Damian Michaels Turns Grief Into Surreal Storytelling on “love_em_brainless”

Vancouver-based artist damian michaels returned this summer with “love_em_brainless,” an indie acoustic single released on July 22, 2026. Built around the strange reality of losing someone to the bottom of the ocean, the track brings together grief, dark humor and surreal nautical imagery in a deeply vulnerable story.

Behind damian michaels is the creative partnership of Damian Jude Michaels and Joshua Mark Nathan Cleaver, supported by a close circle of chosen family. Their collaborative approach places emotional honesty ahead of safe or conventional creative choices.

Recorded entirely in an intimate home environment, “love_em_brainless” favors acoustic warmth, clarity and a transparent vocal delivery rather than heavy processing. This organic approach gives the storytelling room to breathe and strengthens the emotional impact of every shift.

With glowing trawlers, himbo sirens and deep-sea narcosis meeting the painful reality of permanent loss, “love_em_brainless” stands out as an imaginative, raw and memorable release.