Having just got back from a string of pop-up shows across the Benelux region, Music Crowns caught up with LA-based artist, producer and DJ Damien Hendrix to discuss the concept behind the tour and future plans.
You’re currently bringing a series of surprise pop-up shows to Belgium and the Benelux. What inspired you to take this “secret show” approach?
I was born in Belgium so it made sense to bring an Underground American feel to my place of birth as far as the shows they’re impromptu to represent the speed of modern day culture.
How do you think announcing locations just hours before on Instagram changes the fan experience?
It’s like a treasure hunt with a party at the end.
What’s the wildest or most unexpected thing that’s happened at one of your pop-up shows so far?
No comment lol there’s an old saying in the music biz amongst artists “SEX DRUGS AND ROCK N ROLL!”
How do you prepare for such spontaneous, unpredictable performances?
It just happens I have a lot of good people around me that make things happen so I can just focus on the art itself.
You blend hip-hop, electronic, and dance music in a way that feels fearless. How do you decide what influences to bring into a track?
I’m mixed raced so my music is gonna be mixed genre.i don’t put myself in a box or believe that my music is one faceted I pull from my personal life experiences and the music just comes out.
Earlier this year, you released Eazy (Stoner Mix) with Snoop Dogg. How did that collaboration come together?
Working with Luca Dayz as mentor and also have a publishing deal with Bentley Records has opened a lot of doors for Features such a Snoop Dogg and many more to come.
You’ve teased more major features in the works — without giving too much away, what can fans expect?
Big slime
You’re also dropping a merch line inspired by late ’90s and mid-2000s aesthetics. Why did you choose that era as your style reference?
The console wars of the 90s and the raunchy comedies of that era really pushed my mind to create this merch line I wanted to be something idiotic but yet unique.
Do you see fashion as an extension of your music and identity?
Yeah the way I dress is a extension of my sound.
What’s one song of yours that new listeners should play first to “get” Damien Hendrix?
“Anguish”captures my unique sound in my opinion
After the Benelux run, what’s next for Damien Hendrix — more shows, more music, or both?
Definitely more music with major artists and lots of social media content music videos and shows.
