João Damas (b. 1981) is a composer and electronic musician. He dives in the blending of classical minimalism, rock and electronic music genres. 

He began as a bass player at the age of 16, participating in the rock band Siddhartha. Inspired by his teacher Ricardo Dikk, João explored the numerous technical possibilities of the bass guitar. This phase culminated with the demo album ‘A Cruzada Extraterrestre’ for electrical bass, drums, piano and string quartet, in what can be described as a fusion between funk jazz and classical music.

Due to a chronic tendinitis, João began learning the piano in a classical style. Inspired by his teacher Martin Gerhardt, he started to study music composition. His first written score was called ‘A morte do Capuchinho Vermelho’, for solo piano.

After surrounding himself with a library of music books, with the help of composer Pedro M. Rocha, he applied to music college.

From 2007 to 2009, João studied music at Hertfordshire University, under the guidance of Dave Smith and Rob Godman, with a final internship at Harvestworks, NYC, sponsored by the Portuguese government program Inov-Art.

Between 2010 and 2017, he found himself lost in music experimentation. His last work before entering ESML for a masters program was an orchestral piece in a minimalist style called ‘Vórtice da meia-noite’. At ESML, João had guidance from António Pinho Vargas, where he realised the unlikelihood of having his music performed by musicians.

After graduation, João saw himself home alone due to the pandemic, with a bunch of synthesisers in his studio. Until 2023 he unpublished several albums of electronic music. In 2024 his debut record ‘Fomos Gente’ was released.

João is a nature and animal lover. A seeker of peace and quiet times. Enjoyer of space and freedom.