An Interview With Dom Malin
Dom Malin released an EP that gives off a genuine neo-folk sound that bleeds emotion and cinematic tonality from start to finish.
The Something Never Said, Pt1 EP is like a diary from personal experience driven by the artist's ability to tell stories with detail.
Guitars float in the background, percussion hits in the distance, and acoustics and piano keeps up front giving everything a particular sheen that sticks with you.
The songs are deepening and can engulf you at the drop of a dime.
This release will keep you afloat and at times on the edge of your seat as choruses whale and songs become anthemic and powerful.
There are various styles on the record and everything is performed with a great passion, a touch of outside the box aesthetic, and loads of heart.
The record boasts a youthful energy that packs a bit of a punch and most songs really have a way of getting in your head to the point that you're singing melodies in your head hours after it's ended.
There are layers to be peeled back here and each song brings something a little different to the table. There are several surprises across the 5 track span of the release and they all wash you away with the sound.
Malin hits this with a tasteful swagger that works as part of his whole character and this record is his outlet.
Songs are incredibly relatable and work on tons of levels.
With such a great release, we wanted to have a talk with Malin to find out where this all came from and what's next for him.
TSWS: The Something Never Said Pt1 EP feels pretty personal. Where did this record come
from?
Dom: The EP is based on one of the biggest changes in my life and describes the moments
after a long term relationship came to an end. It encapsulates all the feelings and
emotions such as frustration, loneliness, heartbreak, and sadness. The EP is made up of
short connecting narratives which explore the theme deeper throughout each track. At
the time of writing these songs, I was afraid to share or show my feelings. I felt
embarrassed and vulnerable, but the music was my comfort and escape.
Though the record is based on life from my perspective, I want everyone to enjoy and
embrace it through their own eyes.
TSWS: I'm hearing some really nice blends of genres on the record. Who are your biggest
musical influences?
Dom: I try to immerse myself in as much diverse music as possible and not confine myself to
one particular artist. For this EP, I listened to musicians such as Damien Rice, Mumford &
Sons, Daugther. I found their sound to be really inspiring through the process of writing
and recording.
TSWS: So, how did all of this start for you?
Dom: My passion for music started after a school talent contest where I was encouraged by my
parents to play a cover of ‘Time of your life’ by Green Day. I recall the day after writing
my first song and feeling empowered like I had found my talent. Since then I’ve never
looked back. Every decision thereafter was about music, from Uni to my day job as a
music teacher.
TSWS: What are you all doing when you're NOT working on music?
Dom: Reconnecting with nature, I grew up on camping holidays and I just feel at home
outdoors: hiking, biking, climbing. It’s a way to recharge and find inspiration. It’s the
reason why I reference the beauty and chaos of the elements in my music.
I also love to cook. I definitely considered being a chef if I hadn’t pursued music. I
believe they both have similar traits in common. They require discipline, hard work, and
creating something beautiful and unforgettable.
TSWS: Now that things are slowly getting a bit better, will you be planning on any live
performances?
Dom: Oh for sure, it feels like it’s been such a long time! I’ve spent lockdown mostly recording
music and working on content for my socials. Luckily artists have been able to live
stream but it doesn't have the same impact emotionally as sharing an experience with
people live. I’m very much looking forward to taking the songs on the road and seeing
how audiences respond in a lively environment.
TSWS: Who are you listening to right now?
Dom: Recently I’ve been listening to REM, a song of their’s popped in my head so I’ve been
going through their catalogue. The Lumineers, James Blake, and Toby Johnson have
found their way to my Spotify playlists. I find I have times where I feel nostalgic and I’m
currently going through one of those phases. But also these are all artists which provide
me with a different sonic palette and it keeps the listening experience fresh for me.
TSWS: Can we expect any music videos coming?
Dom: I love when artists continue the concept of an EP or album through a music video or
short film. It’s so cool and inspiring!
I filmed a video for Drama, and it was not only a learning curve but fun to create. It was
filmed and edited on an iPhone. Time permitting though I would like to bring to life the
characters of the EP through a visual soundscape.
TSWS: This EP sounds like a big undertaking. What sort of advice would you have for other
up and coming artists?
Dom: Trust yourself and your own vision. Though producers can bring fantastic ideas to the
table you need your music to reflect you and your values. Ask yourself, if you were to
play live will your audience receive what they heard on the record?
TSWS: You wake up in the middle of the night starving. What are your go-to midnight
snacks? (A question of character)
Dom: Anything I can find. I love food and everything about it! Popcorn is always my go-to. I
love homemade sandwiches from leftovers, and I'm known for snacking on granola with
fruit.
TSWS: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Dom: This is only the beginning! I very much look forward to sharing new music with you,
getting to know you all, and playing for live audiences.
I can’t wait to put pen to paper and work on a collection of songs to capture other
moods and observations where you can immerse yourself and become lost in the
narrative.
