Damon Paraha is a hip-hop and spoken word artist from Wyndham. He chats with Tima Halloum.
Can you tell me a little bit about yourself?
My name is Damon Paraha. Otherwise known as Nomad. I’m a hip-hop and spoken word artist from Wyndham. I’m a proud Pasifika and Maori man. I am the second eldest of six siblings and I have three children of my own.
What made you decide to become a musician?
Music has always been a major presence in my life. My mum used to sing and my dad was a dancer when I was growing up. It’s always been present in my life.
Tell us about some of the challenges you’ve experienced?
As an independent artist, there’s always the challenge of feeling like you’re on this island by yourself. You’re trying to compete with these big labels, and the systems that are in place are designed for people with a major backing. And also, just trying to establish your worth. I’m sure you’ve heard the stereotype before where people will try and say you can do this for the exposure. Exposure doesn’t pay the rent. Exposure doesn’t put food on the table.
What’s something people might be surprised to know about you?
I think people might be surprised to know how much effort independent artists actually put into their work. People have this idea that we just make music, write lyrics and then put it together. But I don’t think people realize that a lot of us have to pick up different skills to try and get our names out there. A big thing that I’ve done in the past seven years was learn how to do my own graphic design and how to edit my own videos and come up with different creative ways to promote myself.
You recently performed at the Wyndham Cultural Centre, what did that feel like for you?
It meant a lot to me on a personal level. I’ve grown up in Wyndham, I’ve lived here my whole life and that center is older than me. It’s been the hub for a lot of big moments. I graduated there, my school had our year 12 graduation on that stage. It was a very full circle moment for me personally, to go back there and use it for something that I love to do. On a wider scope, it was a good opportunity to showcase hip hop, as well as what Maori Pasifika artists are doing. I felt like it wasn’t a space that I typically see ourselves represented in and we got a chance to do that for both communities.
How do you think music can bring a community together
Music is one of the best mediums to bring a community together. I think it just helps to unpack any situation whether it’s a traumatic situation or a happy situation. A lot of us even as adults still struggle to communicate properly but if you’re able to put a melody to it, and some lyrics, it’s just a lot easier to digest. And I find people can understand that a lot better than speech and sometimes.
