Domax is a London-based artist, multi-instrumentalist, and producer that we’ve been keeping a close eye on this year. From ‘New Moon‘ and ‘Volca‘ to ‘Dark Storm’ and ‘Element’, we’ve been with him every step of the way. A lover of Kraftwerk, Aphex Twin, and The Yellow Magic Orchestra, his music is fresh, eclectic, and intoxicating.
I knew I needed to find out more about this gifted artist, and was over the moon when he agreed to an interview! Chatting with us about his love for Nils Frahm, what he cherishes most about being a musician, and which three albums he’d take with him to a desert island, please give a big welcome to our friend Domax!
Hey Domax! It’s so great to be able to re-introduce you to our audience today! For those who haven’t discovered your musical prowess just yet, who is Domax and when did your love affair with music begin?
Domax is a bit of a secret identity. I’ve always wanted to put some music out that’s quite different to what I’ve done before. I make a living as a professional guitar player but I wanted to start making music away from the comfort of my first instrument. I started playing guitar when I was around 13 and started taking music seriously around 16. I’ve been working in London as a guitar player since 2008 but I now want to go down a slightly different path with my music.
I’m just starting to do live shows with Domax and we’ve got a new residency every second Thursday at Four Quarters in Peckham. I have also just set up a record label with a group of artists and we are called Holy Shift. We have a night every third Thursday at the Vinyl Cafe in Tileyard Kings Cross. I want to get out and create a new scene in London encouraging other artists to get out and make something happen.
You can check out what we do here – https://holyshiftsounds.bandcamp.com
I think it’s fair to say that you’re a rather prolific musician. In the last year and a half, you’ve released six EPs! Does the entire “song-making process” come very naturally to you?
I genuinely love creating new music. I love the whole process from demoing ideas to finishing mixes. When I get in the zone I can get stuff down and finished pretty quickly. We have a great workflow and a really nice-sounding studio that helps a lot. I started putting these ideas down in April 2021 and since then Domax has released 32 tracks across 6 EPs. The last EP ‘Elements’ was written on a holiday an hour a day each morning. I hate taking too long to finish a track. I think the way forward is to get it done and put it out.
You’ve mentioned acts like Kraftwerk, Aphex Twin, and M83 as being influential on your sound. Is there anybody else you would credit, or give a shout-out to, for helping shape your musical soundscape? Who did you grow up listening to?
I listen to tons of music! At the minute, I’m listening to a lot of classical and ambient music – I really love Nils Frahm. I grew up listening to guitar bands like the Red Hot Chilli Peppers and Smashing Pumpkins. John Frusciante was a big influence on me – and the reason I really started playing music. He has written a lot of great tunes and has put out loads of stuff.
When you’re not creating music, what keeps you busy and happy? Walk us through a non-musical day in the life of Domax.
If I’m not doing music I’m hanging out at home with my wife and dog.
What aspects of being a musician do you cherish most? And on the flip side of that, what would you say have been some of the biggest challenges you’ve encountered?
I really enjoy the lifestyle and social element of being a musician. I get to work with some great people that are also good friends of mine doing what we love for money so that’s pretty decent. I’ve had a few gigs that were really kicking off musically. When that happens it’s really heavy. It’s nothing to do with money or fame, it’s just knowing you were part of a really great moment in time. I don’t think many people get to experience that type of energy and for that, I’m thankful. I guess it affirms what you do and all the work you’ve dedicated to your craft.
The only real issue I’ve had with music is when some people try to not pay you or delay your payments. And it’s always for stupid reasons because they think they can mess musicians around. I think more musicians should stand up to this stuff and demand what they are worth.
OK, Domax – desert island time! You’re allowed to grab 3 albums before being stranded on an island. Which do you choose?
Kraftwerk – ‘Tour de France’
Aphex Twin – ‘Selected Ambient Works 85-92’
Madvillain – ‘Madvillainy’
Thanks a lot for chatting with us! It’s been great having you here! Do you have any words of wisdom that you’d like to leave us with?
Just make the music you want to make. Enjoy it and get on with it!
