Hiya folks thanks for joining us in the virtual RGM lounge today, grab a brew and take a seat.
Yeah, thanks for having me
Introduce us to you and your musical history.
Hey, I’m Dominic Romano. I’m a songwriter, artist, and music producer based out of the very northern tip of California and I love creating folk-pop songs for people to connect with.
What was life like for you before music?
I never really had a life before music – ever since I was a baby my mom was in bands and would take me to the rehearsals and I’d just hang in the corner listening. I picked up my first instrument of violin when I was about 6 and transferred over to guitar in high school. It’s always been a part of my identity and I started my job as a recording engineer/music producer right out of college.
What’s the biggest thing you have learned from someone else in the industry?
There are 3 big things that have come from many people I admire, and from a few that do not.
Listen more. Talk Less.
Everything we do is a synthesis of what we’ve taken in, so start listening to the world around you with more detail, intention and thought. Find a way to drop your ego and learn from every experience you have with grace and humility.
Show up.
I am not necessarily the most talented or even skilled person in my college classes on recording. But what I did have was the professional skills to show up in full force when opportunities came my way, and maintain forward momentum with persistence and tenacity. Raw talent will get your foot in the door, but to stay you need to work for it wholeheartedly.
Be authentic.
Whether it’s with social media presence, working with other artists, or networking, it has been absolutely essential for me to maintain an authenticity to who I am and what I love.
Tell us Two truths and a lie about you.
I have written and recorded a whole song about Bulettes for a D&D campaign. I wrote a song while on a backpacking trip along the PCT that went viral. One of my favorite songs I’ve produced for another artist never got released.
If you could wish for one thing to aid your career what would it be?
If every person who connected with my music would take a moment to send a personalized message to someone else who they think would also love it. I truly believe that if everyone did this for the artists they loved, the music industry would look a lot different.
Tell us something about you that you think people would be surprised about.
I have worked at an open-door recording studio, so as a result, I have worked with a lot of projects that are not remotely close to my own style as an artist. Gangster Rap? Yup. Erotic Hypnotism? That too. Vegan Screamo. Bring it on.
What makes you stand out as an artist?
I think my writing style is unique and familiar at the same time which is a hard thing to come by. I also think my skills as a producer make me a unique creative force.
I hear you have a new music, what can you tell us about it.
Steady is about keeping yourself steady in order to help someone you love through struggles with mental health. This is a classic acoustic indie folk song, reminiscent of The Weepies, Joshua Radin, And Iron & Wine. This is also the first collaboration between Dominic and Nashville-based singer-songwriter Anelda whose vocal harmonies bring this love song to life in a whole new way.
What was the recording process like?
The song was recorded and produced very quickly out of Dominic’s home studio in northern California where he produces and mixes many indie folk artists. Dominic’s vocals you hear in the final mix are actually the first ones laid down because they had the most feeling. After the song was mostly recorded, it became clear that a harmony part was really needed for the message of this song to come across fully, and Anelda brought her incredible vocal abilities and creativity into the project to make it the perfect autumnal indie folk love song.
Would you change anything now that it’s finished?
Not a thing! I’m so proud of this song and I hope other people find comfort and connection in it as well
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
No that’s it. Just stay safe, create music, and treat each other well.
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