After establishing himself with his brilliant breakthrough debut EP 'Rehearted' last year, emerging US artist Ziggy D'Amato returned for 2023 to deliver the rip-roaring new single 'Tina's Nite Club'.
Lifted from his forthcoming new EP 'Maya Blue', which is set to arrive later this year, 'Tina's Nite Club' makes for an incredibly fun and uplifting listen. With its bold and blistering riffs, killer grooves, and infectious vocals layered throughout, this one is sure to keep your hips shaking from start to finish.
So with the new single available to stream now, we sat down with him to find out more about his origins and what has inspired him most over the years.
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What was the first instrument you fell in love with?
The first instrument I fell in love with was the guitar when I was ten years old, which is also when I started playing. I never wanted to be the lead singer of a band. I always wanted to be a lead guitar player like Jimmy Page, or Angus Young.
What kind of music did you love when you were younger?
Hip hop was my first love. Growing up I loved Nelly, Eminem, Ludacris and 50 Cent. I guess bands like Linkin Park and Gorillaz too.
What was the first album you remember owning?
The first albums I remember owning were the Gorillaz self titled, Nelly’s Country Grammar, The Eminem Show and 50 Cent’s Get Rich or Die Tryin’. Can’t remember which was first.
What is the one song you wished you could have written yourself?
Shooo that’s a great question. In this moment I’ll say, ‘The Sun Ain’t Gonna Shine Anymore’ by The Walker Brothers.
Do you have any habits or rituals you go through when trying to write new music?
I just try to learn every song I love. Whether it’s a Jimi Hendrix song or a Miley Cyrus song or a Gucci Mane song or a Brian Eno song or whatever. I learn the chords, the guitars, the bass, the piano, the synth, drums, vocal melodies, etc. So just over time I developed a song vocabulary and let it soak into my subconscious. Every time I’ve written a song it’s an accident by extension of just spending time with different instruments and songs. Anytime I’ve sat down with the goal of writing a song, I’ve been unsuccessful.
Who are your favourite artists you have found yourself listening to at the moment?
Miles Davis, Smokey Robinson & the Miracles, Ambrosia, Taylor Swift, the Red Hot Chili Peppers and Dennis Brown.
If you could open a show for anyone in the world, who would it be?
Living, Paul McCartney. Dead, Jimi Hendrix.
What do you find is the most rewarding part about being a musician?
When suddenly an idea appears and it actually works. Making a song from that initial idea. My favorite thing in the world is when I’m writing and recording a new song.
And what is the most frustrating part?
The things that don’t have anything to do with the actual creation of music, like thinking about image and aesthetic and how to sell myself. Also, getting to a show I’m playing at and waiting in a bar for four hours to play.
And what is the best piece of advice you have received as a musician?
To follow the joy. Letting yourself be inspired by everything that honestly resonates with you. Regardless of cultural significance or popularity, or even regardless of what you view as your own sound or image or whatever. Whether it’s Sam Cooke or the Residents or Drake or Chopin, if you love it, love it.
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Ziggy D'Amato's new single 'Tina's Nite Club' is available to stream now. Check it out in the player below.