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BIOGRAPHY

Let Me Introduce You to a Unique Individual who's name is DEREK DAMIAN! aka "Motif."

When asked how he got the name Motif he replied "I am a reoccurring theme that represents great lyrical works, with a representation of Love in it's many forms.

Derek began his music background in the "Heartland of Iowa" where he went to school and began singing to old school records like Barry White, Teddy Pendergrass, and Isaac Hayes. Many performers caught his artistic ear and began to develop his sound which became a baritone bass with massive range.  The world began to notice something very special about the way he delivered his vocals, smooth yet powerful and was often asked who trained you? well he is the son of Harry Elston, one of the Lead Singers of the Old School 70's Group "The Friends of Distinction," who's hits include Grazing In The Grass and Going in Circles. "He taught me how to come out of a powerful vocal riff into a smooth transition,  I just think it's DNA."

In his later years Derek Damian moved to California and Joined up with R&B group "Phaze 3" as the bass vocalist of the quartet. Phaze 3 has had success around California and landed a compilation deal through an entertainment company/RCA Records. Things began to change as life does and the group went their own way which brings us into the now. In 2011 he began his singing career with an overseas hit called "Watcha Wanna Do" which was produced by Sean Kristopher a great friend of his, that song and his first entitled album "Destined For Greatness" did very well in the UK, France, Germany etc. After a couple of music videos and a few singles released, he took a hiatus to focus on other venues but never loosing site of music. "I always felt sometimes you have to get other interests in order then come back to the things you love most in due time, and I feel that time is now."

Derek spent the later part of 2016 and 2017 producing and writing his newly entitled "Baritone Love"album, which brings some of the most creative vocal attributes of a baritone bass artist. It digs deep into relationships and creates new ways to make love in lyric form. "I want to bring back a vocal style not getting it's full recognition like 1st and second tenors, thank God for artist like "Gregory Porter," I hope he and I can pave a new road for the Bass Singers."

Please follow, support, donate, introduce, and recommend DEREK DAMIAN AKA MOTIF" to a chosen way of life, which is to create harmonious music to your ears and not negative but positive music designed to ask you the question, do you still believe in good music? It has been a pleasure telling you about this amazing talent!  Stay cool and forever humble.

PEACE AND LOVE TO  ALL

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