The Pride

Issue date: 4/29/08 Section: Entertainment

Media Credit: Sarah Hernandez

The San Diego music scene has always had a flourishing singer/songwriter community. The latest addition to the local scene is artist Josh Damigo. Full of sensitive lyrics and catchy hooks, Damigo's style is comparable to that of John Mayer, Ernie Halter, and Jason Mraz. A West Coast boy at heart, and a die-hard Boston sports fan, Damigo is hitting the music industry hard. Just back from auditions for "Nashville Star," Damigo's slight country vibe and serenading soul will melt the heart of listeners across the nation.

The Pride: So how did you get your start in music?
Josh Damigo: I started music about a year and a half ago doing open mics and after my first open mic, they said "Hey, would you like to do a show?" And so that started my whole musical ordeal.

And the guitar was your first musical instrument?
No, my first musical instrument was the piano and then I started playing the trumpet and then it moved to the baritone, and then it moved to the guitar when I was 16, and I taught myself.

What is your song-writing process like?
Usually, when I write a song, I'll get like a tag, or a little line in my head and kind of just go with it. Then I just work it around. Basically, songs for me are built up of a chorus, 2 verses and a bridge; and so usually it's a pretty simple process for me. I tell a story in the song and take it from there.

Who are some of your favorite artists?
Rob Deez. I'm a big Jason Mraz guy-I really like the stuff he's put out. I am a big fan of bands like Hinder, Lifehouse, All Star United…I like the movie "Once."

What was the first CD and/or cassette you ever bought?
The first CD I ever bought was DC Talk's "Jesus Freak." The first tape I bought was "The Beach Boys' Greatest Hits." I think I was like in 8th grade.

What would be your "dream tour" if you could go on one?
I think truthfully, the way that my music goes, it would be KT Tunstall. I think that she and I would have a good time. I think I could show her what a real man is about. And...I wouldn't mind touring with Miley Cyrus and the Jonas Brothers because they're the bomb.com.

What do you hope listeners take away from your music?
I hope they like it. I'd like them to just remember a time where they felt the same way. For me, I think my favorite is when someone comes up to me and says "Pocket Change is great because that song is my life." Or, if it's a love song and people come up to me and go: "that's my favorite song, I want that at my wedding."

Do you have a favorite song you have written?
"Pocket Change" is the story of my life. "Crazy" is a song about my two best friends. Those are two favorites. This new one that we just did called "Cougar" or "The Chase" or "Baby Come On" is really fun. "Saves the Day," means a lot to me because it has really been an inspirational song for me and for many other people. And, I actually have a song called "Your Favorite Song" that I wrote a while ago, that not very many people have heard, but it's called "Your Favorite Song," so I'm going to say that's my favorite song.

What is the biggest lesson you took away from your college experience?
It is more important to get a good internship in the field you want to do than go to all your classes. In the real world, they don't care anything about what college you graduated from or what your degree is in. They care mostly what your experiences are in your field.

To find out more about Josh Damigo, check out his webpage or myspace:
www.joshdamigo.com or www.myspace.com/joshdamigo

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