Damian Coen: Home
Damian Coen
Damian Coen is a modern-day blues poet. For more than 20 years, he tipped his hat to the bluesmen of yesteryear, and earned his reputation as Australia's foremost exponent of the country-blues harmonica. Yet, it is now Coen's captivating songwriting, giving voice to insightful personal and political narratives, which shines through as his defining strength.
THE FATHERS OF NECESSITY
The Fathers of Necessity were formed in 2006, to collaborate in shaping Damian Coen's songs with colour and conviction. Coen's warm vocals and expressive harmonica are complimented by PAUL JOHNSTON's smooth guitar work and piano accordion swirls, the delicious percussive grooves of DANNY FREEMAN on drums, and youth sensation, BEN STAKER, on bass guitar. In performance, The Fathers of Necessity have delighted audiences with every live show. Coen's new album, WE GOTTA MOVE, has managed to capture the band's unique energy and sound.
Musical Awards & Accomplishments
- In The USA selected for "A Better World" complication CD: Protest Songs For A Better World Volume IV (to be released August 2011)
- In My Fathers Footsteps – WINNER, Australia Songwriter Association (ASA), 2008, Instrumental
- Holy Water – Shortlist, ASA, 2008, Spiritual
- Tsunami – Shortlist, ASA, 2008, Folk Acoustic
- Hot Tin Roof – Shortlist, ASA, 2008, Open
- Tsunami– Finalist, Port Fairy Folk Festival Songwriters Award, 2006
- Sydney City Rag – WINNER, ABC Radio Fresh Air Contest, 2004
- Livin’ In the Present - Top 10, ASA 2004, Spiritual
Recent Albums
Damian Coen's 2004 release, SIX LANE HIGHWAY, led to critical acclaim, song-writing awards and international radio airplay. Since then, Coen has been joined by his dynamically rootsy band, The Fathers of Necessity. Gathered around Coen's storytelling, The Fathers of Necessity serve up an intoxicating brew of acoustic blues, delivered with swampy rhythms, gospel harmonies and old-time charm. The fruits of their labour are realized in Coen's stunning new (2008) album, WE GOTTA MOVE.
