For over a decade, Damez has been making his mark as an independent artist, navigating the highs and lows of the industry with grit, resilience, and an undeniable passion for his craft. Now, with his latest single, Long Way Now, he is stepping into new sonic territory, embracing country music in a way that is both unexpected and deeply personal. Released on January 30, 2025, and produced by bloom, the song is more than just a genre experiment—it’s a testament to Damez’s journey, his identity, and his refusal to be confined by labels.
“This song is very personal to me,” Damez shares. “It’s both an acknowledgment of my resilience and a celebration of how far I’ve come. I’ve always been someone who pushes boundaries, and this record is a reflection of that. I wanted to create something different, something that fully represents my range as an artist.”
Born in Mississippi and raised in Atlanta, Damez’s Southern roots run deep. Growing up as a Black, queer man in the Deep South shaped his artistry in profound ways, and Long Way Now carries that history in every note. The song captures themes of survival, identity, and self-discovery, blending raw storytelling with warm, evocative instrumentation. “I didn’t set out to make a country record—it just happened,” he explains. “I stumbled across this beat while listening to random instrumentals, and something about the chords pulled something out of me. Before I knew it, I was writing. I rewrote that chorus at least 50 times before I finally felt like I got it right.”
Damez has always drawn inspiration from artists who refuse to be boxed in, and Long Way Now is no exception. “Seeing artists like Beyoncé and Lana Del Rey tap into country last year was inspiring. It reminded me that music has no limits,” he says. “But this was about more than just experimenting with a new sound. It was about honoring my roots, telling my story in a way I never have before, and proving to myself that I could step into any space authentically.”
The accompanying music video, which Damez directed and edited himself, adds another layer of depth to the song’s narrative. Shot with careful attention to detail, the video is a visual journey through his past and present, featuring images of his late brother Ryan, his grandfather, and other family members. “Loss has been such a big part of my life, and I wanted to incorporate that into the video,” he explains. “It’s my way of honoring them, keeping their memory alive through my art.” One of the biggest challenges in bringing his vision to life? Finding a horse for the video. “It delayed everything, but I was determined. It was a non-negotiable for me,” he laughs. “And I’m so glad I stuck to it.”
With Long Way Now, Damez continues to prove that he is an artist who refuses to be defined by one sound, one style, or one genre. “My favorite artists were never just one thing, and I’ve never seen myself as one-dimensional either,” he says. “This year is all about exploring more sides of who I am as an artist and as a person. Less putting myself in a box, more evolving, more pushing boundaries.”
As Damez looks ahead, one thing is certain—this is just the beginning of an exciting new chapter. Long Way Now is available for streaming here, and you can watch the music video here.
Make sure to follow Damez and stay up to date with his latest music releases on his website and on Instagram @damez!