Generally there are two types of former Australian Idol contestants. There are the Guy Sebastians, the Matt Corbys, the Jess Mauboys. They’ve long since shaken off the reality show contestant tag and enjoyed continued success since their reality TV stint. And then there are the Kate DeAraugos, the Natalie Gaucis, the Luke Dickenses. They made it to the pointy end of the competition only to disappear from the musical landscape almost as quickly as they appeared. Somewhere in the middle is a performer like Damien Leith. He didn’t reach the dizzy heights of many of the show’s victors, but he’s refused to just fade away either. Instead he’s quietly devoted himself to his love of music. It might surprise you if you weren’t watching his career closely, but he’s just released his seventh album, aptly titled Chapter Seven.
I haven’t heard too much from Damien in the years since his win, but they’ve served him well. His distinctive soaring voice is in fine form, but he’s learned to reign in his falsetto and use it only for effect. I’m not sure whether that’s about Damien developing as an artist, or if he simply knows that he doesn’t need to deliver the big crowd-pleasing notes that inspire people to pick up the phone anymore. Either way, the vocal performances on Chapter Seven feel really natural and honest.
Damien has a real knack for writing solid songs that have something to say. None of them are catchy enough to really take off on the charts, but they reward the fan that takes the time to listen. “See You Again” captures the feelings of yearning that come from time on the road so eloquently. “I Can Stop You Crying” has such simple, gentle instrumentation which ensures the words aren’t overshadowed. “Faith in Me” is a beautiful song about personal strength.
It’s worth noting that the latter tracks I mentioned were written in collaboration with Joe Melson, the man behind many of Roy Orbison’s biggest hits. Damien’s long spoken of the way Roy influenced his career (and he recorded a tribute album to prove it), so it seems only fitting that these artists are now working together and creating stand-out material.
Damien Leith wears his heart on his sleeve, and that’s so compelling. It’s impossible not to like an artist that so freely shares himself with his audience. He may not be reaching the masses that he did during his time on Idol, but with Chapter Seven Damien rewards anyone that’s willing to listen.
Image used with permission from Jaden Social
This all original album of Damien’s is up there with the best of them. There is not one bad song on it.
I’m surprised that you have been unaware of what Damien has been doing over the past 7 years. Besides recording and touring he has hosted 2 TV shows, has filled in on a few occasions for Larry Emdur on The Morning Show and has released 2 books.
He also mentors young up and coming artists.
You haven’t heard him no doubt because radio doesn’t seem to play him.
Take a listen to his song ‘Beautiful’ which is used in the Estee Lauder ads for their perfume Beautiful and tell me why this song doesn’t get the recognition it deserves?
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jBVOQqvuoBo
Damien Leith belongs in the first category you mentioned. He would have to be the most underrated artist in Australia.
Hi Gareth. Don’t get me wrong. I haven’t been completely unaware of his presence over the last few years. I actually interviewed him back around the time his first book came out, and I’ve covered a few of the singles he’s released over the years. I was certainly aware that he’s still been making music. But there’s a real difference between hearing from him now and again and sitting down with a complete album. That process felt like a bit of a catch-up if you will.
I agree with you that he definitely belongs in that first category in terms of talent, but he’s never really broken through in terms of chart success and opportunities as the others have. A little like Casey Donovan who has also been working steadily since winning Idol, but she’s also done it a bit tougher. Both tremendously talented, and a great shame that more people don’t get to experience what they’re doing.