November 09, 2004

Interview with Jesse Damon

One of the greatest things about music is the diversity of styles and sounds; music is an expression. The diversity of the artists is another great facet of music, without the artist there would be no music and without music I believe life would be quite empty and boring! Today’s featured musician is Jesse Damon who has worked on many projects as a guitarist and songwriter. Through Jesse’s words I have seen a man that knows what he likes and who has worked hard to achieve success in a tough business. Jesse has done what many of us have only dreamed. I hope that you enjoy the interview and stop by www.JesseDamon.com to learn more about this dedicated and diverse musician. Jesse’s new album gives us a glimpse inside and shows what years of dedication taught him and a message we can all take to heart … “Nothing Else Matters”!

1. While many of us know your music I believe that I speak for a lot of fans when I say I would like to have you introduce yourself; Jesse Damon, the man behind the music…
Let me introduce myself, I'm a man of a thousand faces, wait a minute I've heard that somewhere before ... but seriously I am a man of many hats, singer, songwriter, guitarist, solo artist, band member, producer, and on and on...
The main thing is I'm consumed by music, and I love sharing my stories with my fans!

2. While on introductions I would also like to invite you to introduce your latest album “Nothing Else Matters” and tell us about one or two songs from the album you are particularly fond of and why these songs are special to you…
One time I heard Gene Simmons toast "Here's to the Good Life, Jesse," and I knew it meant take a second to appreciate and enjoy what you've done! It's moments like that when my inspiration kicks in, and so there's where the song "Good Life," comes from. The song "Nothin' Else Matters," means put your nose to the grindstone, and kick some ass, but do it with, and share it with the one special person in your life!

3. Each song on this album is truly a work of art, but beyond that these songs are proof that high-energy melodic rock is alive and well in California and around the globe, what message do you feel this album is sending out?
The message this album is sending out is about the struggles and triumphs in life, and about sharing the stories of relationships, some true, and some made up!

4. You have worked with many fantastic artists over the years and many of them have been involved on “Nothing Else Matter”, can you tell us a bit about the production and recording of the album and what the feeling was through out the project?
The production for this CD was very different this time around, instead of the veteran Producer Paul Sabu at the helm, I had a new production team that was integrating a newer more contemporary sound, along with my classic sound. I liked this new direction because it was fresh and cutting edge. The French Brothers David, and Michael brought a different sparkle to the table. I called on some of my new musician friends and band mates, as well as old to help out with some of the tracks, and thought it would bring forth a cool blend to this album!

5. As fans, and I am sure as musicans as well, we have all become accustomed to strange band names and album titles that are beyond explanation, but I personally have been looking for the meaning behind “Nothing Else Matters” would you be so kind as to share where the inspiration for that name came from?
Take all of my experiences and memories, and do it together with the one I love. That's the meaning behind "Nothin' Else Matters."

6. I believe that with out inspiration all things would die, you have been inspired by some of the greats; Gene Simmons, KISS, Randy Castillo and many, many others, would you take a moment to tell us who have been your greatest inspirations both musically and other wise?
Starting with my hero "Eric Clapton," because of his same commitment and love for music, guitar playing, and songwriting. He's literally done it all, and that's something I respect and strive towards, and to my band mates, for their tenacity, and their will to perform and perceiver, and to my wife, for her support, belief, and love for me, and last but not least, the two men I consider to be my mentors Paul Sabu, and Gene Simmons, both for their belief and direction toward my career!

7. You hold the prestigious title that many of us who grew up in what I like to think of as some of the greatest days of Rock and Roll and that is you are known as part of the KISS family, what would you say your dealings with KISS have done for your career and your life as a whole?
I feel honored and privileged to be a part of KISSTORY. To have met them, song-written and sang with them, and to have recorded with them is a dream come true!
In a nutshell, it’s an opportunity you don't take lightly. You go for it and deliver the goods.

8. From your site, www.JesseDamon.com, we can see that you keep busy with live shows and special events as well as your recording career, including the KISS EXPO in Nottingham, England on November 27 can you tell us about this event?
I got an opportunity to play at the New York KISS Expo, and had such a blast performing, partying, and meeting KISS fans, that when asked to come to Nottingham,
I jumped at the chance again!

9. With the recording, touring, promoting and other aspects of a busy music career one wonders what outside of the music you enjoy, what activities do you do to help strike a balance in your life?
There's a lot of things I like to do. Go camping, swimming, jogging, play tennis, weight-lift, go see concerts, travel to Las Vegas, and Hawaii, but I think my favorite is to just have a drink at the bar watching my favorite sport football!

10. And now Jesse, the million dollar question, what’s next? More touring, another solo album, something from Silent Rage…what’s on the horizon for Jeese Damon?
Yes, more touring, yes another solo album, and hopefully something from Silent Rage. Seriously, I've started working on my next solo CD, and have already recorded the first song just recently. So there will be another Jesse Damon solo album.
Silent Rage is working on a new studio album, but it's slow going, with three songs in the can we hope to finish it sometime in "05." As for touring, I love to perform, and as long as there are opportunities for me, I'll be there on stage to jam!

11. Many of our visitors are aspiring artists looking to make a place for themselves in the music scene of today, in fact we receive many samples every week, do you have any words of advise for these bands and musicians from someone who knows the business and has been successful?
Obviously you need to practice a lot, you then become tight, and that's how you start to long for it, and receive inspiration. Learn the business side, you can't just perform and play, you need to know about both the creative and the business side. That's just 2 things to know of the number of ingredients for success!

12. And last but not least do you have a closing message for your fans in California, here in New York and all around the world?
Thanks so damn much for all of your support and rockin' with me through the years.... You inspire me!!!
Thanks so much Kathy, and all at Strikeupthebands.net!!!

See ya on the road,
Jesse

Posted by Kathy at November 9, 2004 04:00 PM