There’s a certain style of DIY rock and roll that thrives in cities and towns across the country—gruff, edgy, and deeply heartfelt. No pretense in the songs, no bullshit in the attitude. And often, some of the kindest people you’ll ever meet.
Two artists who embody that spirit – and represent its geographic reach – are the late Michael Dean Damron from Portland, OR and Matt Charette from Boston, MA. Two coasts, same heart.
Damron, founder of I Can Lick Any Son of a Bitch in the House, tragically died from cancer in 2025. Late last year, some of the genre’s finest paid tribute to him with the release of Buddies, a compilation featuring artists like Ben Nichols, Shane Sweeney, and Drag the River covering Damron’s songs. Charette added his voice to the celebration of life with a moving stripped-down version of “Break All Your Strings.”
If you’re recording one song, why not record two? Charette brought his band The Truer Sound into the studio to record one of his own: “Hold Me Close”. The song is an uplifting anthem about perseverance when everything feels stacked against you. “If you’re feeling alone, man, I don’t blame you / There’s a million voices like yours just waiting to be heard / Still a lot to be thankful in this world, I’m sure.”
Says Charette about the songs:
I hit the studio to track “Break All Your Strings” which is a cover of a song written by my friend Micheal Dean Damron of I Can Lick Any Son Of A Bitch In The House (killer name right?) who sadly passed a few months back. I was fortunate enough to have been invited to contribute to a Bandcamp comp that was supposed to raise a little money for Mike as he was battling cancer. Unfortunately he passed and the comp turned into more of a memorial. There’s some really great artists on this thing. Guys like Ben Nichols from Lucero, Slim Cessna, and Shane Sweeney from Two Cow Garage.
While I was in the studio I figured I’d get the guys to join me and track “Hold Me Close” which is a song I wrote about holding on to what you believe in during hard times. Pretty cathartic song to write honestly considering we’re living in the dumbest possible timeline.
Twangville is honored to premiere “Hold Me Close”, being released as a double single with “Break All Your Strings”.
About the author: Mild-mannered corporate executive by day, excitable Twangville denizen by night.