Singer-songwriter Damien Binder has been writing and recording his original style of moody alt-rock for the last ten years. Since his self-titled debut album in October 2000, Damien has gone on to perform both nationally and internationally while also supporting some of the world’s leading acts. He has played at the SxSW festival in Austin Texas, World Series showcase in Auckland and supported the likes of David Gray, Marianne Faithfull and Ani De Franco. His music has also been featured on numerous album compilations, including Sounds Like Cafe Vol. 17 in Australia.
In 2003 Damien was one of five finalists in the prestigious APRA New Zealand Silver Scroll Award for songwriting, and was also short-listed for the 2006 International Song Writing Competition.
With his soul-searching, heart-on-sleeve rock, Damien’s music has been likened to such artists as Crowded House, Ryan Adams, Evan Dando, and Pete Yorn. Reviewers have often described Damien’s songs as intelligent songcraft, exquisite and honest with a “rich weave of acoustic and electric guitars.”
Prior to pursuing his solo musical career, Damien fronted rock band Second Child for five years which shot to NZ fame with their debut album “Slinky”. The band also played many esteemed support slots for acts such as The Jesus and Mary Chain, Hunters and Collectors and, most famously, Nirvana on their only NZ tour (Logan Campbell Centre, Auckland, 2 Sept 1992).