In this episode of **Gems From Friends**, Matthew Ashby sits down with Damian "Hypasounds" Etienne for one of his most honest conversations yet.
From beating drums on school desks to becoming an internationally touring artist, Hypasounds reflects on the journey that built his career, the importance of branding, why consistency beats chasing trends, and what it really takes to survive in the music industry for two decades.
The conversation also takes a deeply personal turn as he opens up about the loss of his father, brothers, and niece while still showing up to perform around the world.
This isn't just a conversation about soca.
It's about purpose, legacy, business, grief, faith, and building something that lasts.
💎 In this episode we discuss:
• The transition from DJ to international recording artist
• Why consistency matters more than viral success
• Building a career instead of chasing one hit
• The business behind the music
• Barbados' creative industry and what's holding it back
• Staying relevant for 20 years
• Branding, discipline, and entrepreneurship
• Processing loss while performing for thousands
• Advice for the next generation of Caribbean artists
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