Hi Dom. What made you decide to become a soloist?
Music has been a constant presence in my life. My parents always encouraged me to take up music, and it was constantly being played in the house (Joni Mitchell, the Beatles, Bob Dylan). My first memory of playing live was at a school talent show: I performed “Time of Your Life” by Greenday, creating a core experience and I never looked back.
Anytime I was playing an instrument, I would write songs. I have many unreleased songs talking about what I knew, wanted to know, and had experienced.
Introduce us to you and your musical history?
Hiya! I’m Dom, a singer-songwriter who comes alive on stage. I take what I do seriously, but am a real joker at heart. My music is created to move people, telling deeply personal details of what I’ve seen and experienced.
What’s one question you’re sick of being asked when interviewed?
Most definitely “What is Yesterday’s Love song about.” I 100% understand why people want to know, they’re curious! And as a fan, I too want to hear what the artist has to say, but songs are so much more than the experience the singer is narrating. It becomes something bigger, and can (and hopefully) takes on a different meaning for people. That’s what I love most about releasing music. I want my songs to be relatable to my listeners, and for them to feel these emotions but in their own narrative.
Do you sign up to any conspiracy theories?
Hahaha! I think they are entertaining for sure, and I can get sucked into them, but no, not really. I think it’s fun to question things and do your own research. I’ve dived deep into the “Moon Landing Hoax” just for the pure entertainment of it.
What useless party trick do you have?
I can fit the lid of a wine glass in my mouth.
What was the most fun you have had on stage?
Every show brings something different and unique but most recently someone in the audience was having the time of her life and was loving the set! She ended up getting the crowd onto their feet, taking chairs from them and getting everyone to let go. By the end of the gig people were just loose and alive with energy. It was absolutely incredible!
What was the worst experience on stage?
I’ve been lucky, maybe being a solo artist there’s less to go wrong but I’ve had strings break, vocal cracks but it’s how you dress it up and make it part of the performance. Mistakes are only mistakes if acknowledged.
Tell us something about you, you think people would be surprised about?
I’m an avid cook and started to train to be a chef before making music full time. Food is everything to me.
I was also an extra on Hollyoaks!
If you had to describe your music to an alien how would you describe it?
Are you ready to be heartbroken? (HAHAH) This is music for the soul, and a groove for the feet.
What makes you stand out as an artist?
I have never been one to settle. Being a solo artist, I work twice as hard to get a big, full body, sound. I love that challenge though! It’s what allows me to hang on and be the person the audience remembers when leaving a show.
Right now, what’s pissing you off the most? (Can’t say the virus )
The energy price increase. Good people I know who have worked hard all their life, in respectable jobs are now having to go to food banks. This isn’t right when the likes of BP earned 10Bn last year with 3Bn in the last quarter. This needs to be given back to the people.
What’s your favourite song to play live and why?
I love to do crowd pleasers! The songs end big, the crowd is energetic! Can’t Say and Cold Feet are my newest players, I really get sucked into a good guitar riff. I also have a few unreleased songs that are so fun (Fire and Ice, Shallow Water).
I hear you have a new single, what can you tell us about it?
Yes! I do. Cold Feet is one of the catchiest songs you will hear this year. It’s a song which captures the emotions of nostalgia and romantic reflection. Cold Feet has been apart of my live set for some time and one which people have been waiting for. I’m so happy it’s finally out!
Talk me through the thought process of the single?
A single should develop the more you listen to it. From the message to the instrumentation, Cold Feet is one you can listen to whether you are trying to get over someone or have finally moved on. It’s got a great juxtaposition of being this upbeat, almost groovy song, but the lyrics are almost heart wrenching.
What was the recording process like?
A lot of fun! I usually always work on the production, structure and instrumentation at home then re-track the elements in the studio. It allows for more experimentation but I also find it’s easier to get the best results in time.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the single?
Always do right by the song. Cold Feet could have gone in many directions, but I stayed true to its origins. I didn’t want to chase a sound that wasn’t mine, and this is one of my tracks that came together with the quickest and allowed me to feel calm throughout the whole process. It was a lot of fun 🙂
Would you change anything now it’s finished?
Short answer, yes of course! Every artist I know would change something, even in their biggest hits. And I’m no different. I obsess over little details, and I find it hard but there’s a point where it’s only me that notices.
What are your plans for the year ahead?
I’ve recently put a band together which adds further scope to my material and gives my songs a new vibe, I have 3 weeks of shows in the United States in July and a year of new music coming!
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
You are all amazing! And should also give me a follow 😉
CHECK DOMS INSTAGRAM HERE