Damien Cripps Band - Australia's hottest rock

Damien Cripps Band Photo courtesy of Damien Cripps

People of America may not know the name, but the Aussies sure do.  Meet Damien Cripps and the Damien Cripps Band, the hottest indie group from the "Land Down Under", beautiful Australia. Damien Cripps Band is from Perth, Australia and their music is taking the local spots and internet like a tidal wave , making them a highly in demand band, sharing the stage with greats artists such as the late Billy Thorpe, George Thorogood, 1927. The sound is pure rock with so much energy, that one listen you can hear why they are quickly becoming an Aussie favorite.

The band came about in 2005 after Damien having written several songs, was wanting to share them with the world "I had played in several bands and wanted to start releasing the songs I had written." said Damien,"The bands I was playing in were not the forum to release them. So I set about forming my own band with guys who I thought played in a way that would best represent my sound" Early that year the band, with the help of Eric Wiederman of 1927 (a band Damien had played with) and some awesome guitar work by Robbie James of GANGgajang, they released "Pictures" .  The song became a staple on several radio stations in the area, and set the band on a 4 week whirlwind tour of Western Australia.

"Pictures" (featured below on the video) has a wonderful back story to it that Damien related  "Pictures really came about from being on the road so much...being away from my family.  While away the main connection I had was the internet and Pictures being sent.  The song just evolved from that experence."

"Pictures" was just the beginning.  Since then, Damien and the band, Michael Basham (Guitars & Vocals), Frank Celenza (Drums) and Kris Webb (Bass Guitar), has been all writing and cranking out non stop hits such as heavy guitar based "Angels in Darkness" ( which has a guest appearence from Cle from series one of Australian Idol),"Universe", and the Eviromental statement "Meltdown".

All of their songs have been available for free downloads at one time or another and there are five tunes up for purchase on itunes at this writing.  Many people question Damien and the band, why they would give their music away. " Alot of people question that move", laughed Damien, "But it is simple.  We want the people to come to our shows, buy our songs, t-shirts etc because they love our music.  Although we do music for a living we would prefer people to have our music for free. Sales will follow via word of mouth." This is working out great for the Band, for they are steadly booked with shows and the sales on iTunes is growing everyday.

What does the future hold for The Damien Cripps Band?  They are working on a CD, keeping their eyes open for the perfect recording contract, and hoping to make a trip to the United States in 2010. This writer is personally working to get them here in Alabama.  "Alabama? ... We would love to do a show or two in Alabama.  We know the 'mates' there really know how to rock"

For Transcript of one of the interviews that lead to this article, visit My Interview With Damien Cripps

If you enjoy discovering new music, check out some of my past articles and sign up for free subscription to recieve email alerts to new articles via link at top of page.  Thank you! (Yes there will be more on Damien Cripps Band too!)