Anthony D’Amato

In a musical landscape where lyrics are becoming increasingly less emphasized as a result of a synth-soaked growing EDM scene, Anthony D’Amato reminds us of the importance of the lyrical half of the songwriting process. This skill can be attributed to him studying poetry with the Pulitzer Prize-winning Paul Muldoon while attending Princeton. D’Amato knows that just as playing an instrument is a craft that must be learned and practiced, so is writing.

He recorded his first album Down Wires in his dorm room in 2010. Last year, he released his third album The Shipwreck From The Shore, his first on New West Records (Ben Folds, Kris Kristofferson). It’s almost as if D’Amato has been ready for his big break for years. He recorded Shipwreck in only 11 days with members of Bon Iver and Megafaun in a farmhouse in rural Maine. The outcome? Ten tracks of feel-good modern folk.

Besides good lyrics, D’Amato has mastered the art of the feel-good indie folk song that doesn’t get on your nerves. His voice evokes a cheerier Kristian Matsson (Tallest Man On Earth), while musically evocative of both indie and Americana acts, like The Head And The Heart and Josh Ritter. Quite simply, even when D’Amato’s is singing a sad song, you know everything is going to be all right. D’Amato has been touring the U.S. since October and is currently working on an album for a 2016 release with producer/musician Mike Mogis (Bright Eyes, Rilo Kiley).

Look out, EDM. Lyrics are back, and they’re giving us real emotion again. »

– Sophia June

Anthony D’Amato plays live in Portland December 13 at Doug Fir