“Easy come, easy go,” was the lesson two-time Emmy Award-winning violinist Damien Escobar learned when he and his brother walked away from a multi-million-dollar brand that took ten years to build. The now-27-year-old’s claim to fame came early on in his teens when he, alongside his brother, appeared on America’s Got Talent as Nuttin’ but Stringz. Two kids from Jamaica, Queens playing a blend of hip hop and classical melodies with a violin was somewhat surprising to viewers, and unique to say the very least. The duo quickly shot to stardom – appearing in commercials and movies, touring, and even adding a platinum-selling album to their accolades. But growing creative differences eventually became too much for the pair to bear, and the success of Nuttin’ but Stringz came to an end – shattering the name and reputation Damien worked hard to establish, forcing him to rebuild from rock bottom.

After the fall, Damien is reveling in the climb. Since re-launching his career, Escobar boasts of 200K downloads from his first R&B mixtape, Sensual Melodies, and has more than a few notable solo headliner performances under his belt, including: CBS Upfront Presentation, Food & Wine Magazine’s Best New Chef Awards, Indy Car Championship Awards, Major League Baseball Annual Golf Fundraiser Event, Angela Simmons’ Electric Daze Fashion Show, Russell Simmons’ Hip Hop Inaugural Ball, and corporate concerts for FRIDAYS, Walmart, Target, and more.

Escobar, once a self-proclaimed retired violinist, is now on everyone’s radar, and has even obtained online success with viral videos picked up by media giants such as WorldStarHipHop.com, Huffington Post, and Allhiphop.com. A recent feature in People Magazine elevated Escobar to new heights in his solo career, highlighting his movement of giving back to others by doing random acts of kindness. The star even found his way back on national television, accepting an invitation to appear as a performer in WEtv’s ‘David Tutera’s: Unveiled. Since then, invitations to appear on television haven’t ceased, landing Escobar in the interviewee chair at Fox News and NBC, The Katie Couric Show, and several slots performing the national anthem for NFL and NBA teams.

Currently, Escobar is appreciating his journey as a fresh new artist, with the release of his high-energy, inspirational single “Freedom,” which debuted on CNN.com. Damien makes it no secret that he’s determined to gain recognition for being the “dopest” violinist to cross over into mainstream music. In an industry not overpopulated by instrumentalists, the urban-rock violinist is looking to change the game. He’s a pioneer with a plan, and the future of music rest in his hands.