Dominique is by far one of the most buzz-worthy talents you haven’t heard of yet. The NYC based electronic pop producer’s DIY YouTube covers of hits by artists like Lorde, Allie X and Melanie Martinez are truly the epitome of talent. Not content with slaying bops by her contemporaries, Dominique has also dabbled into original music with the release of her self-titled EP, one which garnered support from BBC Radio 1 and Beats 1 due to its sensuous self-produced sounds. Today marks the release of her latest cover – a dazzling, ethereal spin on Cassie’s sultry 2006 R&B classic “Me & U”. To celebrate the drop of “Me & U”, have a read of our chat with Dominique:
- Your “looping cover” videos on YouTube are very unique, in the sense that we see you piecing the cover together as it is happening. What inspired that intimate insight into music production?
I saw some looping videos by other people on YouTube and it inspired me to do the same. I think they’re interesting to watch because you get to see almost the entire production process in one little video, and it allows you to appreciate each sound that makes up a song.
- Which of your covers is your favorite so far?
I put the most work into my “Pity Party” (Melanie Martinez) cover, and really enjoyed putting my own spin on it and translating the song to a totally different feel and vibe.
- Which artists motivate you the most?
Charli XCX and Julia Michaels are two incredible songwriters that I really look up to. Also Max Martin and pretty much any other Swedish musician that exist.
- How do you feel about the portrayal of women in the music industry? Are there any female musicians in particular who you admire or respect?
I think it’s getting better, there seems to be a lot of activism going on but of course there are still some underlying issues that remain. As mentioned before, Charli XCX and Julia Michaels because their music is so ubiquitous in pop and they just absolutely kill the game.
- Whose music are you into at the moment?
I’ve been listening to a lot of Tove Styrke and Sigrid.
- Who would produce your debut album? Apart from yourself, of course.
If I had to work with another producer for my own music, I’d try to work with the producers in Miike Snow. Or Danger Mouse
- Which musicians did you grow up on?
My dad played a lot of 60’s and 70’s music around the house. I grew up on a lot of Queen, Yes, The Beatles, and just basically all the pop music from those eras.
- How do you feel about the digitalization of the music industry?
I absolutely love it! For independent artists like me, it allows us to release and promote our music without having to rely on a record label. Nothing I’m doing right now would be possible if the industry hadn’t shifted in this direction.
- As a producer, which technological advancements do you appreciate the most?
Back in the day, you couldn’t just become a producer unless you had access to a studio. Equipment costed (and still does) an arm and a leg, so you needed a studio job or had to rent out studio space to get access to it. Now, most studio equipment has been converted into digital plug ins and costs much, much less than the real hardware. I produce all my own beats on my laptop while sitting on my couch in my apartment. I don’t have to worry about paying for studio time. I don’t have to worry about buying lots of expensive equipment. I can practice my craft without the pressure of losing money or having other people watch/judge me. So basically, these advancements in technology have made life a whole lot more chill for budding producers
- How does living in NYC affect you as an artist?
I think it’s made me a lot stronger. I’m also surrounded by people chasing their dream. There’s a lot of inspiration and motivation in this city and it can keep you running on energy you didn’t know you had in you.
- Where do you see yourself in 5 years?
I really hope to be working with lots of different artists co-writing and producing and I’d love to be more involved in the mainstream pop scene. I’d also like to keep self-releasing music under my name and playing lots of shows.
- What is your ultimate music industry dream?
I want to attend the Grammy’s one year 🙂
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