Damion Burrows – Smalltown Boy: 80s dance anthems with a big legacy

Music so often has big things to say about its time. And there’s something about the 80s where this really went into overdrive. My guest today was living and breathing it…

Hello and welcome to another episode of All About The Music, where I am joined by Damion Burrows who, when he’s not heading up his own architectural business, can be seen on TV shows like Grand Designs: House of the Year, Your Home Made Perfect and Britain’s Favourite Railway Stations.

As a youngster coming out in the 80s, Damion was drawn from hometown Sheffield to the clubs of Manchester which resounded to Bronski Beat’s Smalltown Boy and Pet Shop Boys hits like Left To My Own Devices. Through club music with a real message, Damion was finding his crowd whilst Britain was shouldering “Section 28”, which banned the promotion of homosexuality in schools and by local authorities.

As an adult, music is Damion’s way of relaxing, whether that’s revelling in the soulful brilliance of Celeste, soaking up the vibe with a posh picnic at a Jamie Cullum concert, or marvelling at the Kate Bush-esque vocal qualities of Swedish star Robyn.

And I’m delighted to say, Damion’s introducing a new act to me too – the brilliant baritone of country star Orville Peck, who seems to be able to turn his hand to almost anything.

Follow Damion Burrows: https://www.instagram.com/damionburrows/

Listen to all Damion’s selections on Spotify here: https://open.spotify.com/playlist/4ukc7QSU9cgSkzZXUSbHKU

Featured artists & tracks:

Jimmy Somerville & Bronski Beat, “Small Town Boy”

Pet Shop Boys, “Left to My Own Devices”

Celeste, “Stop This Flame”, “Strange”

Jamie Cullum, “These Are the Days”, “You and Me Are Gone”