Tag: Chapter Seven

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Damien Leith Releases New Song for Mothers’ Day

Mothers’ Day will be here before you know it, and Damien Leith is celebrating with the release of a brand new single “Halfway Heart.” After a recent trip back home to Ireland, Damien discovered that the song was his mother’s favourite from his Chapter Seven album, so he decided it had to be the next single.

Damien penned the song in Los Angeles after observing a couple on a less-than-romantic date.

“Lots of different things inspired this song but especially for me it was watching a couple at dinner one night being really distant and I thought that they had lost the spark or given up on their relationship but kept hanging in there only half-heartedly,” he explained.

Damien’s just released the “Halfway Heart” clip, which was also shot in his homeland. Fans can look forward to hearing this song as Damien continues to weave his way around the country on his national tour. He’ll play the Koroit Irish Festival on April 26, and the Glenn Innes Service Club on May 3.

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

“Chapter Seven” – Damien Leith

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

Posted on by Lauren Katulka

Damien Leith Prepares to Launch “Chapter Seven”

Damien Leith won the Australian Idol title in 2006, but his career since has been overshadowed by the year’s runner-up Jessica Mauboy. Damien’s refused to just fade away though. Instead he’s worked consistently, releasing album after album and playing small venues to promote them. On November 1 he’ll release his seventh, appropriately titled Chapter Seven.

Chapter Seven is a collection of gentle acoustic pop and folk numbers that are clearly close to Damien’s heart. He wrote every one of the 12 tracks, including lead single “Without a Fight,” and recorded most of them in the Sydney studio he built with his own two hands. Damien also produced the album which is his first release as an independent artist.

“In the album I cover a lot of different themes, love, loss and everything in between. But I’ve tried to approach them from a positive outlook,” Damien explained. “It’s true to the style people know me for.”

Damien will introduce audiences around the country to his new songs, and reacquaint them with old favourites, at the following shows.

31 October 2013 – Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
1 November 2013 – Ellington Jazz Club, Perth
2 November 2013 – The BLVD Tavern, Perth
3 November 2013 – Mandurah Bowling and Recreation Club, Mandurah
7 November 2013 – The Sound Lounge, Gold Coast
8 November 2013 – Mon Komo Hotel, Brisbane
9 November 2013 – Broncos Leagues Club, Brisbane
10 November 2013 – Victoria Point Sharks Club, Brisbane
13 November 2013 – Roth’s Wine Bar, Mudgee
14 November 2013 – Clarendon Guest House, Katoomba
15 November 2013 – The Brass Monkey, Sydney
16 November 2013 – The Heritage Hotel, Wollongong
22 November 2013 – Launceston Country Club, Launceston
23 November 2013 – Wrest Point Showroom, Hobart
29 November 2013 – The Abbey, Canberra
30 November 2013 –  Velvet Room @ Thornbury Theatre, Melbourne
6 December 2013 – Dural Country Club, Dural
7 December 2013 – Studio @ Shoalhaven Entertainment Centre, Nowra
8 December 2013 – Speers Point Carols @ Speers Point Park, Newcastle
12 December 2013 – Bean Bar and Café, Taree
13 December 2013 – Pier One @ Panthers, Port Macquarie
14 December 2013 – The Basement, Sydney