It’s been many years since Scott Dameron and Jay Ladd V were fatefully forced together as college roommates. From the beginning, there was a certain musical connection and blend that the two were compelled to explore in the form of early attempts at songwriting, open mic nights, and the occasional college bar gig. After a couple years of writing, performing, and developing what would eventually be their sound, “real life” came calling, and they were sent in different directions towards families, careers, and individual musical projects. The two remained friends, and the occasional reunion and collaboration would only reinforce what they both knew – they should be making music together again.
Fast forward to early 2010 – after an email “hello”, and a “see if we’ve still got it” musical meeting, the Raleigh, North Carolina based contemporary folk duo, Scott Dameron and Jay Ladd V, were back together. After a few months of writing and rehearsing, the recording sessions for their debut album began in the Spring of 2010. “Walker 904A” (their college dorm room name/number!), was released in August 2010, and includes 13 interesting and thought-provoking songs about the experiences and reflections on everyday life, and the twists and turns of our existence. Produced by the award-winning engineer, multi-instrumentalist, and singer/songwriter Chris Rosser at his Hollow Reed Arts Studio in Asheville, North Carolina (some of his producing/engineering credits include folk stalwarts David Wilcox, Beth Wood and JohnSmith), the recording also includes guest appearances by legendary Western North Carolina Singer/Songwriter David LaMotte, as well as Oregon’s own award-winning songwriter, and amazing singer Beth Wood.
In only a little less than a year since the release of “Walker 904A”, the list of awards and acknowledgements has been impressive. The duo was recently named one of the ten finalists in the 2011 Wildflower Performing Songwriter Contest, one of the premier gatherings of singer/songwriters and folk artists in the country. The contest and festival were held in Richardson, Texas, in the beautiful Bank of America Theater within the Eisemann Center for Performing Arts. Also performing during this event were folk standouts and headliners Pierce Pettis, Tom Kimmel, Ellis Paul, Sara Hickman, Joe Ely, and many more.
In November 2011, they were named Winner of the North Carolina Songwriters Co-op Contest (former winner, Jonathan Byrd). They were also names 2011 Folk Artist of the year by the Charlotte Music Awards.
In early 2011, the accolades continued with “Walker 904A” being named an Indie-Music.com “Editor’s Pick”, the duo being chosen as a finalist in the Great American Song Contest, and being named alternate/honorable mention in the Susquehanna Music and Arts Festival Songwriter Contest. In addition to awards and accolades, many songs from the album have been played on folk radio stations across the country, and even throughout the world.