Bastard won't show it to everybody now... Ha h ah hahahaaamaybe if we Pay Him He will show it to us.we could Threaten to leave him alone...Ha ha h ha haaaaa I don't think it's gonna work butwe can Try.
Dude - you layed it bare - you only make fun of your former self - and give the lessons learned. I thought that was courageous - and you can see people in the comments, who havent done much, slagging you. Its easy to watch from the wings and criticise. That takes no talent or courage. Thanks for the lessons
I made the same mistakes, starting at 18. Thought if I played with the shredders in my area I might go somewhere. I concentrated so much on being good, that I totally shunned learning the "business" part of it. Now I'm jaded by the 80s and all its recycled players of today. Be good at what you do, but LEARN THE BUSINESS SIDE if you're interested in being paid for it!
This gentleman is one of most intelligent musicians I have heard discussing the industry. And he is a bass player................ go figure! Seriously, this is fantastic advice Damian!
you say that, but he definitely has a consistent and cultivated image. flannels, tatts, chill but slightly rebel boy next door kinda look. That's part of what makes him so popular, he is super relatable. Best believe he is curating his 'teddy' image. At his level there can be no question that every wardrobe choice is a conscious decison.
He's got one of the most iconic styles actually, you can't replicate his style. He's a ginger overweight guy with tats with pretty much no looks, basically a super underpromicing guy who over delivers, he could be wearing Gucci and shit but he doesn't, because he still wants to be the underdog.
This comments section is filled with self-loathing. You guys - there’s more to life than a music career. Very very few people become big stars and even fewer seem very happy about the incumbent downsides. Look at the suicides and drug use! Is that how happy, fulfilled and content people live? Be happy making art. If so inclined, share it. Should you be meant for mainstream attention, there’s no way you’ll be able to avoid it but you’re not unworthy if it doesn’t come! Chill!
Top quality advice. Success/failure is in the hands of other people, whether you like it or not, so you'd better start giving a damn what they think about you. I used to be a reluctant performer, a bit apologetic about taking up people's time, worried about coming across as arrogant, and yeah, wearing whatever fell out of my wardrobe. It clicked one day that a music audience WANTS you to be confident, they want you to PERFORM, and it completely changed the way I approached things. Like you, I still don't care what I wear, and I'm in no way "fashionable", but I have an image & performance style which is consistent, and (I think) appeals to my core audience. (Sorry for the rambling comment!)
The aberration of putting "art" and "industry" together creates as something that produces a material wealth is what creates that oxymoronic problem. Art is meant to understand the world, industry is meant to survive it.
@Brad Childress Do you realize the oxymoron in your comment. CELEB....Celebrities are those who are celebrated by definition. They're because the "culture" is worshiping and celebrating the wrong things. The problem runs deeper than the "entertaintment industry". Why do we need to be entertained to death to begin with.
7:15 - had to stop and listen to “As I am” 🙃 Thanks for the advice, it’s definitely something I struggle with. I forgot I started one of those performing arts things too, but was quick to drop out when they said I couldn’t just play guitar in the corner anymore!
As a songwriter and musician, I’ve been pondering what aesthetic would be most effective to adopt. Right now, I stick to color palletes that complement me and my guitar (which, fortunately and unintentionally is a complementing color). Those are the loose lines I’m staying inside of. Perhaps I’ll be more specific when a target audience is more defined. Just a thought on my current aesthetic. Thanks for the story, Damo.
I did the scraggly hippie look for a very long time - I still find it charming in many ways - but I realized that when I wore only second hand clothes with holes, I felt second hand. I’ve started investing in nice new clothes (or quality used vintage) and pay attention to how it fits my body and how the colors look on me. Makes me stand taller and look more professional and pretty. I’m currently trying to find the right haircut for myself. Also working on branding and all this goes into it for sure!! Thx for the video and archive footage! :)
You did not fail! Your tips are amazing! From your "failiure" you are helping millions of people. I'm telling you! Lots of love and thank you so much !
I totally agree with this. One of the major things against my band was what we looked like. Sadly. We also had all the problems with maybe not quite being of the required standard. But after festival slots, winning awards and being on tv and radio, the only difference between us and bands who went on to have more success and eventually develop to writing better stuff, was that when at the same level we were at, they simply looked a lot better.
Wow, fashion was not what I expected this video to be about but thank you. That's great advice. It's been at the back of my mind that I'll need to put more effort into my appearance as I move forward with my music, but I didn't realise it was so important. Now I do 😊
I can basically substitute your name with mine and that's my life you just described... minus the company; I don't know the first thing about starting a company. Appreciate the more introspective video; takes guts to get vulnerable in front of the camera.
"I wish someone had sat me down at 20 years old and just said to me..." Story of my life. 40 now and good god damn looking back I can't believe how many obvious blind spots I had. Really wish I had that kind of mentorship you're talking about. Young'uns listen up.
As a 20 year old, I’ll take your words in mind guys. But when you say listen up, even if I avoid 50 mistakes I’ll still trip up somewhere. So should the question be, what mistake can I afford to make? If it is, what mistakes do you think generally answer that question?
Passed 40, everyone anonymous look a bit "off" on a music stage. But men can shave their head and get a beard to look ageless (thanks to the hipsters)... but then there's the dadbod ;-) Stick to the music 🤘and from the video, you look great btw.
I wanted to be a musician, I thought I was the greatest... Other people could sing better or play more proficiently than me, but I had something, something extra special. I hit a truth that no one else hit, and in that way I was unique. That's what I thought anyway. Other people couldn't always agree, but they weren't seeing me in the right light, I didn't have the confidence around others that I had in my room, those special moments lost in time. I was a true artist, waiting for my time when I'd finally get the respect I deserved. I never recorded any songs though, I wanted them to be perfect. And I lived like this for a long time. Living in a parallel universe in my dreams, a world in the imagined near future where everything was golden. The thing is though, my Dad was a musician when he was younger and still is now in his own way, and I've seen the damage that this dream world can do. He was the singer/song writer of a small time band for around 10 years and all that dreaming has had a lasting effect on him. He seems removed from life a lot of the times and has a heightened self opinion yet is very fragile. He plays guitar in the mirror, so that someone can watch him if no one else will. I don't want to be like this. I'd rather not play music than have it consume my life. Playing music and writing songs is a beautiful thing but I can't let it consume me. It's gets in the way of living life as I'm always waiting for a better time. Fuck this. That's why I started jamming recently and made this song and put it on my Facebook. It's called Bedroom Rockstar and it pretty accurately describes that manic feeling you get when you make a song and are so caught up in yourself that you think it's gonna sweep across the world in a tidal wave of musical glory. It's got a sense of humour and I'm laughing at myself too. It's been really good for me. People have complimented me, but not that much. Said it's good song, but the singing's a bit crap. Which is also true. Here it is, any fellow bedroom rockstars or rappers or producers or whatever will relate: soundcloud.com/the_deluded The pathetic thing is I only decided to write this comment cause I thought people watching this video would probably relate and like the song.. But this is good for me. Push your music as much as you need to not have regrets when you're older but be careful and remember that there is more to life than a music career. The world is littered with people who are miserable and disappointed because they put too much importance in being a successful musician.
listened to it and love it quite powerful i think you have lots of emotions i can feel the depth of ur soul in your voice+ i can really relate. feel free to listen to my debut single( available on all platforms[spotify etc..] ru-vid.com/video/%D0%B2%D0%B8%D0%B4%D0%B5%D0%BE-Tew5ZqjeeKA.html ]) keep up your spirit!!!!!!!!! im on instagram as well : _its_all_roses :)))
Appreciate your share and honesty brother. You don't know how much it helps 🙏Hit's home for me. God's peace and blessings to you. Q.U.E. The Deacon+ Triola Lane+
@@alamooji3716 Any advice, I'm no expert but I do like giving my opinions to open ears. Basically, I think playing for yourself to make yourself happy, that's really important, but then when you start imagining you're on a stage or something similar when you do this, then make a step towards that. Whether it's putting a song online or going to an open mic night or something. Basically, try to 'make it' in some small way when you feel like you can. And don't be afraid of any negative/mediocre feedback you may get. Anything that brings you out of your delusional fantasies is healthy. But play for your self, for your own enjoyment, for your own power. Appreciation is nice but the person that will enjoy your music most of all will probably always be you, so don't neglect your biggest fan.
@@alamooji3716 Also, try and make money in some other way than your art. If it comes naturally then great but forcing it (imo) will probably taint the purity that these things can bring.
ha! Don’t feel bad about the pic of you in a tie from 10 years ago. In the local scene here in Chicago everyone was wearing a stupid tie back then. me and my mate showed up to a gig both wearing a tie once. uggh. glad that’s over lol
Anyone who would thumbs down has never had any success in their lives yet... Keep up the great content, Damian, and I hope, for all of our sakes, that your new found success on RU-vid continues! But seeing the quality and amount of videos you grind out on a consistent basis, makes it hard for anyone to bet against you. Thumbs down on the other hand is free and anonymous so it can't be called out- therefore, unfortunately, it's the one ticket RU-vid affords for these haters to ride on... High class problem, indeed!
last unctives It’s both. You only think that because the singers you know about are performing above-average, possibly great, songs. There are many great singers, great personalities, and beautiful people. What is rare is the combination of all three with a great song.
@@Hexspa Could be the best song in the world - but it don't mean nothing with out the singer . Beethoven is basically singing about himself - Beethoven anyway and that has been The Romantic view of the Artist as the auteur the the Artist himself as the actual art - not the song . In Shakespeare we find only the song never the singer - he isn't there .
@@lastunctives2095 Bro, are you on acid? Obviously, singers bring songs to life but even a song with no singer has potential. Could be the best singer in the world - don't mean nothing without a great song. Though technically pieces, modern EDM and film scores are proof that music has power even without an actual 'top line'. An instrumental version of a song in a piano roll still has some power. An artist with no actual art is a narcissist. Sure, have a style, but you need a vehicle to put it in. What will a singer sing if not a song? Don't say opera or mass - I take those to be the same in this context. You need both - singer and song, improviser and chords, dancer and dance. Shakespeare didn't write any music hence no songs - just lyrics to songs at most. A song is 'words and melody'. Beethoven wrote about 80 songs but isn't known as a songwriter. Not sure what your point is here but, from what I know of The Bard, he meant for his words to be performed. So, the 'singer' is implied. A singer without a song isn't making music. Even great singers without equally great material aren't going to inspire anyone. Songs bring people together. They're part of our cultural fabric. What good is a singer singing a song nobody knows? People sing the song and not the singer. Agreed - the singer inspires them to show up - but on any given album, people will fall in love with some songs and not others even with the same person singing. For you to say that 'it's not the song' first of all is too broad of a statement. Secondly, it shows me that you probably neither write nor perform music. I can't imagine any singer who is half-sane saying that it's all about them and not the songs as well. I can agree that the singer matters but to even imply that the song isn't important is just trash. Songs matter.
@@Hexspa you seem to be obsessed with puting the song before the singer - yes you can write a Song - a song- but is it YOUR SONG ? You write a song for a great singer - but he makes it his song - not your song through sheer force of charisma that mysterious X factor the mystique of character . One could point to Elvis ( he never wrote his own songs ) But of course it's a well known power thing between the guitarist in bands who hate the power of the singer . Technical craft isn't enough - Johnny Cash comes to mind barely a singer at all the songs are largely derivative out of country music of the simplest type the craft of the songs isn't impressive no clever arrangements no big deal solos even the lyrics could be dismissed as 2nd rate ect - So why did he become basically an Iconic star ? Not because of the songs - but because corny as it sounds - he had actually lived the life of the songs before they were written - hence his image of the man in black . Even Iggy Pop Never played San Quentin prison . The roots of music are in the irrational it's not a technique you can learn - it can only be learned from life - not Music as just music . That concept has been outed as empty and facile many many times and explains the boredom with today's music .This channels video proves it . Professional session musicians will always be despised by the real Artist . If you don't want to be an Artist fair enough remain the song writer but a Singer you will never be . Actually Chet Baker comes to mind exquisite merging of the Singer and the Song his song not somebody else's . Iconic . The Beethoven Shakespeare references apply irrespective of any category of the Arts . Nothing to do with acid .
@@lastunctives2095 I sing. I know the singer is important. What I also know, that seems to elude you, is that - without a great song - a singer really has nothing! Those songs of The Man In Black? Great ones. "Crazy" by Willie? Great song. Yes, brought to life by great singers but you'd have never heard of them - nor cared for them - hadn't they great songs. Same goes for Elvis. In fact, it's well-documented that he tried several songs and styles before they found his first single. Ask anyone in Nashville. Take "The Kill" by 30 Seconds to Mars. Did you care about Jared Leto prior to that? Professional musicians aren't despised by any sane artists. On the contrary, they respect them. You'll never convince me that the song doesn't matter - I know it. What you need to entertain is that the singer needs a song otherwise they're just a poseur or a technician - end of story.
Thank god for social media in a way. I think image is definitely still important, probably more important in certain music circles. However I also notice that music production skill is more important than image in other music circles and the producers still succeed and can make there own stuff as they want to.
Great video. The tips and strategy videos are always great but I really love these where you dig deeper and open up when reflecting back. So much of this resonates with me and I too wish I'd been sat down and told similar. Or wish I'd listened more. And I have a ton of embarrassing videos to prove it and remind me of messing up. But you can now use all this to share and teach and guide and it will have so much value on here. So thanks for sharing. Keep going sir.
It’s a hard lesson to learn and no one likes to admit it but image trumps talent every time, deal with it, work with it and your talent will get the recognition it deserves, but ONLY if you work with it.
Hi Damian, I believe you raise a really good point, possibly without intending to - the point is that the younger you just wasn't ready to hear what the older more experienced you has to say, which for me now being 45 I can totally relate to. It's very rare that young people can hear the advice of older people hence the term 'you cant put an old head on young shoulders'. Having said that, it's very difficult for young people to decipher good advice, or advice which is appropriate to them when they are given it by older people, who may have a crystal clear vantage point, or who may be unfortunately projecting their own issues and failures onto younger people who may have a totally different journey ahead, than the older person giving advice. Sometimes rebellion pays off, sometimes it doesn't hence we need to be constantly evaluating and ready to adapt - Dr Phil has a great phrase to be asked of whatever strategy or behaviour you are employing - it's "how's that working for you?" Thanks for the important video
I was at that Hyde Park gig near the front. I was a couple of years younger than you and I’m also a bass player! My only real memory of your set was that you guys did not look like a band at all - and certainly not the same band! Your advice is bang on. Hard luck on the Rugby World Cup.
Damian Keyes Absolutely. No disrespect intended. Very impressive for 18! I was nodding along throughout your video because I had the same attitude as you. It took me a long time to start dressing the part - and suddenly when I did I realised that even other musicians would be taken in by it and not notice the bum notes I’d hit. Then I thought about my own experiences watching gigs as a fan - there has to be something cool to look at as well as listen to. Otherwise you may as well be at home listening to the radio.
Hahaha! You basically drew my life, including my gf redoing my wardrobe, excluding having created and sold a university xD *try not to cry... * 😅 Again, really inspiring video. Thanks a lot. I feel on a better way than ever 👍😁
I would add to this that it's not exactly JUST fashion and superficiality but also who you are as a person and what vibe you give off to people. People want to have someone to relate to but that also can give off a slight idealization about them. This goes for the people you meet in the business (potential partners) as well as your listeners. In other words, you want to better yourself and present yourself in a way that makes people want to follow you.
A strong fashion-based music subculture which is called "Visual Kei" (wich means visual style) or "Visual Rock" from Japan might interesst you :) Visuals are as important as music (well, there is some bands & artists who are more fashion models than musician unfortunately in this subculture, but still there is great musicians !) and theatrical presence on stage ! Visual Kei is like a door open to every possibilities in terms of fashion, visual universe and music, there is not too many bands that mannage to get unique (like the GazettE, Dir en Grey, Malice Mizer, Versailles Phillharmonic Quintet,...). The music styles are so varied, it can be enka (traditonal pop songs) to black metal or electronic, there is a strong diversity in VK :) The term of "Visual Kei" comes from the first major album slogan of X Japan (one the fathers of Visual Rock) "psychedelic violence crime of visual shock". Visual Kei is an incorporation of Glam Rock aesthetics, Kabuki theatre, Heavy Metal music,... Now there is many subgenres who dress like glam boys, gothic, crossdressing, futuristic, fashionable, old school,... There is so many ways to get a strong look in VK, and mens are not affraid to put really refined makeup on, they can do trash looks as really cute ones in lolita dresses (like Hizaki, guitarist of Versailles/Jupiter or Kaya, solo vocalist). The scene is very interesting to take a look at, even if there is things that I don't agree with in this style, it still have a strong influence on me and other artists in europe (like YOHIO (SE/JP) BatAAr, (SE), DIE/MAY, (FI) Esprit D'air (UK),...). And even in South Korea with Madmans Esprit (really good musicians !) Sorry for that "book", but if you read it, thank you ! I hope you learned something :) There is so many things to learn about asian music wich is under-represented in occident, and I feel like there is so many things to learn from every continents, but so many persons are like "listen to american music they are the best", it makes me feel sad because these person don't want to get out of their comfort zone and learn new things, there is so many talented artists in Asia and everywhere in the world, people should try to be more curious and they would find so many great things to learn :)
Great video. I'm coming in from playing a weekly gig and just ate McDonalds. Guilty as charged. I have suffered the very things you have mentioned and it is clearly time to change. Thanks.
6:27 Young Damian Keyes didn't look bad. Looks like someone that could be from Skid Row (the band). However i could better spend my time in the gym and dress like a 1980s metal band than some deep music theory. However this set me to think, if looks REALLY do matter why are those modern day rappers considered cool. They dress like Korn rejects with some weird rainbow coloured hair and teeth
It's why bands almost always make it big when they're young and good looking 🙃 RU-vid etc gives talented people of any age a chance... Although you need a good quality camera, mics and production skills(!)
And maybe..It's your LOOKS!Fashion/Haircut is a simple fix if a certain entity is truly interested in you,if they see potential..But if they don't like the way you LOOK to start with!It's a non starter.Same with ME!I'm hispanic(brown);I truly believe THAT hurt me,and wiped out some possible opportunities along the way.?But,I've played some great gigs too!The kind no one else could've done BUT me!
Damien. You gotta do what feels right and be yourself!!!! to me it sounds like you achieved a fair bit, you've not failed at all!!! Substance over style! passion, not glory!!!!!
I feel like, yeh clothes are a part of a band's image, but its the overall image that's more important - and there are some things which I can imagine are more important to an image than fashion. Stage presence, communication, PR, use of social media maybe. Either way, cheers for the advice.
Yes sir, I can figure it out For me I m 19 Pop one Singer /songwriter I can do what i want to do Thank u For Telling me such a type of thing which before i cant figure out when i am working , But i can do what i want to do Thank u
Thank god that i know that since 15 years old, I'm 18 now but Isee people much older than my realising that far more late and its amazing that they still have a lot of benefits from that so no matter what its never too late guys !! :D
In this video, we are told that "50%" of your career is whether or not you look fashionable or cool. In a previous video, we entertained the notion that someone who isn't even a musician could start building a brand and THEN start selling to a "fanbase" if and when they get any good. What the hell is going on here? If your fanbase a) doesn't care if you're any good, and b) is 50% concerned with if you look cool, it probably says a hell of a lot about what you're like as a musician. There's a word for that: Poser.
Actually the importance of the look in the music industry is nothing new... the Beatles have shown it quite clearly more than half a century ago. However, not every one has the character to adapt to new looks and express themselves creatively also through clothes...
Great video - a doco really👍very heart felt and gutsy of you to put it all out there (football jumper and all!!!) - thankx for the insight from Trapazoid🎸
I resonate with this story so much. I'm so annoyed at this fact that you need to look good... Being a female there's an extra added pressure of also wearing makeup (which I don't like doing often). Not caring about clothes and makeup does not in any shape or form mean that I don't care about the music, but sadly the perception is that you're not very professional. So for a lot of us, who struggle with starting a business and battling anxiety / depression it's just an unnecessary stress 😔
in spades for the girls. I know a lot of guys who look like crap and get gigs, but girls who get gigs always look put together. And Lord help you if you get a wrinkle.
Everything you say hits home.. I've only recently stumbled across your videos and boy am I glad! You clearly are a genuine guy who cares for music and wants help other artists reach their full potential. Thank you for taking the time to share your knowledge and experiences, you really do help:)
this is very true. i can speak from experience - i'm a young black male from hackney, East London and the majority of gigs i go to are full of hipsters who all dress in that generic manner. i on the other hand dress like any other black londoner i guess: nike, maybe trackies every now and then. I shit you not every open mic i've been to, i've been picked last to go up even if i get there the earliest. so yh it's fucked up but looks do matter in this game
You're only partialy right.If you would be lets say in Jazz, you wouldn't have that problem.There, only your musicianship counts. If you want to be a comercially successfull musician, you are spot on, but otherwise, it doesn't really matter.
