We had the good fortune of connecting with David Damien (damieN) and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi damieN, why did you pursue a creative career?
Ya know it’s funny because people always ask that question in one form or another. Why did I choose this career path, what made me want to sing, want to write, perform etc. For me it’s a simple question with a pretty simple answer. I never had a choice. Although I had done some acting and comedy including a few slots at the Improv here in Los Angeles. Music was always a huge part of my life So when I played to a packed house at the Troubadour in West Hollywood when I was fifteen. That was it. If I ever had a choice before that I no longer did. The feeling I got was unlike any experience prior or since. There’s no drug no sex. (Sex would be the only thing even close) but it’s really impossible to explain to someone that feeling unless they’ve experienced it themselves. Id say it’s like a 90 minute orgasm. There’s a thousand other scenarios people places things etc that I’m uncomfortable in or around. Being on stage is not one of them. In fact it’s the only place I feel completely free and at home.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Music is my life period. The fact that it sounds absurdly cliche doesn’t change the fact that it’s true. I grew up listening to real songwriter’s ya know. So it’s always been there. John Lennon/Cat Stevens blasting through the speakers when I was a kid. Bowie/Queen The Stones as a pre teen and then Ramones/Sex Pistols as a teenager and later STP /Jeff Buckley or even Rufus Wainwright to Tupac etc. Too many to mention but the one common thread is great songs. The songs have to be there. You have to feel it. So if it doesn’t make you wanna fuck fight or cry or maybe dance. You really have nothing.

As far as what I’m most proud of again, I go back to the songs. In this case mine. I think I’ve really grown over time into a pretty damn good songwriter. I mean yeah I can sing and perform and all that but I’d have to say if I was going to be remembered for anything after I’m gone. Let it be my song writing.
At the moment I’m wildly excited about recording these new songs I’ve written. From there (we’ve been talking with a couple independents) so I’m hoping to finalize something later this year.

As far as how I got to where I am professionally speaking.

Truthfully just making one bad mistake after another. I’m half joking but really that was part of it. I mean you learn what not to do, the things that don’t work and you keep on trying until you get it right. Of course it wasn’t easy but nothing that’s worth anything ever is.

People will always try to push you in one direction or another and there’s always an ulterior motive. Everyone wants something of course and that’s okay. You need other people involved in order to get your vision out of the bedroom and onto the stage etc. The thing that gets tricky is recognizing the right people for your brand and getting them interested in what you’re doing. It’s just one of the many challenges you have to navigate as an artist.

One of the many lessons I had to learn on the way is to be true to yourself no matter what. No matter what. You work hard at what you do right? The competition is fierce and the possibility of you getting noticed in the first place let alone having a long prosperous career are one in a billion. So when someone especially someone who’s got weight behind them tells you “what you need to do to make it is” – – – sound like this.. look like that… etc it can be very tempting. Bottom line, if it doesn’t feel right it probably isn’t. Be true to yourself.

As far as my brand or my story, there really one in the same. I think what he’s trying to say is this , my story stretches far and wide with many twists and turns along the way. My brand AKA me,myself David damieN is a complete collection of all of those things When I’m singing a song I wrote about addiction. You can feel every little piece of that struggle. (Or so I’m told)
Im sober now and have been for a long time but when I go to that well to write a new song about an old experience. Or even singing an old song about that experience, I feel it. I feel it in every way as if it just happened. These are visceral memories that will always be a part of me and that’s okay. I’m proud of where I come from and what it took to get here. So… .. yeah the brand the story… for me they are one in the same.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Now this one’s a pretty loaded handful of a question. Especially post Covid but I’ll give it a go. Before we even think about….. anything, we’ll need coffee. So if we’re talking coffee we’re talking the Pig Bourgeois Pig. Located on Franklin just a couple blocks east of Beachwood canyon in Franklin village the pig has been there for years and with good reason. This place is everything a coffee house should be. imnsho. The velvet chairs don’t match,the tables etc are vintage eclectic. There’s a red pool table in back and a back private room with interesting East Indian seating etc for a more intimate vibe. The low fi lighting is all retro lamps, it’s dark and moody and the ever playing eclectic soundtrack adds the perfect touch. There is also seating out front if you smoke or simply want to enjoy some of the best people watching in town. Did I leave anything out? Oh yeah… the coffee is outstanding. Strong but not bitter. Americano is highly recommended. They do offer a pretty nice tea selection if that’s more your thing and a variety of fresh baked goods is available daily.

Onward…. Ok so now that we’re properly caffeinated, how about a walk on the beach It wasn’t a question we’re going to the beach ; ) Alright so what I would normally do is park at one end (if your doing uber or Lyft etc. same rules apply) get dropped off at either Venice boardwalk or the Santa Monica pier. From there were walking to the other end and back. It’s roughly two miles each way maybe two & a quarter. So 4 to 4 1/2 miles RT. I love to walk I walk everywhere. That said, if it’s more then you wanna do there are other options. EG grab a pedicab and let them do the work. Basically a person riding a bike while one or two people sit in the carriage in back. Either way take an hour maybe strolling the Venice boardwalk. There’s plenty of sidewalk shopping to do and a plethora of street performers to keep you occupied.
Of course even some of the “non entertainers” in Venice are still pretty entertaining.

Now we start our walk (or ride) up the boardwalk towards Santa Monica. I usually stop along the way, take my shoes off and actually walk on the sand and get my feet wet. I mean you’re literally steps from the ocean so… come on ya gotta do it.
Once we reach the pier walk up the steps and all the way back to the end where there’s a staircase down one level. There you will find plenty of great spots to enjoy the beautiful view of the Pacific Ocean.
I usually park it here for a bit cause I just find it inspiring. Something about the motion of the ocean just does it for me.
There’s plenty of food options just upstairs although I recommend waiting on lunch. There’s also some rides on the pier. Small roller coaster etc and an arcade with everything from old school air hockey etc to tail gunner to… you name it.

Not far from here if you’d like some real serenity is SRF Self Realization Fellowship. Just off Sunset on PCH lies one of the more spiritual, relaxing, serene spots for divine inspiration. Yeah it’s that good. You forget you’re smack in the middle of one of the country’s busiest cities. Complete with a waterfall and full sized lake. Lake Shrine at SRF is really something to experience. There’s plenty of little pagoda like strictures and benches to sit and relax. Bridges and fountains….there’s beautiful koi fish, meditation gardens etc. simply a great place to meditate, unwind, relax or just exist in the moment. You might need to make reservations these days however it is still free of charge.

Moving on… I know, I don’t want to leave either it’s so beautiful here but… there’s more to see in Damien’s Los Angeles so let’s go!
I’m sure we’ve worked up a good appetite by now especially with all the walking I’ve dragged you through so….. let’s eat.

Los Angeles has more restaurants then musicians so… we’ll.. idk maybe not that many but we can ask a waiter there all actors. Point being… yeah there’s tons of restaurants here so it really comes down to what you have a taste for or what part of town you’d prefer to dine in. That said, here’s a few… for Mexican there’s El Coyote on Beverly (a classic it’s been there since 1931) so they must be doing something right.

Good strong margaritas and classic old school Mexican fare are the order here. Try the green corn tamale’s Indoor and outdoor seating The waitresses may not be from the 30s but the look and attitude is all original. Other options include El Cholo (technically a Spanish cafe) opened in the 1920s on south western, El Compadre on Sunset, Antonio’s on Melrose etc. one thing LA has is great Mexican food. Too many to mention.

Chinese … Mr Chows on Camden in Beverly Hills is excellent but pricey. Kung Pao Bistro on Santa Monica in West Hollywood is a great less expensive more casual option and the food is really very very good. Curry chicken highly recommended. I know it’s technically not Chinese but hey… this is LA ok. All the chicken dishes are outstanding.

Pizza anyone? Alright so first off disclaimer (we’re not New York) or Italy for that matter. I can already feel my NY friends cringing to the tune of “damieN come on brother” etc and so forth. That said yeah okay but we still have a few pretty damn good pizza options in Los Angeles. Out to the valley for this one. Jo Peeps on Magnolia (valley village) does a real nice NY style thin crust. you can eat there it does have a few tables and you can write your name on the wall (if there’s any room left) but this is primarily a take it and go kind of place. Back to your hotel and eat. Casa De Pizza also in the valley on San Fernando Mission in Granada Hills is a good option. Back to Hollywood you’ll find Raffallos Pizza on N La Brea. Dine in or take out. Classic old school all the way. Chianti bottles adorn the ceiling with the red candle holders on every table and Sinatra in the background. Open kitchen allows you to see your pizza being made. Tomato basil and garlic slightly well done (highly recommended) the pasta is not bad also, fettuccine Alfredo or manicotti are good options. Wanna just grab a slice and walk Hollywood blvd and see the show? Grecos right on Hollywood and vine (or close to there) definitely on Hollywood blvd. Has you covered. In the mood for French… The little door on 3rd street West Hollywood is where I’d go. Excellent food and service. Plus it’s a great date spot as it’s got all you could want in a romantic restaurant. Don’t wanna break the bank… La Poubelle on Franklin (just down the block from Bourgeois Pig where we started) is another good option. Delicatessen it’s gonna be Canters all day long. They’ve been there forever it’s classic no frills all original corned beef on rye, matzo ball soup etc plus all the fresh baked goods. The thick Russian cheesecake and blintz pastry desserts are the bomb. Eclairs, brownies black and white cookies they’ve got it all. It’s family owned and operated since the beginning. The next generation has got it now. Marc Canter who’s an old friend and doing a great job of continuing the family legacy.

I’m going to move on from restaurants. There’s so many and I could do this all day (literally) Hit me up on instagram if you run out of options. Lmao. Besides today we’re eating at Fred 62 on Vermont in Los Feliz which offers there own take on classic sandwiches, soups, pancakes, shakes, eggs, salads etc everyone can find something here. All good and very reasonably priced. Indoor/outdoor dining.

Plus you can walk down Vermont and check out the shops etc. Squaresville is a recommended stop if you like cool vintage clothing. Skylight books for…. Books obviously is great. Just keep walking.

So speaking of shopping here’s my short list. You’ve got the basics,Fred Segal and Maxfield both on Melrose west where you can get your fill of high end and off beat designer threads. American Rag on la brea has both designer and a vintage section. Just walk up n down la brea after and you’ll find plenty more to spend it on. Of course there’s Beverly Hills rodeo etc for every high end designer you can think of in one small area. Robertson blvd is another destination for Kitson and the like of more original designer duds. A couple places I like are Politix and Traffic both in the Beverly center. Both spots have been there for years and with good reason. They stick to what they do good while changing at the same time. Make sense? That’s okay it doesn’t matter. Go check em out they stock an excellent selection of designer goods including shoes and always champion new cool designers that will be blowing up a year after you’ve been wearing that tailored blazer you bought.

Have great taste but not the wallet to match? No sweat, head over to Wasteland on Melrose for some of the best in designer and rare vintage clothing and shoes. Get lucky and find some dead stock flared jeans from the 70s or a bnwt Saint Laurent leather jacket for 80% off retail. There’s always something new and stock changes daily so check back. Bargain hunting try Jet Rag a few minutes away on north la brea for vintage galore. They even have a Sunday parking lot sale for $1 clothing pieces. Also on Sundays is the Melrose flea market on Fairfax and Melrose in the Fairfax high school parking lot. Here you’ll find everything from vintage leather belts to sterling rings and bracelets to original artwork to mid century furniture (probably not if you’re visiting) but still… they’ve got it all and there’s usually a jazz band playing and pretty good coffee is available. Definitely recommend this stop if you’re in town on a Sunday. The rose bowl swap meet is another although much larger alternative. I believe it’s the second Sunday of every month. (Double check) you will find just about anything here but it’s more of a make a day out of it kind of thing. It’s in Pasadena it’s huge etc you get the idea.

So I think we’re good on the shopping tip so moving right along.
I’m a huge art lover and going to museums and galleries is one of my favorite things to do. Enjoying a museum on a rainy day….. the best! Regardless of the weather some of my faves are always the Broad on Grand downtown LA. It’s contemporary/modern Warhol, Basquiat etc. plus Kusama’s infinity mirror rooms are worth the price of admission alone. Which btw is nothing cause admission is free.
Let’s get hammered. The Hammer museum that is on wilshire blvd in Westwood. Where you will see an interesting mix of Pollock, De Kooning and Van Gogh (a personal favorite) to Cezanne, Picasso, Matisse and even a Rembrandt. The museum itself is on the smaller side in comparison to say LACMA (mid city on wilshire) or the Getty (it’s own street) both great options for a more idk traditional museum experience? But what it lacks in size it more then makes up for in content. Admission is either free or $5. Westwood village is just outside with dozens of shops, restaurants, coffee etc so I would at least take a stroll through as long as you’re there. Lastly there is the Norton Simon museum in Pasadena which offers one of the best art collections out here if you ask me. Plan on 2-3 hours if not more depending on you’re pace. Admission is free on the first Friday of every month from 5-8 pm otherwise it’s $15 and we’ll worth it.

So we’ve covered a lot and I’m thinking maybe let’s just chill and lay back for a minute. Let’s drop off the bags from all that shopping and order up some room service. Sound good? What… you didn’t think you were staying with me did you? You seem cool but ….. yeah here’s a couple hotel options for you.
So if you didn’t bat an eye at Maxfield’s or the little door then we’re staying at the chateau….. Chateau Marmont on Sunset in West Hollywood. The perfect location for you to get anywhere and everywhere in Los Angeles the chateau offers up personal service like no where else can. Yes is the only answer you will get here. They can and will arrange everything. The chateau is French gothic built in the 20s as an apartment building but later premiered as a hotel in the 1930s. Bar marmont in the hotel is a classic Hollywood destination all its own so let’s get some drinks before heading back out. (In an Uber or a town car whatever we’re not stupid) lol
Other side of the coin there’s the Vibe hotel on Fairfax just off Melrose. Prime location you are dead smack in the center of town miracle mile district. Walk to Melrose or the swap meet I mentioned is literally across the street. A great location for visiting Los Angeles. The place is no frills but rooms are decorated in mid century modern kitch. Most come with a small fridge and microwave and many have a balcony. There is a full kitchen on the first floor available to all guests if your looking to cook some meals in and save a bit by not doing restaurants for every meal. There’s a full coin laundry in the basement and a tv room with games and a pool table as well as computers in the lobby for guests. Here’s the best part. Rooms are only around $125 a night depending what time of year you book. Even better there weekly rate is around $400 ish and they also offer a monthly (technically 4 week) rate for around $1200. Your not gonna find that anywhere in LA especially in that part of town. Look it up you’ll see what I mean. Obviously prices may change moving forward however it will still be an amazing deal in comparison to anything in Los Angeles. Even if you stay in the ghetto. There is also a Hollywood location on the blvd if that’s more your thing. Same rules apply.
Grab a drink or just lay back for a minute wherever you end up staying. We’re going out tonight so you’re going to need your energy.

Alright is everyone in is everyone in? the ceremony’s about to begin… just taking the piss. Okay let’s get started. First off we’re not driving the Uber will be here in 7 minutes so let’s get drinks. First stop is Formosa Cafe in West Hollywood. Just reopened again in 2021 after a major renovation de renovation and re renovation Much of the original ambiance is once again intact. There’s so much history here I could do a story on just the Formosa. I won’t but you should look it up. It’s pretty interesting everyone from Elvis to Sinatra to James Dean etc has dined drank and sometimes passed out at this famous landmark.

Next up is the Dresden on Vermont in Los Feliz where you will feel comfortably transported to another time. Fly me to the moon, martini and a lucky strike ..not now sweetheart. You get the idea. Other great bar options for classic old school Hollywood include Dan Tanas on Santa Monica, musso and franks on Hollywood blvd. (Technically a restaurant really) and if you want no frills cool the Frolic room on Hollywood blvd next to the pantages is not to be missed. Every body has had a drink at the frolic room at one time or another.

Now that we’re feeling good how bout some live music. La has tons of clubs and various spots to see and hear live music. The Roxy and the Whisky both on the sunset strip. the Troubadour on Santa Monica blvd the bourbon room on Hollywood blvd etc and so forth but tonight we’re going to one of my all time favorites The Viper Room on sunset. This intimate venue has a capacity of about 200- 250 and that’s packed. Which is roughly half of most any of the others I mentioned. That said it’s small size has never stopped it from hosting some of the best and biggest in the business. If anything it’s only added to the clubs cache. The main room hosts bands and artists running the gamut from rock to rap ,punk , r and b , industrial etc. downstairs is a not to be missed (but you easily can) tiny whiskey bar that sometimes has artists of the more acoustic variety playing. Plainly stated the Viper Room has mojo on tap. So when in town be sure to stop by and don’t forget to say hello to GM Tommy Black. Tell him damieN sent you and he’ll surely make ya something special or maybe throw your ass out. Ya know what… scratch that. Don’t mention my name. LMAO

Other options are bar sinister (long standing goth club) and more at boardners on Cherokee depending on the night of the week.
Also, if it’s summertime check out the nighttime farmers market at Yamashiro on Thursday nights. There’s an amazing view of the city, great cocktails etc. really more of a cool little hang then an actual farmers market although there are some items for sale.
Also summertime
Movie screenings at Hollywood forever cemetery on Santa Monica blvd. “A movie in a cemetery at night?” Yeah if that’s what pops in your head upon hearing this ….. it may not be the thing for you.
Hollywood Bowl summer concerts tickets start at around $5 I think. bring a picnic. It’s fun and no place else like it. Classical jazz world music etc
Check online or pick up an LA Weekly just about anywhere for more ideas.
I hope you have a blast while visiting my home town.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
So my band Jackpot Revolution just released our first single “Sometime Together” and video so of course I need to give a big shoutout (pun intended) to Matt Richardson who produced the video, Josh Bartos who directed it and Matt Stanley Our dp. Rick Parker who produced the track and of course my amazing band that make me wanna work that much harder every time we play. Ajax Garcia – guitar Tommy Black – bass and Danny Roa – drums. There’s a thousand other people I’m sure I could thank but I was told we’re shooting for a pre summer release to print on this article so… I’m gonna stop here.

Website: Daviddamien.com

Instagram: instagram.com/Daviddamienlive

Facebook: David damien13

Youtube: https://youtu.be/Xp4orwJRpWs

Other: David damieN.com might be under construction at the time of this interview.

Image Credits
Robert John / B&W smoking sunglasses Josh Bartos / 2 color live shots Matt Richardson / live shot w Viper room image All others/ self credit/or no credit

Nominate Someone: ShoutoutLA is built on recommendations and shoutouts from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you or someone you know deserves recognition please let us know here.