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SPOTLIGHT
From New York Subway Busking to 20 Weeks in UK Charts
Damon C. Scott, a New York City subway busker, gained fame in the UK after singing the chorus on Storm Queen’s “Look Right Through,” which spent 20 weeks on the UK charts in 2013. However, as revealed in Emily Sheskin’s documentary, “Damon at 86th Street,” Scott did not make as much money from the hit song as one might think.
In the film, Scott admits that he is “very unsuccessful” as an entertainer in the United States. He first met Storm Queen’s Morgan Geist through a human rights lawyer who invited him to perform as a for-hire vocalist. While Scott was paid “x-amount of dollars” for his work on “Look Right Through,” he did not benefit from the song’s success in the same way as Geist. Scott toured around the UK after the song’s release, but he was largely unknown until he started singing the chorus.
Despite his lack of commercial success, Scott has continued to pursue his music career, certifying Great Scott Records, LLC, and adding new tracks to his Soundcloud. He hopes to reach the same level of success as Storm Queen someday.
Sheskin’s documentary provides a glimpse into the challenges faced by aspiring musicians, particularly those who perform in public spaces like the subway. It highlights the importance of perseverance, even in the face of disappointment and setbacks. Damon C. Scott’s story is a reminder that success is not always measured in financial terms and that passion and dedication can be their own rewards.