​Damian, and for over 25 years, music has been the beating heart of my journey. From childhood, music was a constant companion, filling our home thanks to my parents, who were passionate about keeping the stereo alive with a variety of sounds. My dad’s collection of records and his remarkable stereo system opened the door to a whole new world, letting me explore the depth of old LPs, their grooves a gateway into the profound artistry of classic rock. The first tape I ever owned was Silver by Moist, a band that captured my attention immediately. Three years later, I got to meet the band and have that tape signed—a moment that, to this day, feels almost surreal.​

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As I entered my teens, my musical world expanded as I dove deep into the grunge scene, finding a kindred spirit in the raw, authentic sounds of bands like Pearl Jam, Our Lady Peace, Soundgarden, and Tool. These bands were my heroes, shaping not just my tastes but also the ethos I’d carry into my own music. At the same time, the popular music of the ‘60s and ‘70s was a major influence on me. Icons like Pink Floyd, Led Zeppelin, and The Beatles opened my mind to the storytelling power of music, leaving a lasting imprint on my creative perspective.

Music wasn’t my only passion, though; I had an intense love for comedy and the comedic geniuses of my generation. Jim Carrey, Weird Al, and even the Village People brought humor and satire into my life, showing me how expression can be fun, boundary-pushing, and transformative. The energy I absorbed from these influences carried me through my teenage years, which were filled with live concerts and music festivals. I got a thrill out of crowd-surfing, moshing, and diving into the electric atmosphere of live music, moments that deepened my love for the stage and the raw energy that comes with it.

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In the early 2000s, I found a new scene that fascinated me—the rave culture. I began working with Rave Safe, an organization that allowed me to help others, enjoy the events for free, and experience the growing wave of electronic music. Trance music became an unexpected love, with artists like Paul Oakenfold igniting my interest in the expansive world of electronic soundscapes. I attended Shambhala a few times, where the music and community formed unforgettable memories, and continued to support the local music scene by attending live shows whenever I could.​

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Professionally, my music journey began back in 1998 when I joined my first band, Official District, as a lead guitarist. It was in those early days that I discovered the magic of collaboration, the thrill of creating with others, and the power of shared vision. I went on to play and sing with other bands, but in 2009, I found something special with a group of musicians that became like family. I joined their band, NOWEISER, as the lead singer, a role that allowed me to expand my vocal talents and connect deeply with audiences. From 2009 to 2013, NOWEISER’s music reflected our collective drive and ambition, a journey that’s stayed with me.

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Through the years, I continued evolving, developing my skills as a musician, producer, and recording engineer. My first setup was a TASCAM 4 Track Portastudio, where I recorded my earliest projects, capturing the energy of those formative years. From there, I moved to a PC setup with Fruity Loops and Cubase, creating my own tracks and eventually progressing to ProTools with a DiGi003 Console. I started recording local artists and bands, which only fueled my passion further. Eventually, I designed and built my own professional studio, upgrading to ProTools HD with an OMNI HD interface. My current setup includes Ableton Live 11 and a Focusrite Clarett 8Pre, enhanced by some top-tier hardware like the Rupert Neve Designs Portico II and a Neumann TLM 67 mic, tools that help me capture the precise sound I envision.

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My instruments and gear are deeply personal to me. I play a rare blue Fender American Deluxe and a Yamaha AC5R, both of which have traveled with me through countless sessions and performances. My amp is a Fender Deluxe Reverb that I’ve customized extensively, reworking its electronics and speaker to create my own signature sound—one I’ve dubbed “Gold Tone.” Building and refining my equipment setup has become as much a part of my musical journey as songwriting itself. My passion for technology has played a huge role in this, too. It took me two years to design and build a soundproof studio, and I’m always eager to learn new skills and technologies that can enhance my music.

In 2019, I began streaming on Twitch, where I found an incredible community of musicians and music lovers. Connecting with others through live streaming has been one of the most rewarding aspects of my recent journey, and I’m now a proud member of Team Vamoo, a collective of Twitch musicians who support and inspire each other. Twitch has given me a unique space to share my music, meet amazing peers, and reach a global audience.

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A few years ago, I joined a songwriting circle led by the talented musician Rob Heath. Our group meets once a month, providing a space to share songs, offer feedback, and help one another grow as artists. Being part of this circle has been an invaluable source of inspiration and has helped refine my craft, giving me fresh insights and new perspectives on songwriting.

All of these experiences are now coming together in my most ambitious project yet—a guitar-driven rock opera set to release on December 12, 2024. This album is a journey in itself, each track representing one of the 12 keys, each carrying its own mood, voice, and story. It’s the culmination of everything I’ve absorbed, every influence, and every lesson. This rock opera isn’t just a project; it’s a tribute to the artists and moments that have defined my path, and it’s a statement of who I am and what music means to me.