Damon Bramblett

With a simple, direct lyrical approach and a music style that allows those lyrics space, Austin-based singer/songwriter Damon Bramblett earned a solid following in his home state of Texas, as well as finding favor with a European audience. Raised in the tiny Texas town of Bangs, Bramblett picked up the guitar at age five, continuing to play through his college days at Angelo State University, where he fronted a band. Relocating to Austin, he continued to hone his craft, playing his share of songwriter showcases. At one such showcase, Bramblett was approached by Walter Silas-Humara of the Silos, who expressed interest in cutting some demos of the singer. These demos contained songs that eventually were cut by several artists, including Kelly Willis, Sara Hickman, and Bruce Robison, as well as securing Bramblett a record deal with Lone Star. Working with noted producer Lloyd Maines, Bramblett issued a self-titled debut in September 2000, earning critical praise and comparisons to everyone from Johnny Cash to Woody Guthrie to Ray Davies for his literate words and rockabilly-styled music. ~ Tom Demalon