Damsel Adams
Damsel Adams is a singer/songwriter from Los Angeles.
Adams is revealing her new music video for her single “Crush” (produced by Nick Holiday). Directed by Ryan Bussard, the visuals were shot on VHS and Hi8.
“I knew I wanted to make a sexy video that was raw and paid homage to my roots in East LA. Every shot in the video is my hometown of Highland Park. I frequent all the bars there, that is my local movie theater, that is my friend’s bedroom, that is my favorite overpass. I was inspired by LA nights,” says Adams.
Blending classic noir with modern production, 808s beats, synths, sound effects and inspired by LA nights, Adams is delivering an honest and distinctive art.
“Crush” is available worldwide.
Photo credit: Monica Samayoa
Introduce yourself - where are you from?
Hi my name is Damsel Adams. I am from Highland Park (Los Angeles). Grew up in the suburbs of the Inland Empire, where we’d ride bikes and have sleepovers.
What’s your story?
In grade school I was asked to draw myself as if I’m seeing myself 10 years from now. Well I drew a picture of me and a microphone. I’ve been in some awesome bands with some of the most amazing musicians. Toured, played some interesting venues and made cheap videos, broken down vans, all that good stuff. It was such a great experience I took with me into my solo project. Now I live in LA, I write and sing songs for myself and other artists and work with some ridiculously talented people. At heart I’m still just an East LA girl, living in a crazy world, just trying to create something beautiful through music. I still listen to the same 10 songs, I’m still awkward sometimes, still wearing fishnets and a perfectly winged eyeliner. ;)
Growing up, what were you passionate about?
I was always really passionate about singing and songwriting. I also loved movies. Me and my siblings would make home movies with a vhs recorder and put on shows for my parents. My parents worked a lot so me and my siblings found creative ways to entertain ourselves.
When did you realize music had a huge impact in your life?
The first time I got goosebumps. I heard people singing my songs back to me. It was a beautiful thing. That was it for me.
What or who introduced you to the musical path?
Being a choir girl.
When did you start writing songs?
I started writing songs in grade school. Singing at 4 and wrote my first song at the age of 6. I’d bring a journal with me to school snd shared my songs with my friends during class and recess.
At what point did you decide to pursue music as a career? What did your friends and family think of it?
I decided to pursue music as a career when I joined my first band. My friends and family were all very supportive. Though I’m sure my parents would’ve liked me to finish college or be a doctor or something.
How would you define Damsel Adams, the artist?
It’s kinda hard to define. Romance, synths, 808s, exes, neon lights and LA nights. That person you can’t forget.
“Crush” is your latest single. What’s the story behind this song?
I had just finished watching Sixteen Candles. I wanted to write about that feeling that we’ve all had, of being completely infatuated with somebody. I was like Molly was crushing haaard. I knew I had to write about it but in my voice.
When did you start working on this song? Who did you work with?
I worked on it over a year ago with producer, Nick Holiday. Once I heard that intro I was like...yes...This one’s mine. We tweaked it a bit giving it a more Stranger Things vibe and boom. Baby “Crush” was born. If you love EDM you should check out his Instagram @officialnickholiday. He’s the next big thing.
What can you tell us about the music video? What was the inspiration behind it?
I knew I wanted to make a sexy video that was raw and paid homage to my roots in East LA. Every shot in the video is my hometown of Highland Park. I frequent all the bars there, that is my local movie theater, that is my friends bedroom, that is my favorite overpass. I was inspired by LA nights. All shot on VHS and Hi8 like in my dreams. I worked with the amazingly talented director Ryan Bussard. Check out his Instagram @RyanBussard his stuff is crazy cool!
What does it mean for you to be an artist?
It means nothing and everything. I never really think about it to be honest. I just focus on doing what I like and I’m very true to myself.
As an artist, what are the biggest challenges?
Money. Haha! No but really, gear is expensive. The kind of productions I want to put on are expensive. Having to work to pay for these things means time away from your art. I don’t have that privilege of doing music full time yet.
There are also challenges as a woman in the industry. Not being taken seriously. Or having to deal with disrespect. Getting hit on, ugh, I simply will not work with someone if they are being disrespectful. Straight up.
What message do you want to convey through your art?
I don’t really have a message, the message is the music. I know myself , I don’t like to talk about the message. I like to let the people listen to it and decide for themselves. That is part of my art. I don’t like explaining it. It’s lame to tell people what to think.
Would you consider songwriting as a form of therapy?
I think writing your thoughts down can be really helpful. It doesn’t even have to be to be in a song. But in my opinion the best thing is to talk with a person who cares about you.
What do you think of today’s music industry? If you had to change one thing, what would it be?
Today’s music industry is garbage. The worst part about music, is the music industry. It’s a constant struggle for all artists out there. I just do what I love and work with people who I love and respect and respect me in return. If I could change one thing I would take out the middle man. Artists should be getting more percentages.
What are you most proud of?
I’m so proud that I decided to go solo and staying true to myself.
In your opinion, what would make the world a better place?
Hugs. I think people need to be hugged more. Hugs are powerful. They can mean the difference between feeling connected or isolated. Between hope and despair. It can bring you closer to your loved ones or alleviate somebody’s pain and anguish. So hug someone for longer than 20 second. Don’t be stingy ; )
What biggest lessons have you learnt as a human being and as an artist?
Don’t give in. Stay true to who you are. Be grateful.
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