Meet Damian, a songwriter and composer, a finalist for The Voice (Colombia), and an actor in "Vallenato Help Me," a musical theatre play created and directed by Dago García. He was also a chosen artist by Telemundo 47 (New York, New Jersey & Connecticut) for his song “Abraza a los tuyos.”
An invited artist to Festival de la Calle 8 in Miami 2022, for Univisión Channel, Damian has worked alongside Latin music stars like Carlos Vives, Gilberto Santarosa, Fanny Lu, Felipe Peláez and Silvestre Dangond, and many others. His music is made to dance and sing together, and for everybody to have a great and unforgettable time. It’s a fusion of tropical rhythms including cumbia, reggae, vallenato, and Caribbean music, mixed with urban sounds. He's a songwriter of ASCAP and a current member of the Latin Grammys Academy. Overall, Damian has an artistic career of more than 15 years of experience.
WHAT OR WHO INSPIRED YOU TO GET INTO MUSIC?
My family and my country, Colombia, inspired me. The support of my family was essential to making music, my entire life. When I was a child, at 7 years old, I started auditioning for my school band, but in my neighborhood, I was "the singer of the block" since I was 4 years old. Also, my country Colombia, with so many rhythms and original sounds, has been my inspiration to make my own sound and style.
HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE OF MUSIC AND PERFORMANCE? HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR PHILOSOPHY AND STYLE AS AN ARTIST?
My style of music is a fusion of Caribbean Music with urban sounds.
My philosophy as an artist is trying to make this world a better place through my music. If I can get a smile from somebody with a song of mine or move their soul, until making them cry or inspire, I can say I'm doing my mission in this world.
WHAT DRIVES YOU TO CREATE, AND HOW DO YOU DEFINE SUCCESS FOR YOURSELF IN MUSIC?
A lot of things drive me to create. My songs talk about love, pain, friendship, nature, fantasy, and real-life situations. I write songs all the time. Songs for me and for other artists too.
My definition of success in music is waking up every day doing the things you love to do. For me, being successful in music is moving the soul of every person that can listen to your songs. Also, I think you can measure success by the time you have available to share with all the people you love.
THROUGHOUT YOUR CAREER, WHO HAS HELPED YOU THE MOST WITH DEVELOPMENT AND SUPPORT?
Wow! This is a difficult answer. Fortunately, I've had a lot of people helping me and not letting me give up. I could say my strongest support is my family, some close friends, my wife, Andrea, and Emmanuel, my 11-year-old son, who is also one of my biggest inspirations in life.
SOMETIMES BEING IN THIS BUSINESS CAN BE OVERWHELMING. DO YOU HAVE ANY TIPS FOR MAINTAINING PERSPECTIVE AND NOT SWEATING THE SMALL STUFF?
I've always thought that I was born for this. I always think that I can make anything I have in mind. I believe that dreams come true, but you have to work every day for them. Sometimes, this business can be unfair. The most talented aren't always the most successful. But I remember that persistence, constancy, and discipline are the keys to getting all the goals done.
YOU RECENTLY RELEASED A NEW ALBUM, "CONQUISTAR EL MUNDO” (CONQUER THE WORLD)," CONGRATULATIONS! WHAT WAS THE INSPIRATION BEHIND THIS ALBUM? DID YOU HAVE AN IDEA GOING IN OR DID IT EVOLVE OVER TIME?
Thank you. I'm so happy with this new album. It's an acoustic concept and fusions of several Latin rhythms like Colombian vallenato, bachata, flamenco, Mexican vibes, reggae, and even Dominican merengue. I started one year ago, during the pandemic, and my biggest inspiration was thinking that the world needs more music to heal, reconcile, and get together. I felt that I had the responsibility to create an album with clean lyrics and soft rhythms, to get into the heart of any person in the world and make them live a better day every day, thanks to music. These songs are moving all around the world and I'm so grateful every day for being an artist and a musician.
DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR YOUNG MUSICIANS JUST STARTING THEIR CAREERS, BASED ON WHAT YOU’VE EXPERIENCED?
Never give up. You always have to think that there are a lot of ways of doing things, not only one way. We are all one world and only with perseverance and discipline will you see the best way of doing your music and making your dreams come true. Also, listen to good music all day. Always listen to the experience of the artists you follow and take their example on how they could make it. Every experience is different, but we always can learn from our experiences and others.
WHAT MOTTO, AFFIRMATION, OR QUOTE EMPOWERS, INSPIRES, OR MOTIVATES YOU?
"My life is only important if I can help many. If my life is for me and my security, then I do not want it. My life is for the people. That's my philosophy" - Bob Marley
FOR FUN, IF YOU WERE STRANDED ON AN ISLAND AND COULD ONLY HAVE (3) ITEMS WITH YOU, WHAT WOULD YOU BRING?
Ufff! My guitar, one pillow, and a huge bottle of wine. jejeje
WHAT DO YOU HAVE COMING UP NEXT?
More music and shows in 2022! We hope we can make our "CONQUISTAR EL MUNDO" TOUR happen in 2023 in several cities around the world.
WHAT HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE WITH SONGTRUST BEEN LIKE SO FAR?
My experience with Songtrust has been amazing. The information in my profile is totally clear and organized. You're part of my musical career and I'm so grateful. I really appreciate the support you give to all independent artists, so they can take their music to another level.
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