Hi Dom thanks for joining us today. What made you decide that music is a thing for you?
It’s something that has come so naturally to me. From my parents encouraging me to pick up the guitar and through school playing talent shows. It became an extension of my personality and the entertainment aspect excites me.
Introduce you and your musical history?
It’s just me. Hi, I’m Dom Malin and I am the band, haha! I’ve been playing guitar basically my whole life, choosing a couple years ago to start releasing my music. I produce for other musicians and I’ve been a session guitarist, but primarily it’s solo Dom.
I have played in a band and while I loved it, I like the intimacy of being a solo performer and with the flexibility of a loop pedal and effects, you can achieve a big, robust sound.
What was life like for you before music?
I can’t remember! Haha! Music is everything to me and has been since I first picked up the guitar. Everyone I’ve ever known or call my friends are through my passion and love for music. I love it, I’ll never look back.
What was the first song you heard that steered you into a music path?
I can’t recall exactly, but the music I was surrounded by while growing up included Joni Mitch, Eric Clapton and Neil Young. But I do recall a road trip and the radio was playing Alanis Morissette’s – “I’m A Bitch”, and I think thats when the real interest stirred.
Where do you feel you currently sit within the music industry?
Ed Sheeran said it perfectly once “They say I’m up and comin’ like I’m f**king in an elevator”. I’m finding my path and the community I’ve built through Twitch, social media and touring. I’m showing up and working my a** off and I couldnt be happier. But I’m ready to take it as far as I can.
What’s the biggest thing you have learned from someone else in the industry?
It’s a marathon not a sprint. Cliche maybe, but it’s so true.
Tell us Two truths and a lie about you.
I’ve supported Dermot Kennedy I’ve lived in America
I have a tattoo
If you could wish for one thing to aid your career what would it be?
Streaming services paying artists fairly.
Do you ever worry about people taking things the wrong way or cancel culture? Discuss….
Yes, definitely. But not in the way that I’m a controversial person.The world we live in is in a fragile place where people have been careless and I think everyone needs to take a little more care with their actions and words.
Do you sign up to any conspiracy theories? If no why not?
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 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, and 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 that 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.
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 achieve the sound of a band. I love that challenge though! It’s what allows me to hang on and be the person the audience remembers when leaving a show.
I hear you have a new music, what can you tell us about it.
I do! Surface was born from the deep-seated emotions of feeling like an outsider, perpetually on the fringes, trying to belong but feeling left out. This song explores the internal struggle of wanting to be a part of something, yearning to be heard, yet often feeling like a ghost—a mere whisper in the roaring crowd.
What was the recording process like?
Oh my god, so much fun! I demo’d the whole track at home and loved it so much I had to schedule a studio session in Leeds. I re-tracked it and added the drums, and played around with the vocals and it turned out to be this indie-rock song that I’m really proud of and excited about.
What was the biggest learning curve in writing the new tunes?
Always do right by the song. Sometimes it means re-writing sections or giving a song space. Don’t chase an idea. A good song will hang around and find the spotlight when ready.
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.
Is there anything else you would like to share with the world?
Make yourself known! I’d love to get to know my audience.
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