Crimson Moon: How did the band get started?
Damien: I started it in 2005 originally as a solo project. Eventually I found other talented musicians from diverse musical backgrounds to help me bring my music to life on stage. The diversity in styles added a very unique dimension to the music than what is heard on my album.
Crimson Moon: What kind of music do you play?
Damien: It’s been a hybrid of metal, industrial, electronic and darkwave.
Crimson Moon: How has the band response been?
Damien: Well I suppose. My album “Detoxed” is for sale on iTunes, Rhapsody, Amazon, etc. and has sold really well. I can’t complain.
Crimson Moon: Where did the band name come from?
Damien: It came from my subconscious. I later found out its relevance once while meditating. It’s the best suitable description for how the metaphysical energy that surrounds us appears in the minds eye. A beautiful playground of harmonious colorful flowing shattered glass.
Crimson Moon: Introduce the band members
Damien: I am the only full time member of SGP I suppose you can say. However I have a group of wonderfully talented musicians whom all play in other projects that come together and collaborate on my brainchild with me. I suppose you can say it’s an open door policy when it comes to my closest musical brethren whom would like to have a part of my vision with me. A band of musical brothers in all literal meaning. Currently members of SGP include Rich Pierce on live guitar, Brian Blitzkrieger on keyboards. Vex Arcana on bass and Johnny Boi on drums. I am also soon adding a second keyboardist to the live unit too. His introduction shall come in due time.
Crimson Moon: Who writes the music? Lyrics?
Damien: I do.
Crimson Moon: And where do the lyric ideas come from?
Damien: I channel symbolism from my subconscious and write what my natural higher state sends through my fingers. I do my best to stimulate not only my own consciousness, but the consciousnesses of others. Be it through metaphor. I write for those with ears to hear.
Crimson Moon: How many albums/CD’s have you released?
Damien: 2 EP’s 1 Debut Release. New material is being worked on for a near-future release.
Crimson Moon: Tell me about some the songs on the latest CD?
Damien: I try to make every song dwell with a different dynamic dimension. Whilst having continuity in sound. The songs all tell a story. Be it through symbolism and atmosphere.
Crimson Moon: Do you have any side projects?
Damien: Shattered Glass Playground is my root. However I have branched out to other areas as well. I do a project called Hallow-Form which is Ambient/Trip-Hop/Industrial. My content for Hallow-Form has to do with the shift in global consciousness and talks a lot about the dark energies that dwell in the lower dimensions. I also play guitar and keyboard for a fairly young Orlando based Industrial band called Missfit Toys. We have been pretty busy on new material and establishment. I also have a new self-titled project in the works in which I will be collaborating with some of the most talented producers on the East Coast. More details on that will be released in due time.
Crimson Moon: Who are some of your musical influences?
Damien: All music is my inspiration. It is all beautiful artistry. But my favorite genres consist of all kinds of metal, industrial, rock, hip-hop, gabber and I have also been infected by the dub step virus. haha. I love that stuff.
Crimson Moon: Which current bands?
Damien: Korn is definitely an all time favorite and huge influence on me musically. If I had to pick one other I would definitely say NiT GRiT.
Crimson Moon: What is the band like when you play live?
Damien: High energy… I believe in bringing a performance that the audience feels they get their money’s worth. I am tired of seeing bands that just stand in one spot and nod their head. That is not stage performance nor presence.
Crimson Moon: What was the best band you played with?
Damien: I opened for PIG twice in an old band I was in… they were probably the most fun and memorable I have have the honor of sharing the stage with. Wednesday 13 was pretty badass too.
Crimson Moon: Have you guys ever played in another country?
Damien: Unfortunately no. But that won’t be the case for too long.
Crimson Moon: How big of crowd shows up at shows usually?
Damien: We have sold out venues. It’s just all about proper promotion and marketing.
Crimson Moon: How is the crowd response when you play?
Damien: It’s interesting watching the goth-kids dance to the dancy stuff… and the metalheads mosh to the heavy stuff. I enjoy seeing subcultures stand side by side.
Crimson Moon: What is the scene like over in your country?
Damien: It is active and infectious. Especially due to shifts of consciousness… people of our cultures are bringing more and more people out of their boxes and opening their eyes to different things and showing them how to enjoy their individualism to it’s utmost potential.
Crimson Moon: What made you want to be in this band? And if you weren’t in this band what would you being doing now?
Damien: I do music because I always have different artistic pages I turn to in my book of life. I always feel like expanding and trying new things creatively. When I am not doing music I am constantly working on artwork. It’s almost like cooking and having pots and pans sizzling on all the burners of the stove and I have to make sure I am stirring them all evenly and accordingly, whilst only having two hands. I like juggling art outlets and staying busy. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Crimson Moon: What does the future hold for the band?
Damien: I cannot answer that question… for I only live in the Now. ^_~
Contact them at:
http://www.facebook.com/shatteredglassplayground
https://www.reverbnation.com/shatteredglassplayground
iTunes link- http://itunes.apple.com/us/album/detoxed/id442078292
