Damien van Johnson is a versatile Kingston-based musician best known as a guitarist and multi-instrumentalist with The Mill Rights themillrights.com. Equally comfortable laying down driving guitar riffs, weaving melodic textures, or jumping between instruments to serve the song, Damien has built a reputation as a dynamic performer and collaborative musician. Drawing inspiration from classic rock, folk traditions, and contemporary roots music, he brings both technical skill and an infectious enthusiasm to the stage. Whether he’s performing in intimate venues or larger festival settings, Damien’s passion for live music and genuine connection with audiences have helped make The Mill Rights a standout act in Eastern Ontario’s vibrant music scene. I caught up with Damien in advance of their show on The Cove patio stage on Thursday, July 9 from 5–8pm, where they will share the stage with their good friend Tom Savage, who recently collaborated with them on their new record.
Seamus Cowan: Every musician has that one moment when they thought, “Okay, this isn’t just a hobby anymore.” What was the moment that convinced you music was going to be a major part of your life?
Damien van Johnson: We have been very fortunate to do some touring overseas. That moment happened for me while we were on tour. When you are on the road, you are there to do one thing and that’s play shows to the best of your ability. That’s when I realized this isn’t just a hobby, I’m actually doing this, and I don’t want it to ever end.
As a multi-instrumentalist, is there one instrument you secretly think deserves more attention — and have you ever been tempted to give the guitar a night off?
To be honest, I wouldn’t call myself a multi-instrumentalist, but that being said I have been working on my mandolin chops for a little while now and I am hoping to whip the mando out at gig sometime.
The Mill Rights have played their share of shows. What’s the funniest, strangest, or most unexpected thing that’s happened to you on stage that audiences probably never knew about?
Once after a show on Wolfe Island a tourist asked me if I was related to [American actor and comedian] Chris Farley… I said “no sir”.
If you could assemble your dream band from any musicians in history — alive or gone — who’s in the lineup, and what role are you playing?
If I could assemble my dream band it would be Buddy Holly singing with Waylon Jennings, Derek Trucks playing guitar, Bootsy Collins on bass and Buddy Rich on drums. I’d be happy just to listen.
Imagine a filmmaker is making “The Damien Van Johnson Story.” What song absolutely has to play during the opening credits, and why?
If someone was to make a bio pic about me, the opening song would have to be Even The Losers (Get Lucky Sometimes).
Catch Damien and The Mill Rights at The Cove on July 9. Call 273–3636 or visit coveinn.com for reservations or more details on this and other upcoming shows.