Ipswich Country artist Damien J. Johnson has just released his powerful new single, This House.
A gritty departure from his earlier work, This House leans into blues-driven country-rock, blending electric guitar, harmonica, and a brooding rhythm section to deliver Johnson’s most sonically bold track to date.
Produced by Johnson and Luis Mateer, and mixed and mastered by Matthew Gray Mastering, the single offers a raw, lived-in sound that underscores the emotional gravity of its lyrics. Backed by Ken Newman on bass and Mateer on drums, Johnson’s stirring vocals and evocative guitar work carry the song with a sense of urgency and soul.
Lyrically, This House explores the unsettling feeling of being out of place — physically, emotionally, or spiritually — and the longing to find a true home. “This House is more than just a song,” says Johnson. “It’s a place we’ve all been. For me, it echoes from an innate sense that there is a bigger, greater calling on humanity than the bustle of the competitive, capitalist life. It’s a spiritual cry for hope, for something that resonates with ideas of heaven, god, or the universe. But it could just as easily reflect the struggle of surviving the current housing crisis and wondering if you’ll ever find your place. That’s the beauty of the metaphor — it can hold many meanings.”
This House follows the release of One Hill Town, a heartfelt homage to small-town life and the quiet beauty of simplicity. Already garnering national attention, One Hill Town climbed into the Australian Top 40 Country Charts in early 2025 and continues to resonate with fans across the country. The track builds on the momentum of Johnson’s debut single Nobody Else But You, which received national airplay on ABC Radio and cemented his place as one of Australia’s most authentic emerging voices in country music.
With live performances alongside iconic Australian artists including James Blundell, Daryl Braithwaite, and David McCormack (Custard), and features on ABC Country and ABC Local Radio, Johnson’s presence in the national country scene is fast-growing. As Lee Kernaghan put it: “Thoroughly authentic!”
With thanks to Thanks For Coming Inc.
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