Today we’d like to introduce you to Damien Ellison.
Hi Damien, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I was raised in a small town in Ontario, Canada called Kitchener. I was born to Jamaican parents who first met in Manchester, England. I was raised primarily by my dad after my parents divorced. I grew up in the church as well. I remember hearing the sounds of the foot-stomping, on fire youth choir growing up. In the home where I grew up, I remember hearing soft rock on the radio. I personally listened to RnB, my first cassette tape being Mariah Carey’s Fantasy. When I would go to my grandparent’s house, they often hosted gatherings where my granddad would play plenty of reggae music from his vast vinyl collection. These various music genres is where my love for music began. This coupled with good food that came from my grandma’s countless hours in the kitchen, made for great memories growing up.
Upon moving to Atlanta at age 14, the next seven years spent with my mom would help start a foundation in my faith. Once I graduated high school, I spent a few years trying to figure out a major and landed at Atlanta Christian College, graduating with a degree in Worship & Music Ministry. I then went to Liberty University and obtained two masters degrees: a Master of Arts degree in Worship Studies Leadership and another in Music & Worship. While in undergraduate and graduate school(s) I led worship at a local church. While soul searching in undergrad, I began to write songs, and my songwriting skills would grow and continue on while in grad school and afterward.
Upon graduating grad school with a second master’s, I released three singles Desperate, Crazy, Seek the Face of God. In 2019, I married my beautiful wife Sectrina. A year later, we welcomed our first daughter Ledisi. The following year in 2021, I released my first book Reign: My Story & How to Live Victoriously Over Sexual Immorality. A few months later, we welcomed our 2nd daughter Nova.
I continue to reside within the Atlanta area with my family.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It hasn’t been the smoothest of roads, because life has had a way of throwing plenty of curve balls my way. The struggles to write and record music haven’t been easy because sometimes, the stresses of life can block creativity from flowing. Even traumatic experiences as an adult can do the same. Going through tough things within the church have led me to not really want to express my love for God & His people in a musical way. A major obstacle has been fighting against the opinions of people vs. just doing music how I hear it regardless of the naysayers. Other challenges include living with regret on decisions made in my life versus flat-out pursuing what I know God put in my heart: music. Not just any old music either: gut-wrenching singing from the heart & music that will make you believe again.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I am a songwriter. I am a musician. I am an artist. I am an author. I specialize in writing Christian music & leading worship. I am most known for my delivery as a worship leader & my songwriting. I am most proud of not walking away from my faith in Jesus Christ during tough times. I am also proud of publishing a book that speaks on part of my story as a single creative living in Atlanta encountering struggles of a sexual nature & how others can overcome the same.
What sets me apart from others is my unique voice with its raspy tone & my in-depth songwriting. Not being afraid to write about topics both within my songs & book that some Christians might not being willing to discuss publicly.
If you had to, what characteristic of yours would you give the most credit to?
Hard work, discipline, consistency & determination. With these three characteristics, I believe success will come. Hard work is necessary to get a job done and get it done well. Discipline is a must because it can mature a skill. Consistency will show people my seriousness & reliability as an artist. Lastly, determination will expose the deep quality of relentlessness that can lead to success.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @DamienEllison
- Facebook: Damien Ellison
- Twitter: @DamienEllison
- Youtube: Damien Ellison
- SoundCloud: Damien Ellison
Image Credits
JS Creative Group
