4/3/14 THE STAR (Newcaslte) DAMIEN LEITH SPREADS WINGS
Mar 4, 2014 15:33:40 GMT 10
Post by thebraff (Braffy) on Mar 4, 2014 15:33:40 GMT 10
www.newcastlestar.com.au/story/2124932/damien-leith-spreads-wings-with-independent-release/?cs=3656
Damien Leith spreads wings with independent release
SINGER-songwriter Damien Leith says he is pleased with his latest album Chapter Seven, breaking away from Sony to produce his first independent release.
It is the seventh album from the four-time ARIA winner, known for his unique voice and pop ballads.
Leith won the fourth series of Australian Idol in 2006, the first year the hit show allowed the contestants to perform their own songs.
With his latest album, Leith says he is returning to his Irish roots with stripped back acoustics forming the backbone of his creation.
"It was very much a labour of love," Leith said.
"I've used those sounds I really love . . . everything I did before [Australian Idol]."
Leith's musical career has been somewhat of a rollercoaster ride; he enjoyed initial success from his post-Idol album The Winner's Journey, selling hundreds of thousands of copies.
But in the well-publicised aftermath, his Idol contract stated he was not to receive much in the way of royalties from the millions made in sales.
In writing and producing Chapter Seven himself, Leith has stepped away from the commercial pressures and embarks on a more creative but riskier path with the independent label.
Leith juggles his full-time music career with parental duties, married with two young two sons and a daughter.
He has organised his latest tour schedule in short blocks to minimise the disruption at home.
"My poor wife goes a little bit mad when I'm away from home," Leith said.
Leith said he enjoyed having the complete freedom of writing Chapter Seven and was looking forward to spending time on his second creative passion - writing plays - when he returns from tour.
Leith has already published two books.
■ Damien Leith will perform at Lizotte's Newcastle on Thursday, April 3.
* Damien will also be at Wests Nelson Bay Diggers on April 5.
