Dom Malin has built his life around music. From acquiring his first electric guitar at 12-years-old, he has never let go of that childlike wonder and passion for creating music. He’s continually inspired by the potent connection between music and memory, how a song can transport you back to a certain time or place. Influenced by the power and mutability of nature, the Midlands-based artist is back with ‘Keep Out The Rain’. We caught up with the talented singer around the release of his new single.
– Can you tell us about your earliest memories with music? What drew you to the guitar, and how did you first start learning to play?
My earliest memories of music are intertwined with special moments from my childhood. Although I didn’t come from a musical background, my parents played a significant role in encouraging my interest in music. They gifted me my first guitar, which sparked my journey into the musical world. On a more personal note, my great-grandfather, who was Scottish, played the piano, and I like to think my love for playing is connected to him.
The experiences that music gave me continued to deepen my passion. I distinctly remember coming home from a camping trip in Wales, and Joan Osborn’s “One of Us” was playing on the radio. Moments like these, along with rushing home to catch the latest MTV music videos as a teen and sharing songs with friends, left a lasting impression on me.
What truly drew me to the guitar was the way it could convey emotions and tell stories. Inspired by artists like Damien Rice, whose live performance at Glastonbury left me in awe, I felt a strong desire to create and express myself through music. My first steps in learning to play involved a lot of self-teaching, spending hours practicing chords and strumming patterns, and emulating songs I loved. Over time, these experiences shaped my musical journey and helped me develop my own style.
– Growing up, which artists or bands were most influential to you? How did they shape your musical tastes and ambitions?
Growing up, several artists and bands significantly influenced my musical tastes and ambitions. One of the most impactful was Guns N’ Roses, especially their album “Appetite for Destruction.” I was captivated by Slash’s guitar work, and he quickly became my guitar hero. I spent countless hours learning all the solos from that album, which greatly shaped my guitar playing style.
Another major influence was Alanis Morissette. Her raw, emotive songwriting and powerful vocals resonated with me, inspiring me to explore more introspective and expressive songwriting. Neil Young’s timeless music and heartfelt lyrics also had a profound impact on me. His ability to tell stories through his songs pushed me to develop my narrative style in my own music.
Lastly, Damien Rice was a huge inspiration, particularly his live performances. The emotional depth and simplicity of his music showed me the power of vulnerability in artistry. Witnessing his performance at Glastonbury left a lasting impression and motivated me to pursue music with authenticity and passion.
– You’ve busked in various cities like Birmingham, Bristol, and Manchester. Can you share some memorable experiences from busking?
One particularly memorable moment was in Birmingham when a passerby, who seemed to be in a rush, stopped abruptly to listen to my performance. She stayed for the entire set and later told me that my music had brightened her tough day. This kind of immediate and genuine feedback was incredibly encouraging.
In Manchester, I had the opportunity to collaborate with other street performers. One day, I joined a group of musicians for an impromptu jam session. The spontaneity and the diverse blend of styles created a unique and exhilarating atmosphere, attracting a large crowd.
Bristol was where I really started to push my boundaries. I played every open stage I could find and did sessions as a guitarist for vocal artists and songwriters while at university. As my confidence built, I began to trust and perform my original material. The pinnacle of my busking journey was creating a limited pressing of demos I had recorded on a 4-track (Boss Micro BR), all produced by me—including pressing, recording, and the artwork. Sharing my own music and seeing people’s positive reactions was incredibly rewarding.
– Can you describe the moment in Bad Berleburg, Germany, that inspired your latest single ‘Keep Out The Rain’?
The moment in Bad Berleburg, Germany, that inspired my latest single “Keep Out The Rain” occurred midway through a four-week tour. We were visiting Bad Berleburg for the first time, and after a show, we had two days to rest and reflect. One afternoon, as I sat with my guitar on a couch bed, I started picking at the strings without any specific direction.
As I played, I began to think about the theme of resilience. I was reflecting on the journey so far, the challenges faced, and the meaningful conversations I had with people along the way. The interactions and experiences from the tour had a profound impact on me, and I felt a strong urge to channel those emotions into my music.
The serene environment of Bad Berleburg provided the perfect backdrop for this moment of introspection. The theme of resilience resonated deeply with me, and I found myself creating a melody and lyrics that captured the essence of overcoming obstacles and persevering through difficult times.
This introspective session on that quiet afternoon led to the creation of “Keep Out The Rain,” a song that embodies the strength and determination needed to weather life’s storms. It was a powerful and cathartic experience that shaped the single and its message.
– ‘Keep Out The Rain’ marks a departure from your usual American-tinged acoustic folk to a more indie-rock sound. What prompted this shift and how did it influence your songwriting and production process?
The shift in “Keep Out The Rain” from my usual American-tinged acoustic folk to a more indie-rock sound has been a gradual process since the release of ‘The Sea.’ I wanted to push myself further and avoid being pigeonholed into a specific genre, aiming to showcase the depth of my writing and musicianship skills. This change feels like a natural progression, allowing me to offer my audience something new and exciting.
I love the element of surprise; it keeps things fresh for me as an artist and for my fans. Transitioning to a more band-focused sound has been something I’ve wanted to explore for some time. Initially, the music had a relaxed, singer-songwriter feel with a simple slap/strum guitar pattern. However, during pre-production, I started to think about how artists like Bruce Springsteen and Sam Fender might approach the song. Their styles helped shape the production while staying true to my folk roots.
– Reflecting on your recent tours with Paris Paloma, Dermot Kennedy, and Luna Keller, what have been some standout moments, and how have these experiences enriched your growth as an artist?
I find that each experience has been immensely enriching for my growth as an artist. One standout moment was performing alongside Dermot Kennedy at a sold-out venue. The energy from the crowd and the connection we shared during that performance was unforgettable. It taught me so much about stage presence and engaging with a large audience.
Another standout moment was touring with Luna Keller across different cities. It was inspiring to see how her music resonated with diverse audiences and to learn from her approach to songwriting and storytelling. These experiences have broadened my perspective on music and performance.
Each tour has provided invaluable lessons. Whether it was adjusting my playing technique based on audience reactions or refining my stage banter to better connect with listeners, the instant feedback from these shows has been crucial for my growth. I constantly strive to improve and innovate based on what I learn from each performance.
Overall, these tours have not only allowed me to showcase my music but also to learn from seasoned artists, connect with new audiences, and refine my craft. They have fueled my passion for music and reinforced my commitment to continual improvement as an artist.
– You’re opening for Jon Muq at Omeara on 26th July. What are you most looking forward to about this performance?
There are so many aspects of this performance that I’m looking forward to. First and foremost, I’ve heard that Omeara is a stunning venue, and I can’t wait to experience its atmosphere firsthand. It’s also a special occasion for me because it marks my return to London, a city that holds a lot of memories and inspiration for me.
Jon Muq’s songwriting and passion is something I deeply admire. I’m eager to witness his live performance and learn from his stage presence and interaction with the crowd. Connecting with Jon and and lastly meeting the fans.
– What’s coming next for you?
I have an exciting lineup of projects ahead. First, I’m involved in several collaborations and songwriting sessions with fellow musicians, alongside ongoing studio work. These ventures will take me to Switzerland in August, Canada in September, and Nashville in November, promising diverse musical experiences and creative growth.
Following a successful German tour, plans are already in motion for 2025, with updates expected later this year. It’s shaping up to be another promising chapter for live performances and new music releases.
Speaking of releases, I’m preparing to drop new music this year that offers a fresh perspective on my songwriting and artistic craft. This marks the culmination of my thematic exploration of the ‘water’ element throughout the year.
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