Damien Starkey on SoundBetter

I am a songwriter / producer who has written for artists such as Avril Lavigne and Chris Daughtry. I also was a member of the platinum selling bands Puddle of Mudd and Saliva.

The formal bio! My name is Damien Starkey and I am an American producer, songwriter, composer, and multi-instrumentalist. I've played many roles in several bands, served as a vocalist for Society Red and Burn Season, bassist for Puddle of Mudd and Saliva, and I also own a company called Give 2 Get Music Group in which I am a music supervisor and composer for TV and film music. I have scored and written music for more than 70 TV shows and movies including American Reunion, Nitro Circus Movie, Freeheld, Pawn Stars, Bar Rescue, and Undercover Boss. As a producer I've written for and produced many notable artists including platinum selling bands Saliva, Daughtry and Avril Lavigne. I was one of 8 singers selected to audition to be the new vocalist for Stone Temple Pilots.
Bottom line, my passion is helping up and coming artists take their songs to the next level to compete in todays market. It's hard out there, but I have definitely learned some proven strategies that can help elevate your music career. Please google me for more info and let me know what budget your working with, if you’re good I want to work with you.

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Credits

1 Reviews

Endorse Damien Starkey

by Danny T.
Verified
Damien was the utmost professional throughout the entire process! He was in constant contact with quick responses and hit every deadline! From our initial conversation he listened to my vision for the vocals of my track and delivered exactly what I wanted. He's such a professional and talent! I would definitely recommend Damien, and plan to use his services again in future projects!

Interview with Damien Starkey

Q: Analog or digital and why?
A: Both! They both have their place.
Q: What do you like most about your job?
A: Music is everything to me.
Q: What questions do you ask prospective clients?
A: Budget, Time line, References of what your looking for.
Q: What advice do you have for a customer looking to hire a provider like you?
A: Dont be afraid to ask questions. Lets get on the phone and chat! Once I have a solid understanding of what you want to accomplish, then I can help you get there.
Q: If you were on a desert island and could take just 5 pieces of gear, what would they be?
A: Macbook Pro, Neumann M149, Neve 1073, Avid Omni, Midi Controller.
Q: What was your career path? How long have you been doing this?
A: I signed my first major record deal two months after I graduated High School in 2001. After leaving Puddle of Mudd in 2011, I decided to concentrate on producing artists and TV and Film music. I have now worked with several platinum selling artists and worked on more than 70+ movies and TV Shows.
Q: Can you share one music production tip?
A: Keep it simple. One of the most common mistakes made by up and coming producers is they try to layer to much and it ends up washing together. Add parts that make the song better and complement each other only until you have filled up the frequency spectrum.
Q: What type of music do you usually work on?
A: Pop, Rock and Country
Q: What's your strongest skill?
A: Song writing and production.
Q: What do you bring to a song?
A: On the music side I am great at arrangements and really helping the movement of the music to set up for the perfect chorus. If you dont have a great chorus you cannot have a great song. On the vocals side, I pride myself on my ability to construct simple emotional melodies that inspire creative lyrics that convey the right feelings and vibe to the listener.
Q: Tell us about your studio setup.
A: I have a full production studio with Pro Tools HDX. All top of the line gear from Neve and API pre amps to Distressor and UA 1176 Comps. Favorite mics include M149 Neumann and Manley Reference.
Q: What other musicians or music production professionals inspire you?
A: Chris Lord Alge, Bob Marlette, Toby Wright, Elvis Baskette, Dr. Dre, Max Martin
Q: Describe the most common type of work you do for your clients.
A: I write or co-write songs with clients a majority of the time. Sometimes they have guys to play on the track and sometimes I play everything.