Jammerzine has an exclusive interview with David Judson Clemmons. As diverse and earnest as David is as a musician, today is an ultra-special day for David’s musical career with the special edition vinyl releases (details below) of David’s solo album ‘Everything A War‘, as well as the band that put David on the musical map, Damn The Machine, with their vinyl releases of their eponymous debut album as well as ‘The Last Man‘.
Many of you remember Damn the Machine from their original glory days back in the early 1990s. Featuring Clemmons, Chris Poland (Megadeth), Mark Poland, and David Randi, Damn the Machine paved the way for many prog rock and post-grunge bands that followed throughout the subsequent decades.
David’s career since then has been a varied tale of highs and lows, but what really got me in this interview above was how David kept his sanity and soul throughout a life in and out of an industry not known for its sympathy.
In this interview, we talk with David about the beginnings of Damn The Machine, as well as his life from then to now, with the good, the bad, and the ugly serving as lessons learned, life loved, and the music that has been conceived as a result.. This is something every budding musician should see.
About David Judson Clemmons
Coming out October 3, the collection of releases would serve the best possible representation of the creativity of David Judson Clemmons. From metal and prog to blues and singer-songwriter material and beyond, shaping the career of the now-Berlin-based artist.
About ‘Everything A War’
‘Everything A War’ is a profound reflection of David’s personal and artistic journey. “I can honestly say Everything A War captures my lifetime of experience… provoking thought while trying to and still hope and inspiration in the mind of the listener,” shares David. With a silver vinyl edition featuring two inserts, David emphasizes the importance of connection: “I care the most about how people react to my songs, and how it may push them in a positive direction.” With the support of talented musicians and friends, the album was crafted with love and intention. David reflects, “I like to hide behind my songs, and let them work their magic.” As the last notes faded, listeners were left with a sense of hope, inspired by the journey encapsulated in this beautifully crafted collector’s edition.
About Damn The Machine
More than three decades after its original release, Damn The Machine’s groundbreaking debut album returns. For the very first time on vinyl. “Only a few years after I had moved from Virginia to Los Angeles, one thing led to another, and I was in the rehearsal room with Chris Poland, Dave Randi, and Mark Poland. From the first moment this connection of minds was nothing short of an explosion of creativity,” recalls Clemmons. The group’s genre-defying sound puzzled many, sparking conversations about their style. “Chris and I often wondered if we were venturing too far, if we should simplify our writing as we were flying over everyone’s heads,” he admits. Yet, their shared vision was clear: “Let’s make an album that will stand the test of time”.
‘The Last Man’ is described by David as “like a time capsule,” featuring previously unreleased tracks that capture the evolution of Damn The Machine. While reflecting, David stresses: “These tracks were written in our first months of rehearsals, and they carry a spark that was hard to hold on to over time.” Available in Black and Clear vinyl, this album invites fans to experience the raw energy of Damn The Machine’s formative years.
LINKS:
https://www.djclemmons.com/
https://www.damnthemachine.com/
https://www.instagram.com/davidjudsonclemmons/
https://www.instagram.com/damnthemachine_official/
https://www.youtube.com/user/judtv
https://davidjudsonclemmons.bandcamp.com/
https://damnthemachine.bandcamp.com/
https://www.facebook.com/JudTV/