Interview with Damon Brock

Damon Brock is a singer-songwriter from Worthing, UK, whose music blends heartfelt storytelling with hopeful melodies. From singing along to the radio as a child to writing and performing his own songs, Damon’s journey has been shaped by life’s milestones, personal challenges, and a deep love for creating music that connects. In this interview, he opens up about his inspirations, creative process, and the realities of being an independent artist.

 1. Can you briefly introduce yourself and tell us how you got started in music?

My name is Damon Brock, and I’m a singer-songwriter based in Worthing, UK. I’ve always loved music—listening to the radio as a kid, buying records, and singing along. I also sang in school choirs. I was always drawn to the idea of writing and performing my own music, but it felt a bit alien to me compared to my quiet suburban life. I started writing for my own pleasure and learned along the way.

2. Who or what has been your biggest inspiration in your music journey?

I’ll answer this in two parts: first regarding the style I write in, and second, my creative life.

For style, I listened to the radio constantly while growing up. Commercial pop and popular rock seeped in great hooks, punchy lyrics, storytelling. My parents had Sgt. Pepper on vinyl, and honestly, that’s about all the musical education anyone needs in one record! I try to create accessible tunes that connect musically and lyrically.

As for my creative life, for a long time I was writing and recording music mainly for my own pleasure while maintaining a separate career. I realized this was emotionally and mentally unrewarding, and that not pursuing music was negatively affecting me. This all happened around the birth of my son, and less than a year later, my father passed away. These events made me reflect on time, wasted talent, longevity, and meaning. I started counseling to work through these things, simplify my life, and with my wife’s unwavering support and encouragement, I began releasing my music professionally and performing more regularly.

3. Can you walk us through your typical process for creating a new song?

Inspiration can strike anytime, anywhere either lyrically or musically. I just make sure to note it down before I forget it! Usually, I start with the music, fitting lyrics to the beat, and continue until the inspiration fades. I then revisit the song multiple times, editing and refining the lyrics until I feel it’s finished. Finally, I test it live to see how it resonates with an audience and whether it’s a keeper.

4. How do you approach blending different genres or sounds in your work?

I serve the song. If a song calls for a particular genre or style, that’s where it goes. I’m never trying to copy anyone else’s sound or chase trends. It’s always about serving the song and the story I want to tell.

5. What’s the most challenging part of being an independent artist, and how do you overcome it?

There are many challenges, but for me personally, the biggest right now is fitting music into my life alongside caring for my wife who has a hidden disability and Long Covid and raising our son, while still working my career job. Health is another challenge: I was recently diagnosed with silent reflux, which damaged my vocal cords, forcing me to stop singing this summer. I’m now changing my diet and getting help to rehabilitate my voice. I don’t know how long either of these will take, but I’m finding ways to live with them.

As for independent artists in general, challenges include streaming income (Spotify only pays out if a track reaches 1,000 streams annually) and competition from AI-generated music. However, there are also opportunities to build real connections on social media and through live performances, especially if you stay authentic.

6. Are there any upcoming projects or releases you’re especially excited about?

Since I’m on a medically enforced singing hiatus, I’m focusing on writing and recording new material. I’m having the most fun I’ve had in a long time, pushing myself creatively. I don’t know exactly when I’ll be back to releasing material or performing live, but I hope to return singing even better than before.

7. What message or feeling do you hope listeners take away from your music?

I create hopeful music. I focus a lot on the lyrics and the stories I tell. I’d like listeners to feel a little more positive about their day after hearing my songs.

8. How do you like to connect with your fans and the music community?

Social media feels a little alien to me since I didn’t grow up with it, but I enjoy sharing updates and snippets of new material when I can. I’m aware I don’t do it as regularly as I perhaps should to gain traction, but I have other priorities right now. Locally, the music community in Worthing is very supportive. Online, platforms like Threads and Reddit provide spaces to support independent artists.

Damon’s story is a reminder of the resilience and passion behind independent music. Despite personal and health challenges, he continues to write, record, and share songs that uplift and inspire. Whether through local performances or online platforms, Damon remains committed to connecting with his listeners and the music community proving that music, at its core, is about hope, authenticity, and the stories we share.