Interview: Dom Malin

Dom Malin is a singer-songwriter and musician based in the Midlands. I found myself captivated recently by his beautiful single Something Never Said, and I knew I had to share it with the world! You can find it at the end of this interview.

By Jane Howkins

You released a single recently that we reviewed, titled Something Never Said. What can you tell us about the song and why did you pick that one for a single?

Something Never Said was recorded as one live take. It is the closing chapter on a series of songs written with the narrative of an ended relationship. This particular part of the story explores the healing that starts to take place after the heartache subsides.

I selected Something Never Said as a single because I felt it reflected a different side to my style as an artist.

Where can the track be purchased?

Thanks for asking! So often it’s just pushed on Spotify, but you can purchase the track through Apple Music and Amazon (primarily). That being said, the best way to support and get to know me better is actually through Patreon. Any money received I put right back into making more music.

Do you have any more singles planned for release?

Well, fancy that! I actually have a release happening on the 18th of June, titled South America. I’m excited to have that out, and yes, you will hear my attempt at singing in Spanish. I also have a collaboration with Luna Keller that will be dropped late this year, and many more to come in the new year.

Are there any plans to release an album or EP anytime soon?

Not anytime soon, no. Singles are where my focus is right now. I plan to at some point in my career to collate the singles into albums to illustrate my musical timeline.

Did the pandemic hinder your work much?

In a short answer, yes. I had a difficult time finding inspiration. I struggled early on in the isolation period – doubting my ability and my skill as a songwriter and an artist. I find most of my inspiration comes from experiences and observations, a little hard to do when you’re in lockdown (lack of interaction). However, I came to realise that this was an opportunity for me to find the time to organise releases and work on the marketing for them.

In the end, the pandemic was the time for me to start releasing my work.

Your music is very folky. What/who are you influenced by and what have you been listening to recently?

I listen to a lot of different genres, but I try not to get to lost in one artist. I don’t want their influence to accidentally create a plagiarising moment for me. I do listen to a lot of acoustic folk with a little rock thrown in for good measure though.

Where are you based? What is the local music scene like there at the moment?

I originate from the Midlands which has a fairly decent music scene and supportive community.

But – I’ve just recently taken a sabbatical from work to focus 100% on creating more, so at the moment I am currently travelling and performing where I can. Most recently I played my first show in the States (any Boise, ID residents reading?)

Do you have any UK tour dates planned?

I’m currently working on putting together a tour of the states (solo) and Europe with another artist. Right this moment I have a show in Birmingham on the 27th of August.

What can people expect from one of your shows and why do you think people should come and see you perform?

Performing is where I come alive! I’m a big introvert, but something happens when I perform live. I love to get everyone involved and share those moments with the audience—it’ll never happen again, and it’s totally euphoric to me.

My setup is dead simple. Me, my acoustic and a loop pedal. It gives me the flexibility to create a big sound, while still being able to deliver poetic stories that capture the spirit of life and experiences we have in common.

Any last words for the fans?

I appreciate and love you all. The community I’ve found myself in is so supportive and I feel such love from them all. Continue to support your favourite independent musicians, we’re out here doing this because of you!