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Grammy-winning and ASCAP award-winning producer, songwriter, DJ, and recording artist Damon Sharpe is best known for his creativity behind the scenes, working alongside artists such as Jennifer Lopez, Ariana Grande, Pitbull, and Alesso. But this year, Damon is taking center stage as the frontman of his own story. With new music along the way, Pop Culturalist spoke with Damon about this next chapter in his career.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Damon: I actually started out as a dancer. A lot of people don’t realize that. I have a love for all things dance—street dancing, break dancing, jazz dancing. As I did that, I discovered my musical side. I utilized that in how I produce and write now.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Damon: Wow, that’s a tough one. As a kid, Michael Jackson or Stevie Wonder. I’ve always had a pop soulful approach. But in the past three to five years, I’ve really transitioned into dance music because that’s always been a love of mine as well, tying into the fact that I danced as well.

PC: You’ve had a ton of success already in your career. When you look back, is there a particular moment that stands out?
Damon: Wow, there are a lot of moments. I’ve had multiple chapters in my career, and I’m in a new one right now. But what I would say that really stands out is my first cut as a writer, which was Jennifer Lopez’s “Love Don’t Cost a Thing.” It was a catalyst moment where I went from being unemployed and broke to having a hit record, not stopping and never taking “no” for an answer.

PC: What’s one thing you know now that you wish you knew when you started?
Damon: I wish I was a little harsher on myself about saving money. [laughs] David Foster has ten rules for success for songwriters, and his first one is save your money. The tenth one is save your money. [laughs] It’s pretty genius. There are so many ups and downs in this business. One minute you may be making tons of money, and then the next you’re making nothing. It comes in waves. It’s a roller coaster. That and I wish someone would have told me when you’re on a hot streak, take advantage of that. Again, it’s a roller coaster. There are windows. When you’re in that window, you really need to optimize as much possible traction as you can to keep that window going.

PC: You’ve worked behind the scenes with artists like Jennifer Lopez and Ariana Grande. What’s been the biggest lesson you’ve learned behind the scenes that you’re applying now to this new chapter?
Damon: Hard work and work ethic will always trump talent. I don’t care if you’re the best singer, dancer, songwriter, producer, it’s not about being the best, it’s about who works the hardest. It’s about who’s the last man standing.

PC: You’ve released a few singles so far. If you had to choose one that best encompasses you as an artist, what would it be and why?
Damon: I always say that all my songs are my song babies. You have to have love and affinity for all of them, but right now, I love this record called “Lifetime” that I did with Zonderling and Josh Cumbee. It’s about my wife and my daughter. It’s a very special record for me, and it really resonates.

PC: What does 2020 have in store for you?
Damon: 2019 was a year of reinvention, circling back to being more behind the scenes to now in the forefront. 2020 is more about that reinvention. A lot of the records that I have put out have been in conjunction with other artists. But in 2020, you’ll see a couple of records coming directly from me. I’ve also been dusting up on my DJ skills, so I’ll be spinning at a couple of shows in 2020.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Damon: Depeche Mode, Coldplay, Florence + The Machine.

PC: First album that you bought?
Damon: I don’t think I bought it, but I think my parents gave it to me, and I think it was Joshua Tree by U2.

PC: First concert you attended?
Damon: Depeche Mode, and my parents took me! I was too young to be at a concert like that.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Damon: There are a few. The one that immediately stands out in my brain is Purple Rain by Prince. That one is super imprinted on my brain. Michael Jackson’s Thriller, any record by A Tribe Called Quest—they were a huge influence on me from a hip-hop standpoint.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Damon: Rather than a venue, maybe Tomorrowland.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Damon: A good set of headphones

To keep up with Damon, follow him on Twitter, Instagram, and Spotify.