Damian Eckstein is a veteran (or perhaps a stalwart) of the New York City music scene whose career began with trial by fire performances at the legendary CBGB while he was still in high school. His creative philosophy was forged through a mix of raw DIY hardcore influences and formal studies in studio composition at SUNY Purchase. Damian’s professional path is remarkably diverse; he transitioned from the high-pressure boot camp of 1990s commercial jingle writing—where he mastered the art of the "earworm"—to producing genre-bending tracks for television and composing long-form pieces for modern dance choreography. Despite a disillusioning brush with major label politics that left one of his early singles shelved, he has redefined success as being a loyal lifer who prioritizes artistic connection and global reach over pure financial gain. Currently a multi-instrumentalist who anchors the band GIFTSHOP on bass, he relies on a songwriting process driven by vocal melodies (captured in beast mode) while traversing the city. Above all, his longevity in the industry is built on a foundation of deep-seated trust with long-term collaborators and the support of one special person.

TRACK #3 is Astoria by GIFTSHOP.  An homage to the Queens neighborhood that GIFTSHOP calls home. These punk rockers are not afraid to be corny, and fans faithfully celebrate their favorite band by singing back the chorus at live shows. Name dropping the Hellgate Bridge and the Broadway subway stop, lead singer Meghan Taylor cheers on her favorite NYC borough. A super catchy romp delivered with unapologetic glee. - Em Moore, PunkNews 12/17/2025

Meghan Taylor isn’t just a vocalist, she is a force of nature. And if you’ve ever seen GIFTSHOP live, you’ll know what we mean.

While the band calls Astoria, Queens home, Meghan herself was born in Middletown, Connecticut. Her family soon moved to Hanau, Germany where she lived for five years before settling back in Upstate New York, where she honed her chops in several Rochester bands. With GIFTSHOP, she has the unique challenge of playing with bandmates - Damian Eckstein, Matt Santoro and Jordan Kramer - with some serious technical skills, and in both recordings and shows she is able to match them with the powerful intensity that she brings.

We had a chance to catch up with her to discuss performing, her background, and how to turn a torrential rainstorm into a blast for everyone.

Frontwoman Meghan Taylor lures in audiences with her delicious vocals, cool dance moves and unapologetic humor.  Meghan is a force on stage – fiercely energetic, honest, vulnerable.  She is a terrifically physical performer, who loves collaborating with her GIFTSHOP bandmates both on stage and off. A powerhouse entertainer whose emotive vocal range is laced with just the right touch of sass, she adds instinctive movement that perfectly embodies each musical moment.

Go on holiday and have a break from gigs? Not likely! But this blog isn’t your average gig review… more a recognition of how music has no borders, and of the power music and social media has in bringing people together who may not have done so otherwise…

Veteran Music Journalist