Interview with Dom Malin

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today? 

From an early age, I loved music, but I didn’t realise how important it was going to be. The only time my parents played records was on car journeys and during holidays. So, some of my earliest memories and exposure came from these trips. Of course, my parents encouraged me to learn an instrument, and from there, I found my approach to the music I wanted to write and the artists who inspired me. Without music, I’d be doing something equally creative; I have a passion for cuisine and high-end food, so I’d say most likely a chef. But I also enjoy psychology and human behaviour, so that could have been a path I’d taken.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

Getting lost in nature. There's nothing more exciting than going on an adventure and finding something unexpected on a hike or walk. I also am a tennis player, and I try to do that weekly because that allows my brain to breathe and have a break from being on screens.

How long have you been making music?

I’ve been making music since I was 14! That’s when I fell in love with songwriting and knew I wanted to pursue music as a career. I started releasing recorded music in 2020, which felt like a pivotal moment—almost like my official introduction to the world. From there, I’ve continued to refine my approach to both music creation and marketing.

Where are you based and how did that influence your music?

I grew up in the West Midlands in a working-class family. That upbringing gave me a deep well of experiences to draw from, teaching me resilience and providing the tools to explore raw, honest emotions through my music.

Tell me about your most memorable shows, if you haven’t played live what is your vision for a live show?

Playing for Dermot Kennedy was one of the highlights of my career so far. Performing for over 3,000 people was surreal—the energy of the crowd and the entire vibe of the place completely blew me away. At that moment, I felt like a rockstar. It was also when I realised that my music resonates not just with intimate audiences but also on a bigger stage. There was this incredible moment when the crowd started singing along, and I felt deeply present, connected, and understood.

That said, I treat every show as a unique, unforgettable experience. To me, each performance is a one-of-a-kind moment that can never be replicated. That’s what makes live music so special—it's fleeting, and nothing will ever sound exactly the same again. Playing in cities like Seattle, Portland, and Bern has been truly amazing, but meeting the people who come to the shows is what I love the most. It’s those connections that make every performance feel alive and meaningful.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

I loved playing at Madame Lou’s in Seattle. It’s a smaller venue tucked beneath The Crocodile, and it strikes the perfect balance—it feels intimate while still having the energy of a packed room. Lately, I’ve also been enjoying house shows because they offer such a unique opportunity to connect with my community on a personal level. There’s something special about getting to know the people who support my music in that kind of setting.

As for dream venues, Red Rocks Amphitheatre is at the top of my list. It’s legendary for its incredible acoustics and breathtaking setting. I love how it combines the power of a big sound with an atmosphere that still feels intimate and inclusive. Playing there would be a dream come true.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

If I could put together the ultimate dream lineup, it’d start with The Lumineers to get the crowd moving and singing at the top of their lungs. Then Gregory Alan Isakov would step in to weave his magic, bringing those hauntingly beautiful melodies that make you feel like you’re floating in a dream. Damien Rice would take it next, pulling at everyone’s heartstrings with his soul-stirring ballads that leave you in awe.

And then... I’d close the night. The grand finale. By that point, the audience would be riding the high of an incredible evening, and I’d bring it all together with a performance they’d never forget—songs to tie every emotion together and leave the crowd glowing as they head home. It’d be one for the books, and I’d soak up every second of it!

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into making music and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

It’s a marathon, not a sprint! And the only person you need to make happy is yourself. Push yourself to be the best musician you can be in the genre and style you love. Be your niche and love it through and through. 

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why? 

All my songs hold a special place in my heart—they’re pieces of me, extensions of my experiences, observations, and truths. I’ve always written from a deeply personal place, capturing struggles, emotions, and moments that have shaped me. So, it’s hard to pick a favourite—they each mean something unique to me.

That said, there’s one unreleased song coming out this year that feels especially close to my heart. It came together in about 45 minutes, almost effortlessly, like it was waiting to be written. I was staying in a treehouse in Hood River, Oregon when the song found me, and I recorded it just a month later. There’s something magical about how it all unfolded—it’s a moment I’ll never forget.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

One of my absolute favourites to play is All I Know. It’s a song that holds so much meaning for me, and it’s incredible to see how deeply my community connects with it too. It’s always a special moment when I perform it live.

The most requested song, hands down, is Fire & Ice—even though it’s not released yet! It’s become a bit of a tradition on TikTok Live with something we call “Fire & Ice Fridays.” I always close out my live sessions with a version of the song, and it’s such a joy to reinvent it each week. There’s this energy that comes with playing it live—it’s like sharing a little secret with everyone who’s there.

What is your creative process, and what inspires you to write your music?

Experiencing the world around me is my greatest source of inspiration. Traveling to new places, meeting interesting people, and immersing myself in different environments fuels my creativity. Whenever something stirs a strong reaction—whether it excites me, moves me, or even upsets me—I feel this urge to share it and craft a narrative around it.

My creative process usually starts with the guitar or a particular lyric. Once I find that spark—a vibe or a moment that captures the essence of the topline—I have something tangible to build on. From there, it all starts to flow, and the song takes shape. For me, it’s all about capturing raw emotion and turning it into something others can connect with.

Do you have messages that you like to get across in your music? if so please tell me about them.

Absolutely. At the heart of my music is the idea that we all share similar emotions and experiences. No matter where we come from or what we’ve been through, there’s something universal in the way we feel joy, pain, love, and loss. I want my songs to remind people that their stories matter—they’re not alone in what they’re feeling.

Above all, I want listeners to know they’re loved and appreciated. Whether it’s a lyric, a melody, or the vibe of a song, my hope is that it resonates and offers comfort, connection, or even just a moment of understanding.

Do you have any new singles, videos, or albums out that you would like to tell me and your fans about? 

Tapping Out, my first release of 2025 comes out February 7th!

This is one of my most honest and vulnerable songs yet—a reflection on running from the past, carrying failure’s weight, and confronting loneliness and regret. It’s raw, emotional, and hopeful.

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

• Madrid Headline show March 29th 

• PNW Wine tour - April - May 

• Local UK tour in September 

• London show in October (join WhatsApp channel for more details)

How can your fans best keep up to date with you, any socials you want people to check out?

• WhatsApp Channel: HERE

• TikTok Live 

• Instagram