Damien Leith Releases New Book and Digital Single

It’s an exciting time for Damien Leith fans. Remember June, the lovable Irishman’s second novel, hits stores today. The novel is the follow-up to Damien’s first book, One More Time. The tale tells the story of a family who escaped a turbulent life in Northern Ireland ten years earlier, but are haunted by their past.

Then tomorrow Damien’s latest single “Forgive, Forget” will be available for digital download. The new single ise available as a digital bundle with “Hallelujah,” one of Damien’s signature tunes from his Australian Idol stint.

“Hallelujah is my all time favourite song,” Damien said in a statement. “The lyrics and the melody are both haunting and magical and I am thrilled to release the track recorded in full for the first time ever.”

Damien will perform his cover of this Leonard Cohen classic at the Good Friday Appeal at Melbourne’s Etihad Stadium tomorrow. The charity event will be broadcast on the Seven Network, so Damien fans should make sure they tune in!

As if that wasn’t enough Damien news, remember that he’s still travelling around the country on his Keys and Strings tour. The tour sees Damien play songs from his acclaimed Remember June album alongside covers of Irish tunes that have inspired him musically. If you haven’t seen the show yet, make sure you get to one of the following venues!

1 Apr 2010 – Cafe Coast Restaurant, Perth
2 Apr 2010 – Friends Restaurant, East Perth
3 Apr 2010 – Charles Hotel, North Perth
9 April 2010 – Kingsford, Souths Juniors
10 April 2010 – Dee Why RSL
14 April 2010 – Clarendon Guesthouse, Katoomba
15 & 16 April 2010 – Brass Monkey, Cronulla
17 April 2010 – Lizotte’s, Newcastle
23 April 2010 – Coffs Ex Services, Coffs Harbour
24 April 2010 – Ballina RSL
30 April 2010 – Brothers Leagues Club, Cairns
1 May 2010 – Dalrymple Hotel, Townsville
2 May 2010 – Magpies Sporting Club, Mackay
4 May 2010 – Proserpine Cultural Centre
5 May 2010 – Rockhampton Leagues Club
6 May 2010 – Gladstone Entertainment Centre
7 May 2010 – Hervey Bay Boat Club
8 May 2010 – Gympie RSL
9 May 2010 – Tewantin Noosa RSL

Image used with permission from Sony Music Australia

Watch Ashleigh Mannix’s Amazing Cover of "Hallelujah" from Billabong’s Design for Humanity

You might remember me mentioning last month’s Billabong Design for Humanity event, a celebration of music, fashion, and art all for a good cause.

The night featured some top notch Australian entertainment including The Cassette Kids and DJ outfit Bag Raiders, but one of the standouts was young singer songwriter Ashleigh Mannix. You could have heard a pin drop as she opened the show with a stripped back version of Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah.” She performed to a backdrop of SurfAid International’s inspiring work with the people of the Mentawai Islands. It served as a poignant reminder why events like this are so important.

If you missed the event you can catch Ashleigh’s breathtaking performance here!