27/3/15 cargoART Sunshine on Leith as Idol Blazes His Own Pa
Mar 27, 2015 23:16:01 GMT 10
Post by thebraff (Braffy) on Mar 27, 2015 23:16:01 GMT 10
www.cargoartmagazine.com.au/sunshine-on-leith-as-idol-winner-blazes-his-own-path.php
SUNSHINE ON LEITH AS IDOL BLAZES HIS OWN PATH
Australian Idol Winner Damien Leith hasn’t gone anywhere folks. From his home in Sydney he recently got me up to speed with everything that has been bubbling in the Irishman’s life of late.
The most recent of Leith’s projects is his recenty released album ‘Songs from Ireland’.
“The album was released last Friday. It is a compelation of 15 irish songs they are all classics. We thought just say it exactly what it is and be basic with the title. That is what it is - songs from Ireland.”
Leith won Channel Ten’s Australian Idol back in 2006 and is grateful to the show for giving him the break he needed.
“Honestly, even without Idol I was always very driven. I was always aiming to be within the entertainment industry but Idol gave me the break for sure. There are absolutley no regrets from my side.”
Leith is very honest within his music and life in general, and he explains to me the importance of this with his career.
“I always have to be true to myself, always! I haven’t done anything too outrageous and I do things that are emotional. I like things that tell a story. When you are doing something like that there is a lot of longevity in the span of your career because it is very real, so that helps.”
Leith has been on a whirlwind adventure for the better part of a decade and shared with me some words of wisdom that he has learned along the way.
“You really have got to be honest about who you are and where you want to be. If you try to fake whatever it is you’re doing, it generally doesnt work. Its also really good to have mentors, people to speak to. Seek them out, there are willing people who want to help that are free of charge as well. Seek out those people - its so important.”
Leith has a passion for all things that offer a storytelling platform; not only a writer, musician and playwrite but he is also a father - his children playing a pivital role in moulding his inspiration for these mediums.
“I wrote a play and got my neighbours to watch it when i was about eight. I just love writing. I always lean towards it. Its good to try lots of different things I think. I have three kids, so I tell them stories every night at bedtime.”
Leith’s busy family life have proven not only to be an inspiration for him musically but also a huge support system throughout his career since winning Idol.
“We have all grown up and devleoped with the job, it all happened at the same time. My wife and I are a great team; we work together with everything and balance everything together.”
Before deciding to audition for Idol, Leith had his first novel ready to be published.
“I had writen my first novel ‘One more Time’ so if I didnt do music I hope writing would have worked out. I would always have presued music though in some way.”
Juggling a busy family, music career, playwriting, performances and interviews would not be the same without the love and support of Leith’s doting wife.
“My wife is my biggest inspiration out of everyone. She is the backbone of everything. She is the first person I refer to on any career related topic. Even when she is looking after the kids and she is up to her eyes she is so encouraging and inspiring.”
The gentle soul of Damien Leith is beautifully showcased in his newly released album ‘Songs from Ireland’.
ALEXANDRIA NAGY
. Nice to see them acknowledging his family and the longevity of his career 
