An Interview With Dance-Pop Powerhouse, THE DAMSL From A Beachside Restaurant in Malibu, California!

Meet The Damsl!

As a former Ford model and actress, this powerhouse vocalist certainly has had plenty of experience in the spotlight.

Her debut single “StraitJacket” is a musical jolt of high-energy perfect for every dance floor. The song also addresses issues of self-identity, overcoming past struggles and surviving abuse.

After getting discovered by Lady Gaga’s talent scout, Wendy Starland, in New York City, The Damsl was quickly signed by Motti Shulman, President of MoGold Records.

LA residents will be happy to hear that The Damsl can often be seen performing out about about the City of Angels. She recently played at the LGBT nightspot Tiger Heat and Avalon in Hollywood. 

TheDamsl’s Official Lyric Video For “StraitJacket”:

All Access recently caught up The Damsl to discuss her music today, how moving to LA has influenced her as an artist and much more!

Growing up, did you always want to be an artist? Was there ever a time when you thought of being something else?

I always felt lucky to know what I wanted to do from a very young age.  I  just naturally felt the urge to sing and perform.  It blew my world open when I was picked up to do it professionally at around 14. I still have my diary from that summer.  Light blue handwriting scribbled across the page, you can really see how excited I was. Big, wild, kid writing.

So you have done some acting before, do you do it anymore?

I most recently had a guest role on the ABC show, “Mixology” and have been very fortunate to have worked opposite some incredible actors [Anthony Hopkins, Alec Baldwin, Kyra Sedgwick, to name a few]  When I came to LA, I decided to become laser focused on music- I’m grateful and astounded at the way that paid off.  My heart aches to act again.  It’s like missing someone.

Is that something you hope to continue to pursue?

I’m very excited to be almost finished with the record so I can take more meetings.

How has LA been helpful and a positive effect on you and your music?

In NYC, there are thousands of people surrounding you at all times  I always felt loved in NYC. But, in LA, I can finish a thought in my head without interruption. So, my vibe here is deeper. I would get a taste of car radio when I went back to Detroit (Motor City radio is truly stellar), but now that the subway days are over, driving is a daily event, and it’s heaven for me when happiness strikes me in the car cruising to a great song.  I live for those moments and write a ton of music in the car!  But it’s been the ability to slow down, here, that allowed me to make a record.

Can you talk about your recent show here in LA?

My first big show was at Avalon in Hollywood.  It was a stellar experience.  I was completely flabbergasted by the response. My goal was to have nobody looking at their phones while I was on stage. When the show opens I am about 11 feet tall (literally), on the stage.  There were 1500 faces beaming up at me, reaching their phones out to make videos-while I stood high, half a foot from the edge of the stage. That really got me.  Then everyone started jumping around and getting excited, the videographers were talking about the stops in the show while their cameras were rolling. I honestly didn’t expect such a positive response.

What artists have consistently inspired you and your music? 

Those that aren’t afraid to have a little fun and take a risk. I don’t judge fun or simple music as a bad thing. I think people like to judge simple things, but pop music can take you straight out of a dark, dull place, if it’s a good song.

Elvis Presley’s presence on stage bedazzled me.  I have an Elvis cover I’m working on with a producer who joined our team, recently.

Who would be your dream collaborator?

I recently heard a vocal on a Zedd track that stopped me in my tracks.  I’m into vocal guys.  Secret indulgence- being in a room with Max Martin for a week.  Or maybe Elvis.  Yes, I’ve heard he’s still working in Vegas.

What do you hope is the message of your music?

I want my music to touch people. I was shocked to find out that my deepest secret was supported and also the main reason I ended up gaining the support of a record deal.  I’ve always had certain things about me that I‘ve hidden, and bringing those to light actually bonded me with others, rather than separating me. I hope people will interpret the “Jacket” metaphor and symbolism for their own circumstances, that the song can start dialogues, and support acceptance and empowerment where they feel they have to be secretive.  Let those days continue to be over.

When do you think you will release more music? Is a full-length album in the works?

I’m excited because this first album will be a compilation of some of the best stuff I’ve accumulated.  All of the singles feel exciting to me in the moment and that visceral charge will be fun to experience, again, as they are released.

Here’s the audio version of the interview too taken at Moonshadows in Malibu:

Learn more about The Damsl here:

http://www.thedamsl.com
http://www.facebook.com/Thedamsl
twitter.com/TheDamsl
instagram.com/thedamsl/