On the Couch with Damien Power

Damien-Power-AAR-On-the-CouchWho is Damien Power?
I’m a comedian and a writer. I’m spending increasing time screenwriting, but I don’t think I’ll ever stop doing stand-up comedy. I’m from regional Queensland, Toowoomba, so I love a rum and a fight when I can – what’re you lookin at? (Toowoomba’s actually beautiful).

What would you do differently from what you do now?
I think I could always have more time writing. Oh, and I’d go back into IT support. I miss changing the toner cartridges and those printer errors where there’s no reason why it shouldn’t work, but it doesn’t, so you get increasingly frustrated till you secretly kick the f**kin’ thing.

Who inspires you and why?
My friend Sam Campbell – he’s a comedian too. Sam is purely focused on being creative and doing work that interests him. Which sounds straightforward, but it’s very easy to fall into the trap of doing work you don’t want to do for the wrong reasons.

What would you do to make a difference in the world?
Raise my son to have values and a moral compass. We live in a time of being overwhelmed with the problems of the world. I try to focus on doing the right thing in my own backyard – being good to people around you and positively contributing to your local community.

Favourite holiday destination and why?
This is hard. I don’t know if it’s my favorite holiday destination but it’s somewhere that totally blew me away and that’s the Scottish Highlands. If you ever get the chance take a trip around the Scottish Highlands. It’s like another planet. The people are so hospitable. I thought after watching Brave Heart they’d be difficult.

When friends come to town, what attraction would you take them to, and why?
There are a couple of great whiskey bars, Cobbler in West End, for example. Cedar Creek out towards Samford is incredibly beautiful and The Brisbane Powerhouse is an amazing venue.

What are you currently reading?
Meditations by Marcus Aurelius – a book of Greek stoicism. I can’t recommend this enough.

What are you currently listening to?
Stevie Wonder – Songs in the Key of Life, amazing album. So is The Beach Boys’ Pet Sounds.

Happiness is?
Enjoying the simple, daily things you do. Obviously, this is harder then it sounds. Especially if you work in IT support.

What does the future hold for you?
MCing an incredible variety night at QPAC called Club Cremorne!


Damien will host an incredible selection of acts in Club Cremorne at the Queensland Performing Arts Centre (QPAC): 12 September – 3 October 2020. For more information, visit: www.qpac.com.au for details.

Image: Damien Power (supplied)