Dom Liberati

By RICH GIBSON, The Left Lane


Dom Liberati can’t be certain what path his musical career may travel.

But this much is certain: the 21-year-old valley native already has a distinctive resume.

Earlier this year, Liberati, with a little help from some of his closest friends, released an impressive debut CD, “Humans.”

All 12 songs on the record were composed by Liberati, a self-proclaimed major fan of legendary Brit rockers, The Police. I’m guessing Sting would relate to “Humans,” considering the disc features both straight-ahead and melodic rock.

It’s immediately apparent Liberati has a keen ear for melody and catchy hooks, prominently displayed on the album’s opening track, “From The Start.” I count at least four or five tunes well-crafted to fit a radio playlist. Obviously, that’s the idea.

As a result, Liberati has put his marketing skills to work, shipping copies of the CD to regional stations. Additionally, he’s playing a few live dates including an appearance this Saturday night at Generation’s in Wheeling.

There, Dom shares the stage with a pair of Morgantown-based bands: Jeremy Batten and the Say No Mores along with Derrick McKee. Liberati and his band will be taking Generation’s outdoor stage around 8:30 or shortly thereafter.

No stranger to the local music scene, Dom and best buddy BC Taylor were at the forefront of “The Way,” a band founded at the beginning of the decade. “The Way” opened for the likes of Pittsburgh rocker Donnie Iris and one of the tri-state’s favorite sons, BE Taylor, father of BC.

Liberati eventually hooked up with another valley music guru, guitarist Rick Witkowski who co-produced ‘Humans” with Dom.

“At some point, you just have to say to yourself: ‘Go for it.’ That’s pretty much how (the new record) became a reality,” Liberati explained.

There’s a winning combination of writing and singing on “Humans.” including the disc’s fifth song, “LAX,” the three-letter airport code for Los Angeles.

“From atop those clouds/It was so clear that/And I’m so scared/My last words to you may be my last.”

Joining Liberati and Taylor who plays drums is guitarist Chris Price whose playing highlights eight of the record’s songs.

“Humans” was recorded locally at Weirton and Belmont, not far from Liberati’s alma mater, Union Local High. Ironically, another UL product, Greg Dutton is chief singer/songwriter for Pittsburgh-based Lohio, a band featured in the Left Lane earlier this summer.

Liberati’s talents, of course, are not confined to the studio and stage. This fall, he’s ticketed as starting quarterback for the Malone College Pioneers in Canton.

“It kind of takes people by surprise,” Dom laughs. “Football fans come up and say, ‘What? You also play rock and roll?’ And music fans say, ‘What? You also play football?’”

Liberati’s family ties include a healthy dose of both sports and the arts. “Everything starts with my family. I can’t describe how supportive they’ve been helping me achieve my dreams.”

Dom heads back to college shortly. At Malone, he’ll concentrate on directing the Pioneers’ offense. At the same time, his bass guitar will be stationed nearby.

“I guess it’s a little unique, but I totally enjoy mixing the two,” he advised.

Liberati, incidentally, designed his own website (www.domliberati.com) where fans and readers can learn more and stay posted on Dom’s live performances. - The Times Leader Ticket (Rich Gibson)

"The words touch on very relatable emotions and convey a timely and positive message - 'fill the atmosphere with love' - indeed!" - TAXI

The things that have always struck me about Dom are his creative abilities, his great ear, and his intuition in creating parts for songs that greatly enhance the material. - Rick Withkowski - Producer/Touring Musician