Damage Musiq reaps success with inspirational tracks

Despite the challenges of 2020, producer Dwayne Parkinson of Damage Musiq is reporting that he has had quite the successful year. In a year marked by cancelled tours and shows, curfews and lockdowns, the producer managed to extend his musical reach, particularly in the digital realm. He racked up some 41 million streams from Tommy Lee Sparta's hit single, Blessings, and almost 15 million from Teejay's Rags to Riches.

Parkinson said that Tommy Lee's Blessing, on the Conquest Paradise riddim, came at "one of my lowest points in music".

"To see it's success today is nothing short of a blessing, just like what the song says. I am lost for words," Parkinson said.

The ace producer said that he was always confident that Conquest Paradise would have been successful.

"I knew from the moment I put this riddim out there that it was going to be huge, and when Tommy Lee voiced that song it sealed everything. I mean, it's almost two years old and it's still making waves. People love it same way and are listening to it more and more every day like it just release," Parkinson said.

Pointing out the importance of establishing one's digital footprint, especially in a world that is becoming increasingly more online-based, Parkinson encouraged artistes to focus on getting their streaming numbers up, as it could be their biggest earners in the near future.

Digital age

"We were in a digital age before, but more so now than ever before, and so it is important for artistes to create a digital profile and maintain a strong presence online. With the world having gone in lockdown this year, streaming was where things were the brightest. There were no shows, no tours, but people were online more than ever," he said.

"I have to advise all music personnel to have their music digitised so that you can monetise it in the best ways. I mean, people may not be able to physically purchase a record any more, but they can do so online, so make sure unu deh deh so."

Parkinson told THE STAR that he is looking to churn out even more hits in 2021, with content similar to Blessings and Rags to Riches.

"Being inspired by the success of the last few projects, that is definitely the direction I want to take my music in for next year. It was well received, we got the numbers, and so right now I am working on at least three motivational projects for 2021," he said.

"Plus, with everything that has happened this year, people need more of that kind of content and the numbers show that ... .With all the hardships people have been faced with, it's important to offer them hope and relief from all that with these kinds of songs."