Laois singer on life in Ireland and his brand new single
Mountmellick-based singer Damien Cain discusses all things music and his new release
The Laois-based singer Damien Cain has released a brand new single, ‘Caleb’.
Originally from Germany, Damien moved to Ireland 6 years ago and has lived in Mountmellick the past three years.
Speaking to the Leinster Express about life as a musical artist and the release of his new single, Damien said that living in Ireland has provided him with so much inspiration for his music, from its myths and legends, old ruins, to picturesque beaches.
“Ireland has been the place to be for me since I was 20 or 21, when I came here on holidays for the first time. I deeply fell in love with the country, the people and everything here. It is so inspiring,” the Mountmellick singer said.
The alternative artist has now released his new single ‘Caleb’, which is a piano-driven pop-rock ballad that explores memory, loss and the process of letting go.
UK vocalist Jamie Wiltshire also features on the record which was originally included on Damien’s album ‘Standarte’ but has now been reimagined for its single release.
Explaining the story behind the song, Damien shared that this is an emotional love song inspired by a relationship he had in his 30s and the feelings attached to the memories of that relationship.
The idea of love is something which runs through a lot of Damien’s music. However, his musical influences come from a “weird and wide variety” of artists.
Speaking about the artists that influenced him, Damien said: “I grew up in the '80s, so of all the bands of the '80s. A weird wide variety, starting from all the rock bands and bands like New Model Army, then over to punk with Bad Religion, and even heavy metal with Queensryche, or progressive rock like Dream Theater.”
Among these, one particular Irish artist stood out for Damien.
“My very first concert was Chris de Burgh back in Germany. I was 14 years old. It was such an amazing experience for me and he was so huge and great. I love him today still. His very first album, Far Beyond These Castle Walls, is still one of my all-time favorites.”
Having been in the music industry for over 30 years, Damien has enjoyed many highlights throughout his career. Most notably, the many collaborations he’s had with other artists.
“The real highlight still in my life is all the collaborations I had and the most impressive one was working together with Christopher Lee,” he said.
Damien had the opportunity to work with the iconic Lord of the Rings and Star Wars actor Christopher Lee back in 2007. Damien and a team of composers wrote a song for him to sing back in Berlin, an experience which Damien said “was just brilliant.”
“That is still a memory I hold onto because that was such a great experience to work with an artist like him. He is such an amazing character. He was full of stories and the inspiration that came from that man. That is probably the greatest experience I have had.”