Damian Kessler

Bitter Jester Music Festival Judge

2023 Bitter Jester Grand Champion & Drummer of the Year

Damian Kessler is an active drummer, bassist, studio engineer, producer and musical director from Central Wisconsin. He has been playing drums since the ripe old age of four, when his grandparents bought him his first child-sized drum kit.

When he was in 3rd or 4th grade, Damian got his first full-sized kit and took his first official drum lessons. At age 11 he met guitarist Tyler Armstrong and together they formed the band Scorched Waves. Damian has always had a passion for recording and producing music. Beyond being in bands, he would sit in the back of class during middle and high school making music on his computer.

By age 14, Damian was playing a schedule of shows around Wisconsin with Tyler and the band. Damian is now active in three bands ranging from bluegrass, metal, and indie rock respectively. Since finishing high school he has completed several tours across the US and opened for a host of well-known artists including Weatus, The Black Crowes, Axe and the Hatchetmen, and Porch Light.

“Bitter Jester helped develop me into the drummer and musician I am today. The feedback from judges and the education tools are invaluable for young musicians looking to grow and become leaders in the music field.”

- Damian Kessler

Between 2020 and 2024 Damian Competed with Scorched Waves in the Bitter Jester Music Festival, attaining the full “Trifecta” of accolades, having placed first, second, and third at the festival. His first year competing was in the 2020 Bitter Jester Original Song Competition, judged by a panel including Smashing Pumpkins frontman Billy Corgan.

In his third year, 2022, Damian and Scorched Waves came in 3rd place, winning the “Ska-Lers Honorable Mention Award.” In 2023, after being selected as a Wild Card, Damian and his band were crowned Grand Champions and he co-won the 2023 Drummer of the Year Award with fellow drummer Brady Lot from the Michigan band Heat Above. In 2024, Damian’s final year competing with Scorched Waves, he and the band came in 2nd Place, completing their Bitter Jester “Trifecta.” 2025 was his last Bitter Jester performance when he played drums for, competed with, and musically directed artist Zeke Rowan. Zeke’s band was selected as a Wild Card and Damian competed at the BJMF Finals one last time.

Damian’s influences include drummers like Devon “Stixx” Taylor (Usher-Justin Bieber), Trey Cool (Green Day), Larnell Lewis (Snarkey Puppy), Benny Greb, J-Rod Sullivan (J-Rod Sullivan), and II (Sleep token) and a variety of traditional Hispanic and African music. He brings a wide variety of genres and feels to each and every performance, showcasing flashes of speed like II and the creative intentionality of Larnel Lewis. Damian loves when a drummer gets their “flowers” and the opportunity to shine and “show what they have”. 

He is currently working on remodeling, building, and opening a commercial studio near his home town in Wisconsin.