PEASANT
The SiS Interview by Dany Sloan

Almost a year ago when we had our very first club night in New York, I invited Peasant, aka Damien DeRose, to open up an already strong bill. With 2009 right around the corner, it seems as though those that are lining up to support him is growing by the day. Chalk up sessions at Daytrotter and Jamnow, fervent support from Brooklyn Vegan, and a late January relaunching of his album On the Ground on Team Love Records.

The Doylestown, PA native is on tour right now, and he recently sat down with to talk all about his banner year of '08.

SIS: When did you start playing? What were your initial goals? How has that changed?

Damien DeRose: I started playing solo and messing around with recording in high school, the middle part. I didn't really have any goals for my music at that time, I was interested in learning about mixing and recording.  I always had a journal in which I had written my thoughts etc, and I wrote poems and general ramblings.  I went on to writing songs after I learned how to sort of play the guitar.   There wasn't really a goal in mind, I was just sort of doing it for myself and the entertainment (or horror) of a few old girlfriends. That hasn't changed, although I eventually realized that if I wanted to do what I loved for my career, I had to have goals like getting a record label, booking shows, and the business side of things that needs to happen if you want to somehow make a career out of it.

SIS: Your recent album has gained a lot of attention -- how has this effected you or the way you play?

DD:  Eh, it hasn't really affected me. I mean, occasionally I'll get misquoted by an overzealous interviewer, or have someone really smash me in a review, but that doesn't change what I do or anything - its just weird.

SIS: What are you up to for the rest of the year? Any big plans for '09?

DD: Going on a Northeastern tour this month, and I'm always tinkering with some new recordings in my lovely-almost-warm attic apartment.

SIS:Who do you often find yourself compared to, and do you like or dislike that comparison?

DD: I try not to find myself compared to anyone, ha.  I really honestly let
that slip in and out of my ears or eyes.  I think every artist is guilty of "learning" from their favorites, and then hopefully evolving into what they do best.  I also feel that some reviewers put in comparisons to avoid coming up with other adjectives.  That's not to say that all comparisons aren't fair, or that comparisons are entirely off.  I personally think my music is really starting to be it's own thing.  I won't deny that I have found a lot of inspiration in certain artists, but I try not to mention (said) people too often. It sometimes seems ridiculous to assume that, just because you're into somebody, your voice sounds like theirs, or your songs do.  I've been compared, but I reject it, for alot of reasons, there;s always something off about "comparisons."  It's feels like stereotypes, or pigeonholes.

SIS: Who are some of your favorite bands to play with? Do you think any of
them will take over the world?

DD: I've always had the utmost faith in James Harvey of Drink Up Buttercup.  Ever since he filled my counters with Pounder Cans every morning when he slept on my futonfor a few months, he's really made me believe and love him and his music. I've also always loved and will always love Hop Along Queen Ansleis aka Francis  Quinlin, she is a darling of darlings and her songs make me squirm.  I refuse to jinx anyone I know though, but i wish them the best and quietly believe in their strength to rip apart the  standards of power on this earth.

SIS: What is your favorite and least favorite thing about being on the road?

DD: I love performing, but sadly, I really only "perform" about 5% of the time I'm on a tour.  I really like my town, my house, my room, I wish I could teleport directly to every venue every night and sleep in my own bed.  Not to say i don't like traveling, meeting people etc, I love that, but life on the road is really tough and not my thing.

SIS: What's something about your hometown that most people don't know?

DD: It's got a castle made out of cement, and recently decided that live music is a Fire hazard in most of the cool venues. (Ed. note: His hometown is Doylestown, PA)

SIS: In 15 words or less, why should people buy your records?

DD: They can be like a best friend when you need one most.  *wink