Exploring the Musical Journey of El Paso's Rising Star Damian Wyldes

Grant Maloy Smith
Jul 20
4 min read

by Grant Maloy Smith

Damian, where did you grow up? What were your early years like?

I grew up in the border town of El Paso, Texas. My early years were troublesome. Came from a broken home. My home life was always a hurricane, but it did have some great moments. My father was a lifelong rock guitarist, so there was always music in the house. Music saved me. It was around me all the time, right from the very beginning.

Would you mind telling me a little more about your family?

I have an older brother and a younger sister. Sadly, my father passed away some years ago.

Who are the most important people in your life today?

The most important family members in my life are my children. They are my reason for everything.

What’s your earliest memory related to music?

My father, in his alone time, playing “Blackbird” from the Beatles’ White Album. He played it just for himself. I was probably one of the few people in the world to have ever witnessed him doing that.

What was the first instrument that you learned to play?

My very first instrument was the upright bass. I loved it, and I still keep one around to this day. I am a multi-instrumentalist, but for the most part, I stick to guitar and vocals. I consider myself to be a singer/songwriter.

Aside from switching from upright bass to focus on acoustic guitar, have you made any other changes or transitions in your musical journey?

Yes. I’ve made several changes in how and what I write. I have learned to write music that better fits my vocal style and more effectively expresses my soul. Writing is a continuous journey of discovery and reinvention.

When did you realize that you wanted to dedicate your life to music? Was there one particular moment?

I’m one of those people who has been fortunate enough to know their destiny right from the beginning. Ever since I was little, I would sneak off with my father’s Martin guitar. I’d lock myself in a room and perform the 1980s songs that were on the radio back then. Sometimes it was air guitar! I was imagining myself performing them on stage. I knew it was my calling.

What’s your happiest memory related to music? Was it a performance? Or writing a particular song?

A few years ago, I had a song that charted fairly well on several indie charts. In the Netherlands, it reached #1 and stayed there for many weeks, surpassing famous artists. At the end of the year, my song was named “single of the year.” That was a very proud moment for me.

Damian performing at IC event 18 in Rhode Island, 2018.

I can imagine that it was. Seeing your name next to – and even above – famous names has to be one of those “pinch me” moments. Speaking of well-known names, who are your biggest musical influences?

The Beatles were, and still are, a huge influence. Their songwriting is legendary. I tend to gravitate toward “old” songs. Some of my biggest influences are from the past. You just need to look for them and let them inform your music.

What’s the coolest thing you’ve done in the last year, and how did it happen?

I can’t help but mention my most recent single. It’s called “Still.” I asked my good friend Kitt Wakeley, a five-time # 1 Billboard charting artist, to play piano on the track. He agreed, and working with him was a fantastic experience. To top it off, the song has done well on Spotify, surpassing 18,000 streams!

I know that you’re a proud dad. What would you like to tell us about your children?

I have a 15-year-old daughter and twin 9-year-old boys. They love my music, and they are the reason for it. I refuse to let them live in a world where dreams are not possible. It’s the case for many people. By living out my dream, they get to see firsthand that it’s OK to be different; that it’s OK to have a dream.

My daughter is also a singer-songwriter, and her instrument of choice is the ukulele. We are working on her debut album right now – I’m co-writing and producing it. It’s a dark children’s album entitled Ghostly Lullabyes.

What’s next for you? Do you have big plans, concerts, dreams, or wishes?

I’m finishing up a full album. It will be self-titled, Damian Wyldes. It will include the singles “Time To Go” and “Still,” as well as new music. I can’t wait for everyone to hear it!

I remember when you and your band stunned the crowd at last year's IC Showcase in Rhode Island. You also killed it at one of our LA Showcases. What’s the most important thing about being in the IC to you?

The IC has been like home for me. It has brought a sense of brotherhood to me, and I am grateful to have met such beautiful people. I now call them friends!