Celebrity Spotlight: Damien Musto
Tell me a bit about how your career began?
I’ve been interested in music from a very early age. I started my first band in junior high, and I haven’t looked back since. Being able to play music is all I’ve ever wanted to do. Music is a universal language that connects people from all over the world, regardless of background, beliefs, or language. Becoming a solo artist happened organically a few years ago without any expectations. What started out as recording one song and playing solo acoustically on multiple tours grew into recording a full album, which I’m about to release, and going back on the road with my full band.
-What inspires you as an artist?
A lot of things, really. There’s something incredibly rewarding about creating something, listening back, and realizing you’ve captured something special. Or playing a show knowing you gave it your all and were able to connect with an audience. I also get inspiration from something as simple as going on a run and envisioning a new idea that I can’t wait to try.
-Tell me about working on your new original music project?
I’ve always been a member of a band as the guitar player, so working on my original project is a completely different experience for me. Now I’m responsible for all the songwriting, singing, guitar playing, and the overall direction. I’ve had some great producers and musicians along the way that have helped shape my music, but it’s definitely a more personal process. I’m fortunate enough that I own my own recording studio so I’m always able to experiment with different ideas without worrying about the “clock” running.
-Who are some people you want to collaborate with?
I’ve been very lucky to have been able to collaborate with some incredibly talented and respected musicians such as Christian Eigner of Depeche Mode, Manu Katché of Peter Gabriel, and Steve Brown of Trixter and Def Leppard. The list of musicians I’d love to collaborate with is endless but one of them would certainly be Sammy Hagar. I grew up as a huge Van Halen fan and have followed his career for years. Beyond the music, I’d love the opportunity to learn from him and pick his brain because he’s built such an impressive career and has a really unique approach to business.
-Tell me a surprising, fun fact about yourself?
I’m extremely introverted and tend to not share much about myself. A good Saturday night for me is staying home and cooking, watching a movie and then going to bed. It’s how I unplug, recharge and reset.
-What are you watching on TV these days?
I recently just finished watching Yellowstone and started watching the Dutton Ranch. Once I get into a series, I usually end up watching it straight through until I’m done.
-Anything else you want to tell America? – What’s next for you?
A lot actually! Depending on when this is published, my new album, “Cracks in the Pavement,” will either be out or just about to be released. I’ll be hitting the road with the full band in August and then back out in September, and I’ve already started writing and recording the follow-up to “Cracks In The Pavement.” While it’s early in the creative process, it’s definitely rockin’ with great energy and I’m excited to see where it takes me.
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