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In the competitive landscape of the music industry, few artists embody the spirit of resilience and creativity quite like multiple award-winner DAMOYEE.
Born and raised in North Texas, multi-faceted musician DAMOYEE is a testament to the power of passion ignited at a young age. As a child, DAMOYEE was captivated by the world of melodies, and her parents quickly recognized her talent. This early exposure blossomed into a lifelong dedication to music that has led her to become a sought-after artist.
DAMOYEE’s profound connection to music is reflected in her diverse influences, from classic composers to modern-day icons. Her unique sound blends genres and styles, showcasing not only her technical skills but also her deep emotional understanding of the art. With each performance, she invites listeners into her world, sharing personal stories through the universal language of music.
In this engaging conversation, we dive deeper into DAMOYEE’s musical odyssey, exploring how her early inspirations and distinctive talents have shaped her artistic identity. We also touch on her creative processes as she balances the joys of collaboration with the challenges of maintaining authenticity in an ever-evolving industry.
Join us as we uncover the insights and experiences that have propelled DAMOYEE into the spotlight, and discover what motivates her to continue breaking boundaries in her pursuit of musical excellence.
Early Musical Beginnings
DAMOYEE’s journey began at a remarkably young age, where her natural affinity for the piano was evident. With fond memories of her childhood, she recalls, “I started music really young. Around the age of two, my parents told me that I figured out the notes on my toy keyboard and would play melodies from songs I heard on my favorite TV show at the time, Sesame Street. They put me in piano lessons after that and from there I studied classical piano, music theory, and composition privately until I graduated high school.”
Reflecting on her lifelong commitment to music, she adds, “I would say I had a passion for music my whole life because there has not ever been anything else that I’ve been interested in doing as a hobby or career as much as music. I’ve tried other things, but my heart is in music.”
Her inspiration was further fueled when she learned about the world of film scoring during a Berklee (College of Music) visit to her high school. “I had been hearing film scores my whole life in all the animated movies with Disney, Pixar, and Dreamworks, but I never thought about the composers behind the scores. Once I learned about it, I knew I wanted to pursue that as well.”
The Power of Absolute Pitch
DAMOYEE possesses the rare gift of absolute pitch, a talent that greatly shapes her musical creation. “I strongly believe that having absolute pitch is both a blessing and a curse. One advantage is that I’m able to identify the exact pitches of notes and types of chords being played,” she explains. However, she humorously acknowledges the downside, saying, “Disadvantages of having absolute pitch are just any off-key experience, really. It’s nerve-wracking and can be brutal on the ears.”
Versatile Musicianship
As a versatile artist, DAMOYEE enjoys exploring multiple instruments and genres. “Piano is my favorite instrument to play, and lately I’ve been playing keytar a lot, which is really fun. Piano is my main songwriting tool and the foundation for most of my songs,” she shares. While composing feels natural to her, she admits that arranging and producing require more meticulous attention. “Over time, I’ve become quite meticulous in regard to the sounds that I choose to help further audibly illustrate the blending of genres.”
Vocal Care and Technique
With an impressive vocal range that spans three octaves, DAMOYEE places great emphasis on maintaining vocal health. “I love to do neck stretches and lip trills. I find this very important to wake up the muscles surrounding the vocal cords to relieve tension,” she explains about her warm-up routine. She also shares classic exercises that help aspiring vocalists cultivate their technique.
The Journey of Creating “PURPLEXED”
This year, DAMOYEE released a trilogy of albums, “PURPLEXED VOLUMES 1, 2, AND 3,” which represents a significant milestone in her career. “It’s a very personal project unlike anything I’ve ever done before. The creative process has been pretty informal, mainly because nearly half the trilogy were originally demos shelved that I had little to no intention of releasing,” she reveals. Reflecting on the significance of this time during the pandemic, she expresses profound insights into personal growth and collaboration through her music.
Collaborating With Brands
DAMOYEE has successfully collaborated with major brands like AT&T and Coca-Cola, but she chooses her partnerships carefully. “I say yes to partnerships that align with my own personal values and my brand as an artist. When it comes to consumer brands, if it’s a product that I currently buy or use, then I’d likely say yes,” she states, underscoring her commitment to authenticity in her collaborations.
Building a Strong Online Community
With nearly 300K followers across social media platforms, DAMOYEE has cultivated a vibrant online presence. She emphasizes the importance of engagement, stating, “Posting almost every day and engaging with comments as much as possible is the most effective way to build my community.” Despite the challenges of balancing content creation and music production, she expresses gratitude for the supportive community she has built.
Staying Inspired Amid Accolades
Recognized by prominent publications like NPR and Entertainment Weekly, DAMOYEE remains motivated by deadlines and the creative process. “I maintain a calendar to keep everything organized and on track. I stay motivated by staying focused and knowing that the end goal will be worth it,” she explains.
The Meaning Behind Recognition
The accolades she has received, including “Best Vocalist” in Dallas, resonate deeply with her. “I’m very grateful for all the accolades I’ve received because it affirms to me that there are people watching and listening,” she shares, reflecting on her aspirations to make a global impact with her music.
Advice for Aspiring Musicians
Looking back on her journey, DAMOYEE offers valuable advice to emerging artists. “‘Keep going’ is probably the most cliché piece of advice, but it’s so true. Stay true and authentic to yourself, believe in yourself, and trust the process,” she encourages, reminding them to focus on their own path rather than comparing their journey to others.
DAMOYEE’s evolution as an artist presents a powerful narrative of perseverance and passion. With her heartfelt approach to music and a commitment to her craft, we look forward to witnessing all that she will continue to accomplish in the years to come.
To connect with DAMOYEE and follow her on all her social media, please visit her website.
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Cover photo Shane McCormick
Bob Valleau is a regular entertainment writer for Texas Lifestyle Magazine.