People can purchase it from Apple Music or stream it on all major platforms.
Do you plan to release any more singles in the near future?
Definitely. The next single will come out in February 2023, and another in May.
Do you plan to release an EP or an album anytime soon?
Yep. An album is planned for release in August 2023, which will contain Nowhere, amongst a body of other new works.’
Did the pandemic hinder your work much?
Not at all. I think being creative is core to being human, so the pandemic simply put in a new framework in which to express creativity. I thoroughly enjoyed having more time at home to write music and experiment with sounds.
Your music contains elements of post-punk, electronica and industrial rock, sounding very distinctive! What/who influences you most as an artist? What have you been listening to recently?
You probably won’t hear my influences in my music, but I listen to a lot of Nirvana, Metallica, Rage Against the Machine and Marilyn Manson. I also listen to a lot of instrumental jazz music. Most recently I have been enjoying an industrial duo called Karoshi from Brisbane.
You’re based in Ipswich, Australia. What is the music scene like in your part of the world?
The scene in Australia is interesting. Whilst the commercial music scene in Australia is pretty exclusive, there are great underground pockets of people who are putting on their own events and paving their own paths with genuinely unique and interesting music that is birthed out of a desire for expression and connection – that scene is awesome.
You’re playing at a festival called Rock Beats Depression soon. Can you tell us a little more about this? It sounds like a worthy cause!
This is an annual event that features a massive lineup of 30+ rock-based acts over three big stages. The artists all waive any performance fees so that all money raised from ticket sales can go towards creating better support services for people experiencing depression. It’s an excellent cause, and one I am proud to be a part of as both a musician, and as someone with chronic depression.
Do you have any tour dates lined up for the UK?
Not yet. I’m completely independent as an artist, so I not only do all my own production, but I also do my own PR, bookings and management. Presently I don’t have the contacts or resources to put a UK tour together. But I would absolutely love to.
Any last words for the fans?
Thank you for listening. As a purely independent artist, the only way my music gets ‘out there’ is by people like you listening to it, sharing it and adding it to your playlists. So thank you!