Today we’d like to introduce you to Damoyee Janai.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I started taking piano and music theory lessons when I was two years old and never stopped. I wrote my first song around the age of nine. Today, I play more than 10 instruments and have written many songs since I started in music. I really love music! I independently released my first album, titled Thankful, when I was 13 years old. On that album, I wrote the music and lyrics, played piano, sang all the vocals and harmonies, and served as co-executive producer. When I was 16 years old, I independently released my second studio album, From the Bottom of My Heart. In addition to lyrics, music composition, vocals, piano, and percussion, I produced the album. In 2019, I signed to Dallas-based indie record label, State Fair Records. I’ve released two singles on the label, Insane and Hold On. The third and final single, Independent, from my upcoming album was released to radio on August 9 and has already gotten quite a few plays worldwide. Independent will be released on digital streaming platforms on August 30. My third album will be released this fall on the State Fair Records label.
Over the course of my music journey, I’ve performed on many stages from small piano recitals with family and friends to headlining the legendary main stage at House of Blues Dallas. I’ve performed at several bars and nightclubs in Deep Ellum, Dallas, and Fort Worth. This past year, I was invited to headline a show on the main stage at The Hotel Café in Hollywood, CA. I’ve performed at festivals such as the 50th Anniversary New Orleans Jazz and Heritage Festival and The Governors Ball Music Festival in New York City.
I’ve been blessed with many opportunities throughout my life and I have my mom and dad to thank for recognizing my God-given gift, and supporting my development as a music artist.
Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
My journey definitely hasn’t been smooth, but it’s been fulfilling nevertheless. I don’t take one single opportunity for granted even though I’ve struggled. I believe that there is something to learn and gain from each and every experience. My main struggle has been to express my voice. I really love to sing, and even though I have absolute pitch, I haven’t always emerged as a vocalist when placed around vocalists with bigger voices than mine. As a music artist, my strongest attribute is composing and songwriting. I love writing, recording and performing my original music on stage, however, my favorite place to be as a music artist is in the studio making demos, recording, producing for other artists or scoring films. Another part of my struggle has been to balance everything that I do musically. Some days I’m wearing one hat, some days I’m wearing three or four.
Please tell us more about what you do, what you are currently focused on and most proud of. What sets you apart from the competition?
I’m a music artist. I’m a composer, multi-instrumentalist, producer, singer, songwriter and recording artist. I specialize in music composition, songwriting, and scoring. I also love to perform. I enjoy sharing my original music on stages whenever I have the opportunity.
What has been the proudest moment of your career so far?
Two of the proudest moments in my career has been getting accepted into my dream school, Berklee College of Music, on a full-tuition scholarship and composing an original song to accompany the ascension of the Moody Foundation Chandelier at Winspear Opera House. The latter is a proud, yet humble, legacy that I will leave in Dallas when I leave for Berklee. I hope the song inspires many people, especially other young composers that have dreams of being a professional musician. It’s a project that I worked on with the support of AT&T and their partnership with Man Made Music and my high school, Booker T. Washington High School for the Performing and Visual Arts. My song, The Lights Are Rising, replaces a piece from Philip Glass, and will be played indefinitely prior to every show at Winspear Opera House.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.damoyeejanai.com/
- Email: mgmt@damoyeejanai.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damoyeejanai/
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/damoyeejanai
Image Credit:
Fun photo credit: Jazzella McKeel, Red curtain: Mathias Fau, Black jacket: Rebecca Hudson, In-studio with sheet music: Carter Rose
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