Interview: Southern Soul Damo Chat About Their Upcoming Album "New Blues " Out 10/2

What inspired the theme or concept behind this album?

The landscape of Southern Soul inspired this album. There are new southern soul blues artist coming to kick the door down and the fans want us. I was moved to do a project that showcases New Blues: Old school feel just mixed with a twist of new school soul.

Were there any particular events or emotions that shaped the songwriting?

I just see so many of us new artists not getting recognized for the work we are putting in. Some of us have been in the game over a decade and still have yet to kick down the door. This project lets them know we not going anywhere.

Were there any challenges you faced during the recording process?

Financially I couldn’t afford beats, so I had to pivot on the fly. I let AI make the beats and turns out that was the right route. The music along with the lyrics and my soulful voice fit perfectly.

Which track was the most fun to create, and why?

“Down Home Blues” was really fun because I got to shout out the legends of the Southern Soul Blues game while also giving big ups to the new artist, some who I have personal connections to.

Did any collaborations influence the sound or direction of this project?

I got my girl Queen NeNe to get on a song called “Let’s Do It Again”. The style of that song was what made me turn the project into an album because I was just going to release it as a single earlier this year. But the juke joint vibe told me I needed to make something larger.

Did you experiment with any new techniques, instruments, or styles on this record?

The whole style of the album was new to me. I had never sang on a traditional blues beats with modern upgrades. I didn’t know whether or not I could go back in time, in my soul, to harness that energy but I was able to and was able to add my own twist.

How do you feel this album represents your evolution as a band?

This album represents my ability to persevere and overcome obstacles. Some of the features I had, fell through. Like I said financially I was able to overcome not being able to purchase the beats I wanted. This project is a testament to all artists who don’t give up.

What do you hope your fans take away from this album?

I hope they take a way lessons in love, forgiveness, & how to have fun. The album is mixed with love stories ending, love stories beginning, forgiving a lover, being tired within your soul, & plain ole having fun. I hope they see how versatile I am I’m what I do.

Have fans influenced the direction of your music or this album in any way?

Yes the fans have. I noticed on social media that most blues fans are longing for the soul of the old days instead of all the line dance music. So I challenged myself to give the fans what they want and this project is what I came up with.

What can fans expect from your upcoming tour or album release events?

Fans can expect performances of some of the songs before the album releases. I’ll be offering free downloads of “Down Home Blues” starting real soon as well as behind the scenes studio footage.

Do you have any music videos planned for the album? What can you share about them?

No videos planned but I do have visions coming together on paper for at least 4 of the songs on the album

If you could describe this album in three words, what would they be?

New Blues Baby

Is there a specific moment during the album’s creation that you’ll always remember?

Yes I will never forget what my wife said when she heard me making “Soul Gone Home”. She said “Baby I don’t like that song. You talking about your soul going home.”

Do you have a tour booked or is one being booked to promote the album?

No tour but I do have upcoming shows the month of the album release.

Anything Else That You'd Like the Fans to Know.

Keep rockin with Southern Soul Damo, the most electrifying voice of the delta.

(4) New Blues Album - YouTube