I have been fortunate to interview many wonderful people over the years, and over 500 interviews, however occasionally an interviewee stands out and most recently that person was Irish musician Damien Dempsey. Damien employs his music as a social commentator.
I spoke to Damien prior to his short September tour of Australia and he tells me of his first visit and how he was ‘blown away’ by Australia. Damien’s first impression occurred at customs where he immediately sensed the friendly nature and humour of the people as well as extending to the similarities in Irish and Australian colloquialisms, Damien was happily surprised in his encounters with Aboriginal people to hear their use of the word ‘deadly’ with the same meaning as it is in Ireland. Another phrases in common we note is ‘sheila’ and Damien asks if the latter is still used in Australia!.
Always a wordsmith Damien’s love of music started in session singing as a youngster and when he picked up a guitar as a 12 year old. Interspersed with music, and in a way because of being a young boy with a guitar, Damien took up boxing as self defence against bullying.
Damien is a prolific writer often polishing off 89 to 90 songs which he eventually whittles down to 10 or 11. The litmus test is putting the songs to his manager/producer who he relies on for feedback.
The aim for Damien in his music is the provide a natural high for his audience as well as bringing light to what issues are impacting, especially, on young people. Dempsey is a name that means ‘proud’ and the way Damien encourages discussion and acceptance through his lyrics should make his nation proud.
Damien is also concerned with what he perceives as Ireland’s spiritual vacuum with many young people finding themselves disconnected to the church due to abuse issues. Damien himself is highly spiritual and will often enter a church to offer a prayer. His spiritual beliefs are in part affirmed by so many coincidences in his own life and his own sense of ‘psychic ability’.
For a while, Damien was a constant visitor to a library where he was drawn to the stories of the ‘Seanchai or Irish storyteller. One could say Damien Dempsey is Ireland’s contemporary Seanchai.
During the conversation I remarked to Damien about a visit to Tasmania and he is familiar with our state and with interest asks how long it would take from Melbourne. In a nod to a possible future visit to Tassie, he lets me know he’ll have a Boags or two during his Aussie visit.
You can see Damien on the following dates and venues …
Thursday 14 September – The Flamin’ Galah, Brisbane
Friday 15 September – Prince Bandroom, Melbourne
Saturday 16 September – Manning Bar, Sydney
Sunday 17 September – Badlands, Perth
Paula Xiberras
