Published: February 12, 2010 10:24 PM EST
By: Isaac Davis Jr., MBA (Juniorscave.com)
New Music Spotlight February 2010 Edition
Damon Nailer
Music Now Artist/Band Spotlight Weekly Series
Damon Nailer
Hip-Hop Entertainer Damon Nailer recently completed an online interview with our Webzine about his influences and why he is so passionate about making music. We enjoyed what Damon Nailer had to say in this interview, and we are especially enjoying his wonderful funky sound. Here is what developed. Enjoy!
Isaac: We'd love to know about your inspirations growing up. I hear so many influences in your music. How old were you when you first discovered music? Is there any kind of musical history in your family?
Damon: My musical inspirations are so diverse. I'm very grateful for this because it brings a great and distinct versatility to my music. Here are just a few: Stevie Wonder, Michael/Janet Jackson. Teddy Riley, Al B. Sure, Toni, Toni, Toni, Babyface, Mary J.Blige, L.L. Cool J., Big Daddy Kane, Gang Starr, Pete Rock & C.L. Smooth. Special Ed, and Slick Rick.
I began playing the saxophone when I was nine years old. I played for three years in elementary school and for three years in high school. Then, at the age of 15 I began to experiment with hip-hop. I'll never forget my friends and I recording our own demo tape to the Deep Cover soundtrack instrumental (Dr. Dre and Snoop Dogg). It was then that I knew I had the potential, but it was later that I actually began to pursue it as a profession.
The only musical history in my family is that my older brother played cymbals for Southern University in Baton Rouge, LA.
Isaac: What drew you to pick up a mic in the first place?
Damon Nailer
Damon: I just had an instinctive passion for hip-hop ever since I first heard it.
Isaac: As you hit your teenage years, did you know that this was what you would be doing for the rest of your life?
Damon: No, I had no idea that I would actually get serious about pursuing a music career.
Isaac: Is there a performer in any genre of pop culture that you would like to work with?
Damon: Pink, Justin Timberlake, Amerie, and Timbaland.
Isaac: Who are some musicians that you really like, present or past?
Damon: Pharell Williams, Teddy Riley, and J Moss.
Isaac: What is your ultimate goal with your music career?
Damon: My ultimate goal is to be an internationally known and distributed artist that shares a relevant message and has a unique sound.
Isaac: What has been some of the obstacles it has taken to get this far in your career?
Damon: Some of the obstacles I've experienced thus far are limited capital, limited exposure, limited recording facilities in my area, an environment that wasn't conducive to my genre of music, and finding true partners/team players.
Isaac: Would you recommend this "field" to others who are aspiring to be musicians like you?
Damon: Yes!!! However, I would encourage anyone who aspires to be a musician to pursue it as a passion first and as a profession second. Create other forms of income that you can utilize to invest in your music because it's sometimes hard to find investors before you experience some success.
Isaac: Describe one piece of advice you've have been given to by others in the music industry.
Damon: One piece of advice sticks out which is to be patient and don't give up.
Isaac: What genre of music do you consider most of your music?
Damon: Hip-Hop (positive).
Isaac: What has been your favorite piece of work?
Damon: This current project Conception/Rebirth has been my favorite piece. As for my favorite song, I would have to say the track entitled "Rock and Roll".
Isaac: How can fans-to-be gain access to your music? Do you have a website with sample songs or a demo CD?
Damon: My music, bio info, video and latest news can all be found at http://www.daril.org
Isaac: Is there anyone you'd like to acknowledge for offering financial or emotional support?
Damon: I would like to acknowledge God for all he has done, my wife-Necole, and our children, my brothers, sisters, nieces and nephews, Extra thanks to Janae Singleton-Hampton for creating the "Paradise" video, my project producers- Darian Dray Harris, and Malcolm "GQ" Ellis, engineers- Tavia Perry and Malcolm "GQ" Ellis, vocalists- Gege Waters, Michael Gaines, Ericka Kelly, Tavia Perry, and Kanika Trigg, and my inner circle of friends- David Carter, Gary Levine, Antonio Banks, Rod Daniels, and Alcee Perry. Last, but not least, The Lighthouse Church.
