Unpacking 'The Stars': The Powerful Message Behind Damen Easton and Jimmie Herrod's Micro-Collection
Damen Easton and Jimmie Herrod, two exceptionally gifted musicians, have joined forces to deliver a truly remarkable collaboration entitled "The Stars." This EP showcases their immense talent through two exceptional tracks - "Carnival" and "The Stars". By combining their unique styles and playing to each other's strengths, these songs stand out as an exceptional fusion of their individual artistry.
Damen Easton is not only a recording artist but also a music educator, known for creating alt-pop music as well as contemporary classical compositions. With a Master of Music in Composition from the Longy School of Music in Cambridge, Massachusetts, he has also served as a professor of music theory at Portland State University. In 2020, Damen released his art-pop album, "The Dark Corners," which received much critical acclaim. Currently, he is the director of music for the Margot Fonteyn Academy of Ballet at its U.S. location.
Singer/songwriter Jimmie Herrod hails from Tacoma, Washington and now resides in Portland, Oregon. Jimmie holds a bachelor's degree in music from the prestigious Cornish College of the Arts and a master's degree in music from Portland State University. Regularly touring with the international act Pink Martini, performing across various continents. In 2021, Jimmie gained further recognition as a finalist on America's Got Talent, demonstrating exceptional vocal abilities. Herrod's alluring performances have been featured on PBS, Jimmy Kimmel Live (in support of Odesza), America's Got Talent Live at Luxor in Las Vegas, and AGT All Stars in early 2023.
Early in the creative process, Damen knew that Jimmie was the perfect vocalist for this project. Their longstanding friendship and discussions about collaborating made it a natural choice. Damen describes the EP as a "micro-collection" with only two tracks, which carries a very specific message. It's a message that Damen believes is much-needed in today's world, despite being somewhat contrarian to what we are bombarded with from the media in every direction. "The Stars" challenges the status quo and offers a different perspective. The duo aims to inspire us to embrace our true selves and to find solace.
Damen and Jimmie have masterfully crafted these songs. Both tracks are filled to the brim with soulful energy that transports us to a different era. The composition of these songs harks back to the distinct sound of vocalists from the 1950s, evoking nostalgia while infusing it with a modern touch. Talking more deeply about them, "Carnival" is where we get to hear the mind-blowing vocal range Jimmie brings to the table. Damen adds his remarkable sound to the song. The rhythm feels mellow and seductive, and the guitar riffs are just exquisite. On the other hand, "The Stars'' takes a more introspective turn. This moving ballad exhibits Jimmie's emotional depth delivering heartfelt lyrics. A soothing piano beat is now replacing the guitar's riffs, transmitting a sense of vulnerability. The combination of Damen's expert composition and Jimmie's soul-stirring vocals creates a deeply moving experience.
"I’m not about to denounce all aspirational sentiment, but I do think we are overloaded on the vision of endless expansion and endless ascension. This is my place to make the opposite case. It’s my great honor to be able to do so with the best singer I could ask for, as well as an absolute dream team of a band and producer. I hope you enjoy the music and I hope you find the message worth consideration."
"The Stars" is a must-listen for any music lover who craves authenticity and soul-stirring experiences. So, sit back, close your eyes, and let the music transport you to a place where the stars align, and the beauty of the human spirit shines brightly.