In this episode, we chat with Mark Damian, a drummer, producer, and audio engineer whose career spans live performance, recording, and even sound design for film trailers. Mark reflects on his early years in Michigan, his journey to Los Angeles, and the challenges of carving out a place in the competitive music industry. He also shares stories about his work on PBS’s Startup, touring with Skunk Baxter, and their upcoming Rock Legends Cruise. Mark’s insights provide a look into the worlds of session drumming, sound engineering, and the evolving role of a music producer. Check it out!
Rock Legends Cruise 2025
Well… this should be a blast. I would say come join the fun sailing from Miami to the Bahamas with a ton of performances from rock n roll legends including my show with Jeff “Skunk” Baxter but it’s already sold out!
Motor City Rock Talk interview
I had a really great time talking with Jimi Jive of the Motor City Rock Talk podcast. The focus is obviously on musicians with Detroit roots. We talked about my time with the moderately successful industrial group sweatysuedelips, national success with roots-rock guitar virtuoso Laith Al-Saadi and my move to Los Angeles landing drum and vocal duties, touring internationally with the living legend Jeff “Skunk” Baxter.
More Mark Damian Music!
More original material of mine is coming off the hard drive to a streaming service near you! “Go Our Way” has a “come join our cult and receive a free hair cut” vibe and was originally written for the Alloy Tracks film trailer library I contribute to. Now it’s available on Apple Music and all other streaming sites. Enjoy!
DRUM TALK TV interview
I had the pleasure of talking with Dan Shinder on Drum Talk TV about my earliest experience as an upcoming drummer to my work with Steely Dan/Doobie Brothers guitarist, Jeff “Skunk” Baxter. We even discussed a little MLB and my excitement for the LA Dodgers! Thanks for having me, Dan!
Starlight Single Has Dropped!
I am pleased to announce the second single from Synth Heart is now available on all streaming services. “Starlight” is a very satisfying pop song that I had the pleasure of co-writing, producing, mixing, and performing a few different instruments on. Thank you Sharon and Elmo of Synth Heart for making me a part of this great musical endeavor!
Another Damian Original Drops!
Look who finally released another original song that’s been sitting on his hard drive finished for years. That’s right, ME! “The Hunted” is now available for you to stream and drive fast to. This instrumental describes the nervous energy and hustle I felt when I set up shop in Los Angeles back in 2012. Hit the ground running…
“Rollercoaster Kisses” Alternate Mix
The boys from Monarc and I cooked up an alternate mix of their single “Rollercoaster Kisses”. Referring to it as the “Late Night Version” it features more four-on-the-floor kick drums beats, vocal treatments and keyboards by yours truly. This tune is so infectious it deserved an alternate mix!
Debut Single From Synth Heart!
I’m extremely proud to present to the world a band called Synth Heart. Their debut single, “Universe”, is rolling out to over 50 streaming and downloading music services this week. My favorite, APPLE MUSIC, was the first to make the song available. This is the first song of a handful that I had the pleasure of producing, mixing and performing on for the duo. Sharon Gagne and Elmo Ruiz are SYNTH HEART! More tunes on the way!
Original Release
I’d say it’s time to stop being bashful about my songwriting. Life’s too short. This is the first of a few tunes that I’m releasing in the coming weeks that I wrote and performed all instruments on, “Red” being the oldest having sat on a hard drive since it was finished in 2006!
It premiered on Apple Music today and will roll out to all other streaming services throughout the week. Enjoy….