The Scene Magazine Interviews: Damien O' Brien

Damien started his career performing at local pubs in South London and local birthday parties, but it was in the Autumn of 2005 Damien's career took off. After blagging his way into an exclusive party in London where he amazed numerous celebrities and reality TV stars, Damien managed to show what he was really made of.

Since that night Damien has been booked to perform at some of the most prestigious events and clubs in the UK including 50 Cents after show party, 2006 Brit Awards, 2006 NME Awards, 2006 National Soap Awards just to name a few.

1. Whats happening Damien, How are things going with you at the moment?

Yeah, everything is going well with me. Working hard on new tricks and illusions at the moment and I’m also putting together my first ever stage show which will be shown at the Venue Theatre in Leicester SQ on February 3rd bank holiday Sunday. So yeah all good at the moment.

2. When did you first become interested in magic?

I first became interested in magic when I was about 12. My friend Richard who lived opposite me use to do magic and I used to watch him all the time and just loved the way he could get the reactions he did.

Damien, Michelle Scott Lee & Garath Gates: OK Party

When I was about 13 I asked him if he would teach me a few tricks, he showed me one trick and I practiced it for about a month then when I saw him again I showed him that I could do the trick, but I also was trying to do other tricks and from that point he saw I was really intrigued by magic and so he helped me get into it and it went from there and I ain't stopped performing since. I don’t think I’ll ever stop, it’s a amazing thing to be able to amaze people like that and inspire them.

3. You have performed in front of celebrities and at events such as 50 Cents Gunit aftershow party, Sugababes, Calum Best, Michelle Scott Lee and at the UMA Awards 2007, how does it feel to attract such a prestige audience?

It’s amazing to be able to perform for stars such as 50 Cent & The Beckham's because growing up I always thought to myself I’m going to be a great magician and make sure I show the world what I can do. So to actually be living my dream and for people like 50 Cent to take interest in me is an amazing feeling. Last year, I also had the chance to present an award at the Urban Music Awards which was an incredible thing to do. It was first time in ages that I was nerves about going on stage, but once I was up there was almost something inside me saying this is it you have made it now live it and it was just a great feeling.

Damien & UK music artist Kano

4. After years of performing magic, how do you keep your acts fresh?

To keep your magic fresh, every magician will agree with this, is that you have to be very dedicated and want to learn more and have the time to sit back and work hard at learning and perfecting a trick. I also believe it helps if you have a creative mind and enjoy making new tricks, but that is one good thing with magic, there are always new tricks coming out for you to learn so I do my best to try to keep up with learning new tricks when I’m not on the road performing or in meetings. So you can always be sure to see a new trick from me every time you see me perform.

5. What has magic afforded you in your life?

Magic has been the best thing in my life. I don’t come from the best of areas and it has helped keep me away from hanging about on the streets, drinking or doing drugs. So magic has really helped me become a better person to keep away from all them things.

6. Since early 2006 Damien you have been filming your new DVD which will show footage of you performing some of the best magic ever to be seen on film. Do you have any more TV projects that will be coming out for all to see soon?

Yeah, I got my own TV show called 'Mind & Magic' which has been shown on Invincible TV in the UK and USA. But I’m in talks now for another TV show with a major company. unfortunately, I can’t say who the company is; but I’ll be filming with them this month, I’ll also be releasing the dates and channel the show will be airing on soon on my website www.damienobrien.com.

I’m also going to be a judge on a new TV show called 'The next urban superstar' which is bit like The Xfactor and Britains Got Talent rolled in to one. There will be singers, dancers and comedians it will be great show, then off course this year’s Brit Awards and UMA awards.

Damien and N-Dubz

7. Where do you look for inspiration for your magic?

For inspiration, I try not to look at other magicians for it because I believe you will look to them too much, then eventually you will try to be just like them. I want to be the first me, not a poor someone else but I do watch other magicians to see what they do and love seeing them come up with new tricks it’s still fun to watch after all this time.

8. We are only starting to see a few magic acts coming on to the scene, Where do you want to take magic?

For me I want to take magic to the highest level possible, I want people to look at magic as something amazing and show people how incredible it really can be. In my opinion, magic is not a popular as it should be which is a shame. I’m not going to say names, but there magicians out there what have given magic a bad name and people look at it as a boring old act and the one thing I’m trying to do is make it modern and exciting again

9. Are there any people, actors, other magicians, comedians, that you really would like to work with?

If I could work with anyone would be Eminem he has been one of the most influential people of our time he speaks his mind and tells people how it is and people love him for it. He just has amazing talent he can affect people with words just like magic. Any magician would be Paul Harris a brilliant magician from America without doubts one of the best ever.

Damien & RnB star Gabrielle at UMA Awards

10. With a wide range of effects from cards, coins, watches, rings and even mind control. What would you say is your favourite trick and why?

My favourite trick is a new one I just made called 'Kinder Ring'.

I borrow someone’s ring and make it disappear in front off their face, then I offer them 20p to replace the ring; when they say no I change the 20p into a kinder egg it looks amazing. I hand them the kinder egg and say ok have this instead and when they say no again I say remember when you was kid there always use to be a surprise inside, then when they open it up break open the chocolate inside the hard yellow shell they find there ring. It’s amazing and just gets the best reaction.

11. Any new plans for 2008?

My plans for 2008 is to make sure people will see allot more off me and have more cool tricks for people to see and above all just to have fun and keep living my dream.

12. Any shout outs?

I would like to say big thank you to my friend Richard Bellars for getting me into magic as a kid would never be here if wasn’t for you.

My family for letting me pursue my dream and making sure I never gave up.

My friends for always being there for me my manager Jordan Kensington for believing in me and giving me the chance to perform at a higher level and to all the people who watch me I wouldn’t have got this far if I had no one to perform for so thank you all peace

Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/damiensmagic
Website: http://www.damienobrien.com/