Damien Rice was born on the outskirts of Dublin in the early 70's and grew up in Celbridge Co. Kildare. He spent much of his childhood down by the River Liffey fishing...hours of catching little left plenty of time for thinking...
In March 1999 he moved to Tuscany, then travelled around Europe, busking the streets. He arrived back to Dublin a year later, with a clear head, loaded with idea's, he approached his music with a new found freshness and decided to put some songs down. Borrowing money from those that would lend it, he
recorded his demo and sent it off to renowned producer and film composer, david Arnold (Bjork, James Bond). Arnold liked what he heard and provided enough money for Damien to buy his own mobile studio.
September 2001 Damien released 'The Blowers Daughter', in Ireland, the first single to be taken from the, as yet unfinished, album. The single went top 20 and his ensuing tour was a resounding success.
"O" was released on February 1st 2002 and immediately lauded by the critics as mesmerising, absorbing, adventurous and emotional. A major six-week tour of Ireland followed along with dates in the UK, Germany, France and Spain.
Damien was nominated for Meteor Irish Music Awards and a BBC Hot Press Rock Award. "O" since gone platinum status in Ireland. In the UK, constant gigging, festival appearances at Glastonbury, V2002, Edinburgh Fringe, London Fleadh plus supports with McAlmont and Butler, Counting Crows and Kathryn Williams, have all helped established Damien as a must see live act. "O" appears this year in many critic's end of year polls.
First outing to America was a trip to play "Tonic" as part of CMJ festival and a live radio session for KCRW's Morning Becomes Eclectic. The trip was a resounding success and a longer trip is being planned for next year to coincide with the U.S release of "O".
Damien has recently appeared as guest on "Later With Jools Holland"! alongside Moby, badly Drawn boy and The Sugababes.
Damien wanted to release this album without the backing of a major record company, fearing that if he signed to them before he had proven himself they would begin dictating to him and forcing him in a direction he didn??t want to go. He hoped that with the release of 'o' he would be in a position where the only thing dictating direction would be the songs. And he already is... |
