So today I was surfing the ‘Tube, and I decided to relive the joy that is “The Damnwells” by surfing some of their videos. First, I watched this video, uploaded way back in 2006, promoting the album “Air Stereo”.
… and I was filled with this sense of wonder. I mean, no matter how many times I hear these songs, it hits me like the first time. Watching that EPK, you can just tell… these guys were special. These guys could change the world.
Ok, now remember… that clip was uploaded over two years ago. And the brilliant “Bastards of the Beat” was released 3 years before that, even.
Next, I watched the “Golden Days” trailer, which was uploaded to the ‘Tube at the beginning of 2007. I originally wrote about the Golden Days DVD back here, but for those of you who haven’t kept up with it, the documentary basically details the Damnwells’ struggles; particularly following the period of their parting ways with Epic Records. Watch it below… and again, remember this is a 2007 release.
Killer, yeah? But then, finally, I came across this video… which is an in-store performance from the Damnwells at the Virgin record store in Tempe, AZ for promotion of the “Golden Days” documentary (which was playing at the Phoenix film festival that weekend).
Now, I realise that this took place in 2007, even though it was uploaded to Youtube only this year.
But, the dismal attendance in that video struck something within me. It simply killed me that, here was without a doubt my FAVOURITE band… and they are still struggling to get the recognition they deserve.
In some ways, it’s too late now. As I detailed in a past post, the Damnwells has changed from its original incarnation. But, even though the faces may have changed, that dream is still alive. And it needs some help.
So… why have I just rambled on for a page? Simply this… watching that last clip today spurred me into action. I can’t sit here and wonder, “Why are more people not killing themselves to see these guys? Why aren’t they one of the biggest bands in the world?“.
Asking these questions isn’t doing enough. And, as much as I’d like to think this blog is helping spread the word, it can’t dedicate every post to the Damnwells. This blog is far too eclectic for that, and I don’t want to change that.
So, I decided to go out and do something about it. I’ve owned the domain “Thedamnwellsmusic.com” for quite some time now, but haven’t got anything up and running. That last clip was enough to change that. Today, I finally started uploading the skeleton to what I hope will become a definitive “Damnwells Music Site“. While there’s pretty much nothing there yet (ok, plain old nothing… except for some pretty pictures), I’m linking there now to spread the word. If anyone wants to get involved in contributing to the site, drop a comment, send me an email… get in touch.
Honestly, this is an open call to any of the Damnwells’ fans. If you want to push this site, let me know (and Gilly, I’m looking at you here!). Whether it’s photos, news, facts and figures… heck, even if you want to lend a hand with the design – as you can see, I’ve tried my best, but I’m no design guru – then get in touch. Do it.
Anyway. That’s enough out of this out of me. Hope to hear from you all soon. Because I know you’re out there.