Decca Records is thrilled to release the debut album from Damian Lewis, out now. Entitled ‘Mission Creep’, the album features debut single ‘Down On The Bowery’, bluesy ‘Zaragoza’, and new single ‘She Comes’.
“Mission Creep is a rootsy, bluesy, folky, rocky set of songs about love and life, in which his soulful high tenor voice flows with ease through a textured web of instrumentation” (The Daily Telegraph)
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Speaking about the release of his debut album, Damian Lewis explains: “My album Mission Creep was written at a very particular time in my life. So sure, there are some personal, tender sounds in here, but my first real music love was 50s rock ‘n’ roll and so I hope there’s songs that are gonna make you wanna sing and dance too. It’s rootsy and bluesy and recorded with my magnificent band who bring a jazz vibe with them, but it ain’t a jazz album. It’s… well… a collection of songs with a varied vibe, held together beautifully by my producer, Giacomo Smith. We’re really proud of it and we’re excited to share it with the world. Am I nervous? Sure. But ‘He who dares, wins, Rodney, he who dares, wins…’”
The album’s origin story begins when Lewis, after leaving school, swapped the rigorous day-to-day regime that had dominated his life for 10 years for something altogether less structured. He took to the road with his guitar and went busking through continental Europe. This experience has stayed with Damian ever since and is reflected in his debut album.
Acting of course took over, and took off. Lewis kept his hand in, playing the odd wrap party as part of a scratch band, but the idea of actually making a record only came to him during Lockdown. With the time and space away from a busy acting schedule the star was able to throw himself into playing and writing songs, and the ideas started to flow. Damian was taken back to the time he played the guitar every day, but with the additional maturity and experience that an eventful life has given him.
“I wanted the album to give a sense of a journey to this point, from busking ‘til now.” – Damian Lewis
Lewis linked up with one of today’s most exciting jazz musicians, Giacomo Smith, who in turn introduced Lewis to a collection of brilliant musicians, many of whom had played with Smith in the hugely loved and admired Kansas Smitty’s House Band. Lewis formed his band and early shows at London’s Omeara and KOKO gave him a first sense of what leading a band in front of a live audience could feel like. “It helps that the players are all insanely accomplished,” Lewis said.
A festival appearance at Wilderness last year led to more live shows. Packed gigs at London’s the Tabernacle and Hoxton Hall resulted in glowing reviews from the crowds and the critics who described Lewis as “a compelling performer apparently in his element” (Telegraph ★★★★) as he“wowed the crowd” (Times ★★★★). A label battle for his signature ensued.
Following his performance at Black Deer Festival on June 16th, Damian will then play a sold-out showcase at Rough Trade East on June 19th, before performing his biggest headline show to date at London’s Union Chapel on July 11th. Damian will then embark on a tour across the UK, stopping in Gateshead, Nottingham, Birmingham, Cardiff, Bristol, Brighton, Manchester and Leeds. Tickets are available here
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