GIRL.COM.AU - 'STARS OF TOMORROW' SERIES

Damian London's music has been described as Ambient Alternative and is a fine selection of chilled out tracks and drum and bass beats. With influences as diverse as Gerling and Jimi Hendrix, this talented Melbourne musician delights in experimenting with unusual sounds. GIRL profiles Damian London in this month's "Stars of Tomorrow".

Stage Name: Damian London
Age: Between 29 and 30

Location: Melbourne

Music Genre: Ambient Alternative (or Café/Bar) Music…with a mix of other genre's as well, such as World, Adult Alternative and Comedy.

When did you realise that music was your passion? I've loved music all my life. I started out playing in a Brass Band (playing Tuba), then tried my hand at playing the trombone and drums. In the 90's I played in a few various bands as a guitarist but soon tired of this instrument. In 1997 I developed an interest in computer/electronic music and have been focussing on this genre of music ever since.

List three musical influences: That's a tough one, because I love all styles of music. But some of my influences include Fatboy Slim, New Order, Gerling, Endorphin and Jimi Hendrix to name a few.

How many years have you been performing? I have been performing on and off since 1986 but if you take the gaps out when my guitar was gathering dust, it is around 10 years or so.

Do you write your own material? Yes!

Have you found the Internet to be helpful/useful in fast-tracking your music career? The Internet has been a great outlet for me…Through my website on Mp3.com.au (http://www.mp3.com.au/damianlondon) I have been able to release a lot of music, which may never have been heard. I recently released 2 EP's on Mp3.com.au which are "Before the Cookie Crumbles" and "FreakTown". FreakTown contains songs that didn't fit into the "Before the Cookie Crumbles" EP.

In following your dream, who has helped you along the way? My family and friends have been a big support to me, especially my girlfriend who always encourages me to dream big.

Is there anything you wish you could change about the music industry? I would change the amount of airtime Australian Artists receive on radio here and the amount of budget spent by the record companies on Overseas artist promotion. In most countries around the globe, a lot more airplay and budget is given to local artists. Australia might as well be another AMERICAN STATE. The government of this country have a lot to learn from other countries in regards to support given to people in the ARTS.

What advice can you offer to other budding young artists? Enjoy what you are doing, if you love music, just do it, even if you are the only person who hears the final song.

Where do you envision yourself in 5 years time? Doing much the same thing.

Where can people purchase/listen to your music? At the moment, they can listen @ http://www.mp3.com.au/damianlondon .

GIRL'S 60 SECOND QUIZ

Full Name: Damian London
Nickname(s): Dame, Damo, Squirrel
Star Sign: Cancer

Fave Food: Pasta
Fave Film: Clerks
Fave Actor: Toss up between Clint Eastwood (Dirty Harry roles) and Penelope Cruz (older foreign movie roles only!)
Fave Animal: Squirrel

Describe Yourself In 3 Words: Up, Down, Around
Best Feature: Eyes
Worst Feature: Feet
Person You Would Most Like To Meet: Roman Polansky
Hobbies/Interests: Music, Writing

First Job: Scraping Chewing gum off the floor of a Supermarket
A Talent You Wish You Had: Playing the Guitar
The Best Advice Given To You: Don't try and please everybody
What Can You Never Leave Home Without: Keys
If you were a cartoon character, which one would you be? Secret Squirrel
If you were told you had a minute to live, what would you do? I would ring up my mum, dad and girlfriend and say "goodbye … I've enjoyed life, love you … celebrate my life and move on with your life."


N.B.: If you would like to nominate a Star of Tomorrow, email michelle@girl.com.au, include a brief biography of the person you are nominating and tell us why they are the next big thing!