Meet Jason Damico | 2x Carolina Music Award Winner, 12x GRAMMY® Considered Artist, Actor, Producer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Jason Damico and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Jason, career-wise, where do you want to be in the end?
When I was younger, I always wanted things to manifest in such specificity. As time goes on, I’ve realized that it’s easier to allow and let things unfold from more of an “enjoyment” frame than one necessarily goal-oriented in nature–although goals are important.

In other words, for me the ultimate goal is to just enjoy whatever I’m doing to the fullest while contributing positively to society. I’ve found that out of that frame comes more healthier motives and also makes the quality of whatever I’m producing better.

Sure, of course I’d love to win some GRAMMYS®, be recognized and known by a substantial sum for what I create, perform & produce. But my sights aren’t necessarily on those material achievements. If anything, they’ll be a byproduct of me just continuing to discover and experience deeper and greater versions of myself.

I think one of the greatest accomplishments artists of all trades and kinds can leave behind is the positive influence and transformation of others – even if it’s inadvertent. I know that my life was incredibly changed for the better when I discovered some of my favorite inspirations like Mark Farner, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Stewart Copeland, Bob Rock, Marlon Brandon, etc. They were just paying it forward by being themselves—which is perhaps one of the greatest gifts of all.

Ultimately, if you are doing what you love day in and day out and are experiencing financial freedom while doing so, I’d say that’s a proverbial version of heaven on earth—especially in the artistic and creative fields. So as long as I can continue to progress in such a credo or proposition, that’s probably the most accurate depiction of my end goal. There is essentially no “end”–it’s a journey and a process—and it’s the experience of it that counts.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I’m a proud Raleigh, NC native and grew up in an art-appreciative household. My mom played classical piano from an early age and my dad played guitar in various bands throughout high school. They both pursued careers outside of the arts but always encouraged and supported me in my creative proclivities and endeavors.

There were always instruments laying around the house. I began tinkering around with the piano as a toddler. But ultimately, I showed an innate love for percussion and drumming—so my parents started taking me to drum lessons at around four years old.

My first professional acting job was, of all things, as a baby model at 18 months old. Someone approached my mom and said they needed a mother/infant pair for a magazine shoot. So that was my first official paid gig! I still find that funny to this day.

Mom had gotten me into some reputable agencies in NC. I continued to build credits as a childhood actor for both regional and national TV commercials and films. I enjoyed taking classes and performing in Raleigh’s own productions at Theatre in the Park, Raleigh Little Theatre, North Carolina Theatre, etc. They played a tremendous part in my training and development as a performer.

A big music “a-ha” moment for me happened when I was 12 and my dad introduced me to Deep Purple. We were going on a road trip and stopped at a Barnes & Noble to pick up some music for the drive (this was at a time when they still had many CDs for sale). I remember him just scanning an album with five dreary and out-of-focus figures on it. He put the headphones on me as Highway Star faded in and my mind immediately exploded. I was like, “whatever this is, I have to do it.”

In high school, I started to play guitar more and became obsessed with Stevie Ray Vaughan. I wanted to be him. Looking back on it now it was kind of hilarious. But I was the kid literally up until the wee hours of the morning on school nights playing along to his records. I’d watch videos of him on YouTube set at half-speed with the screen flipped upside down—this way I could study every subtlety of his hands from his POV. I was hooked.

After high school, I took a gap year to just record and play music. I had formed The Jason Damico Trio when I was 16. Eventually, it would become Jason Damico & The New Blue—the name that still stands to this day. We were playing anywhere and everywhere in the Triangle just trying to gain traction and experience. Around that time, I also won my first Carolina Music Award for Youth Male Artist of the Year in 2011.

At 19, I self-produced/performed and released my first record Blood, Sweat & Blues. This would eventually land me a management deal in NYC as well as help me acquire contacts within the Triangle Blues Society. I won The Triangle Blues Society Solo Challenge in 2014 and advanced to compete at the International Blues Challenge in Memphis, TN.

Towards the end of my gap year, my pro-education parents lovingly coaxed me into obtaining a college degree. They always told me, “we don’t care what you get it in, but you’re getting something—you’ll always have it in your back pocket.” And with folks that are literal part-shareholders of your business, I figured it wouldn’t be wise to ignore such an admonition.

I had toured Berklee College of Music in Boston, Julliard, and PACE in NYC, but the atmospheres just didn’t feel quite right for me. I was a homeschooled kid throughout most of my life, so I wanted something much more flexible than I could do on my time while pursuing my career and building credits. Hence, William Peace University’s School of Professional Studies Program in Raleigh came into the picture.

In 2013, I enrolled in WPU’s SPS program, which essentially allowed me to obtain a Bachelor’s in Business with a Focus in Leadership entirely online. This would allow me to travel freely back and forth from NYC during production pilot seasons as well as tour with the band.

It took me nearly six years to finish my degree while continuing my career pursuits—but I was able to graduate Summa Cum Laude while also maintaining enough music industry presence to take home another Carolina Music Award for Rock Male Artist of the Year in 2015.

After graduating from WPU in 2019, I was ready to take on the world. With classwork and exams finally behind me, I was in the process of fully relocating to NYC as well as looking forward to touring the US blues-rock circuit with undivided attention and commitment.

And then the pandemic hit.

While the world was shut down, I tried the best I could to stay positive and productive. I had already started The Jason Damico Show in 2019—but in 2020, I saw a tremendous opportunity to keep the momentum moving via Zoom.

The show became a lifesaver. Not only was it a way to document stories of incredible artists and creative entrepreneurs in NC, but it also built relationships internationally. Over 130+ episodes in, I have learned so much from a diverse pool of talented people—from all walks of life. It has single-handedly been one of the biggest blessings for me personally and professionally.

Throughout the pandemic, I also wrote/recorded new music and produced other artists remotely. I landed some great UGC commercial contract work for companies like TikTok, 1-800 Flowers, Wolf & Shepherd, Adobe, and many other great brands.

As things began to slowly open up again, I was fortunate enough to work with legendary blues-rock icons such as Eric Gales, Gary Hoey, Kenny Aronoff, etc. on some recent single releases—one of which would garner a new career milestone with four GRAMMY® Considerations.

I’m constantly juggling a multitude of opportunities spanning different sectors within the industry. I’ll be honest, sometimes I wish I wasn’t as spread out as I am. It’s a lot to manage even with multiple managers and agents working alongside me. But I always knew from a young age that I would never work a traditional 9-5 and the only desk you’d find me behind is one with a recording console on it.

The bottom line is I love what I do—even if I don’t know exactly what it is that I do at times. But that’s precisely the magic of the arts and entrepreneurship. And all of my fellow artists reading will know exactly what I mean when I say that “you don’t choose this path—it chooses you.”

Regarding the business and brand specifically, the three main career passions in my life at this point are music, acting, and production. My umbrella company New Blue Entertainment, LLC handles my intellectual property as a recording artist/creative while also operating and managing a multi-room recording studio and production house located in the Triangle near Jordan Lake. It also serves as a label and oversees coordination for all live music events and touring for Jason Damico & The New Blue.

I started dabbling in music production after having a few negative experiences early on with outside producers. At around 15, I began building my own recording studio. I did everything I could to push myself more and more in learning the process.

I told myself that I would always be “the artist’s producer” and proudly adopted that mantra because I wanted to treat every artist with empathy and respect.

I’d further learn how to do this at Manifold Recording Studios in Pittsboro, NC—which I was blessed to intern at for a little over a year while in college. Working in a world-class
environment like that helped me develop and refine proper studio etiquette, problem-solving skills, and overall understanding of the music production process.

As a songwriter and recording artist, I resonate most with organic music—specifically rock and blues. But I love all genres. I just try to take a little bit of everything that I like and create something with a touch of originality. A great song is a great song—especially when it can effectively communicate and inspire others in some way, shape, or form that is relatable.

Growing up as an actor, I always felt comfortable in front of a camera and on set. I’ve also spent a significant amount of time behind the camera directing various projects as well as editing in post-production. Wearing so many different hats generates an experiential advantage.

There’s so much that goes into the medium of film and on-screen storytelling. The more you know, the more value you can provide us as a creative asset, and the more respect/awareness you can have for everyone else involved in a project.

As a content creator, I have a huge passion for documenting people’s unique stories and experiences. The Jason Damico Show is a platform that focuses on the artistic and entrepreneurial community of the Triangle—conducting interviews in an informal yet educational and entertaining manner.

Guests have often praised the atmosphere of the show to be “healing and therapeutic”—propelling positivity into the often-negative saturated space of social media. I take great pride in effectively creating a safe space for talented people to express themselves so freely.

Ultimately, I’ve been fortunate enough to build and continue to shape a career that is dynamic with complementary passions. There’s music ubiquitously in films and TV. There are infinite performance aspects required in music. And both art forms rely heavily on production savviness, conscientiousness, and core competencies within various content creation skillsets.

Comfortably interweaving and combining those skillsets and experience banks is probably what differentiates me (and my team) the most within the arts & entertainment industry.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Well, in the Carolinas, there’s a plethora of great venues and adventures to experience. Besides my love for music and the arts, I’m an avid golfer and food lover—so those activities would definitely be included in the itinerary!

A few places/activities I’d highly recommend and consider:

Blue Note Grill – Durham, NC – Bill’s establishment is top notch if you are looking for some of the best barbecue and blues music around. Weekly blues jams are typically held on Tuesdays with well-known and world class touring artists coming through on the weekends.

Di Fara Pizza – Cary, NC – Literally a slice of NY nearly 600 miles away from the Big Apple. Greg and the team do a tremendous job putting out the best authentic NY Style Pizza in the Triangle.

The Sycamore at Chatham Mills – Pittsboro, NC – My family has known Greg Lewis and his family for 20+ years. The band used to play his previous establishment the Pittsboro Roadhouse before opening up The Sycamore. Anything Greg does is top notch.

Knight’s Play – Apex, NC – I’ve known the guys at KP since I was basically in kindergarten – Ken and Tim were my golf instructors for years when I was growing up. Just a fun, low-key par-three course that’s fun for everyone. And you can play at night with lights!

Boxcar Arcade – Durham, NC – Great if you are looking for a simple and active fun night out with great pizza, drinks, and games.

Bond Bros Eastside – Cary, NC – One of my and the band’s personal favorite rooms to play. Shoutout to Steve Duncan and the rest of the team for the stellar production and atmosphere.

Daniel’s Restaurant – Apex, NC – Some of the best Italian cuisine in the Triangle – My personal favorite for linguini and white clam sauce as well as chicken ala casa!

Niche Wine Bar – Holly Springs, NC – One of the best intimate spots to grab drinks in a speak-easy like atmosphere – Ted runs a great place – also home to one of the best open mics ran in the state by my good friend Maverick Rose.

Sushi Iwa – Apex, NC – Always fresh and delicious sushi and hibachi – lots of great memories and dinners there with friends and family over the years.

2112 Percussion – Raleigh, NC – Raleigh’s premiere drum shop since 1987. Grew up taking lessons with Merritt Partridge there. Even if you aren’t a drummer or musician, you need to go check it out while you are in town. Their inventory is a sight to see.

The North Carolina Museum of Art – Raleigh, NC – A wonderful place to be exposed to phenomenal, world-class art exhibits.

Wrightsville Beach – Wilmington, NC – A beautiful spot on the NC coast right off of I-40.

The Blue Ridge Mountains – Asheville, NC – The North Carolina Mountain Range is a sight to see – And the Biltmore is definitely worth the tour if you have the time!

Durham Bulls Stadium – Durham, NC – Always a great time catching a game with the historic Durham Bulls. Go Bulls!

And GO CANES! Got to hit up PNC for a little “Caniac” energy and action during hockey season!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Wow—there are so many wonderful people who have blessed my life. Here are some key people I’d like to acknowledge in terms of encouraging my career and overall development:

I’d like to start first off with my parents—Diane & Frank Damico. They have been incredibly supportive as family and business partners throughout the entirety of my career with unending love—continuing to help me with building the brand and manage the multiple legs of the business to this day. I wouldn’t be who I am today if it wasn’t for my parents.

My grandmother–Nancy Pomarico. She was awesome—incredibly loving and supportive especially during my college years. She let me stay with her for months at a time on and off for years while obtaining my business degree online so I could audition in NYC for acting roles and other opportunities in the arts. I learned so much from her and will forever cherish our memories. RIP Nanny.

I have to give a big shoutout to my drum teacher from 1998-2008, Merritt Partridge. He was the best possible teacher I could have had at the time for where I was and what I wanted to do music-wise. He was the perfect combination between classicism and rock ‘n roll—making sure I was exposed to a wide variety of music and skillsets in my training. And still to this day, he remains a pillar for me to bounce things off of whenever I want an opinion I can fully trust.

Marilyn Shugart—my high school choir/music teacher. If it wasn’t for her, I don’t know if I really would have branched out as fully as I did vocally and pivot strongly towards singing and songwriting. She allowed me to CLEP out of her guitar class in multiple semesters and gave me the teachers’ breakroom to practice whatever I wanted for that entire 90-minute block every day.

Hayden Wayne—my music/composition mentor I met while in NY. Since I was 13, he has been an incredible influence in my life. He’s the old school, no-nonsense mentor that everyone should have—that guy that will kick your a** and you’ll thank him for it.

Bill Alsop—the greatest spiritual mentor in my life. I met Bill when I was 17 and going through a tremendously dark place mentally, emotionally, and physically. I can’t thank him and his wife Cathy enough for being such incredible spiritual pillars and influences in my journey.

Neal Leazer—for his incredible teachings throughout the Spirit Filled Living class.

Tom and Concett Bradley of TC Music–they were a part of my management team for a number of years. They helped me immensely in the studio with general industry concepts, vocal production, music video shoots/treatments, and more. They are just genuinely great people.

Eugene Foley of Foley Entertainment—Gene has and continues to wear multiple hats in my life. He’s been an important member on my team helping with managerial and publicity aspects of the brand and business. I consider him like an uncle.

Steve Aldrich, of Mid-Hudson Christian Church in Upstate NY. Another incredible spiritual mentor in my life who has been nothing but an encouraging light.

David Karbowski—my uncle and an incredible blessing both personally and in business. I wish everyone could have an uncle in their life like my Uncle Dave!

Alex Saliba—my childhood best friend—one of the brightest lights who has ever blessed this planet. Beyond grateful for the sixteen years of friendship together. RIP. And shoutout to his mother Patricia and brothers Matt and Jason who are like my extended family.

Cody Miles—another incredible friend from high school. We made a lot of music together—he was the first artist who trusted me with producing his music back when I had a primitive setup in my parents’ unfinished basement. Another bright light gone to soon. RIP.

Cole Miller—another solid rock friend from high school and an observant genius. The ultimate appreciator of music and anything artistic. So grateful for our friendship over the years and his constant encouragement of my journey in this crazy industry.

Brett Fox—a brother in arms of this crazy industry and life in general—incredibly grateful for his friendship, positivity, and unique talent.

Maverick Rose—my “big bro”—so much love and gratitude for his presence in my life.

Randy Coley and his wife Kim—Randy helped me in the initial stages of a major studio upgrade I was undergoing in my early 20s. Their contribution greatly helped bring my brand and business to the next level.

Seth Coley—a dear friend and brother of all things in relation to success and accountability.

North Carolina Theatre—specifically Ray Walker & Tito Hernandez for continually pushing me to the next level and giving me a firm theatrical foundation in my teen years.

Scott Benson—for the tremendous training in my early years with dance.

Ira David Wood III—for giving me incredible theatre opportunities as a youth and continuing to be an encourager in my career journey.

Mark Farner—my first major musical influence (who I would later have the pleasure of meeting and interviewing on my podcast). Eternally grateful for his music, kindness, faith, and wisdom.

Tony Holiday—for his sincere friendship an outrageous generosity to me over the years.

Jessica Jaynes—an incredible inspiration and influence in my life over the years. I’m blessed to call her a dear friend and fellow artistic collaborator.

Anthony Atti—a dear friend, encourager, and real appreciator of music.

Al Jackson—so incredibly blessed for his friendship and spiritual giftings.

Brad Johnson—another incredible spiritual brother and friend—so grateful for him and his wife Holly and their continual encouragement.

Rob Bilodeau—a dear friend of mine who I consider like family—so grateful for him and his family’s steadfastness, kindness, and generosity throughout the years.

John Arthur Greene—another big brother figure—blessed to be able to call him a friend of many years, a fellow collaborator, and an iron-sharpening-iron inspiration.

Kendrick Vinar—another incredible spiritual mentor—so grateful for his teachings and words of encouragement.

Evelyn Putnam—I consider her like my aunt—so incredibly gifted and generous in all that she does.

Cathy Bennett—my “big sis”—so many great memories over the years and words of encouragement.

David Vance—for always treating me, the band, and my family like gold and giving me a platform at Rock Harbor Grill for some of the greatest memories in my life.

Phil Blattenberger—for his friendship and constant inspiration as a fellow collaborator and creative.

Chris and Donna Walston—for their continued encouragement and family-like support over a span of many years.

Nick Schneider—my “Uncle” Nick—another incredible conversationalist and genuine appreciator of music—so grateful for his encouragement over the years on my path.

Johnny Alonso—My Paisan!—an incredibly gifted actor and artist who has turned into a great friend and mentor—super grateful.

Sarah Weber—one of the greatest human beings I’ve ever been blessed to know. Someone who genuinely impacted my life for the better. What an incredible outpouring of love, encouragement, and positivity she left on me—I’ll forever be grateful for our time and memories together.

Ian Schreier—A production mentor of mine who I interned under at the world-class Manifold Recording Studios. The perfect combination of formal and informal A-list mentorship and opportunities that anyone looking to cut their teeth in the industry could ask for.

Steve Bass—for always having my back gear-wise and his contagious enthusiasm.

David Quillin—for his friendship, collaboration, and teaching me so much about the art of cinematography.

TJ Beechill—for his incredible help and knowledge in the music production world.

Joe Chambers—a jazz legend and other incredible mentor of mine throughout my teen years. He helped stretch me and reach musical capability that I didn’t imagine was possible at the time.

Anne and Rudy Greene of Talent One—My acting agency representation out of NC and throughout the southeast. Incredibly hard workers who are great at what they do and have made a point to respect and work with my multi-faceted career both as a musician and an actor.

Anita Stinson—for her friendship and generosity to myself and my parents over the years with her skills as a photographer and artist.

Brett Chambers and Delaney Mcquiag—for taking me under their wings in my early teen years at one of the best open mic and live music environments.

Slam Allen—One of the greatest and most authentic entertainers I’ve ever been blessed to perform with and learn under. Slam taught me so much about the music industry over the years while making me laugh like a hyena at the same time.

Eric Gales—Wow, what can I say… but BOOM! One of the most talented guitarists and artists in human history as well as such an authentically nice guy. I’m blessed to call him a fellow collaborator and friend.

Ricardo Schleske—so grateful for his incredibly positive presence and support in my life as both a business mentor and genuine friend.

Jessica Lynn—so grateful for our paths crossing and for her and her wonderful family’s presence in my life—such genuinely talented and good people.

Eliza Neals and HJ—for their incredible friendship and family-like support.

William Peace University—for making it possible for me to earn my business degree online while still pursuing my career full-time as an artist. Special shoutouts to Dr. Lori McClaren for running such a great program while I was enrolled as well as Amber Stenbeck for giving me the best possible advice, guidance, and option for that time in my life.

I’ve had a lot of great bandmates over the years in New Blue who I’m blessed to also call close friends. Kevin Boxell has been with me on drums for over a decade. Otto Hoering has been such a solid rock on bass for a number of years now. Lorry Taylor and Erick Crepsac as well on drums, Joel Sugarman and William Simkiss on bass in the earlier years—super positive & talented gentlemen that always go the extra mile and aren’t afraid to get their hands dirty.

And a few other honorary mentions who have blessed me through their authorship and teachings—Norman Vincent Peale, Kevin Trudeau, Owen Cook, Erik Von Markovik, Dale Carnegie, Chet Holmes, Donald Trump, Jim Morrison, Napoleon Hill, T.D. Jakes, Anthony Kiedis, Grant Cardone, The Apostle Paul, Solomon, etc.

Website: https://www.jasondamico.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jdamicoofficial

Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-damico-96831262/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/jdamicoofficial

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/jdamicoofficial

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/user/jasondamico

Other: The Jason Damico Show: https://www.jasondamico.com/the-jason-damico-show

Image Credits
New Blue Entertainment, LLC / Anita Stinson / NCT Theatre / Carolina Music Awards / Carolina Perez