Jean-Dominique

Jean Dominique swung by to tell us all about his latest EP – Formal Introduction. And it’s the kind of preface you’ll be happy to hear – Dominique describing his sound as “a mixture of everything from pop to rock to hip hop with some classical thrown in there as well. What makes my sound different is that I’m not afraid to use all of these styles of music, meaning just because people might feel that I’m one type of artist, I don’t let that box me in when it comes to the creative process.”
Jean Dominique got further into Formal Introduction as well – he says fans can expect “some fun, up-tempo music that talks about life, love, and relationships. That’s where I was when I wrote the project- living life, being in love, and dealing with relationships, so I write about where I am in my life at that moment.” Check out Formal Introduction and the first single off the EP, “Your Star“…and keep reading – there’s much more to get into in all the answers to the XXQs below.

XXQs: Jean Dominique

PensEyeView.com (PEV): How would you describe your sound and what makes you stand out from others in your genre?

Jean Dominique (JD): When it comes to my music, I’d have to say that my sound is a mixture of everything from pop to rock to hip hop with some classical thrown in there as well.

What makes my sound different is that I’m not afraid to use all of these styles of music, meaning just because people might feel that I’m one type of artist, I don’t let that box me in when it comes to the creative process.

PEV: What kind of music were you into growing up? Do you remember your first concert?

JD: Growing up, it didn’t matter, I just wanted to hear music. I love the sound of singing and instrumentation, it didn’t matter.

My very first concert was in Orlando, Florida right after Hurricane Andrew. It was a relief concert done in the parking lot of what is now the Hard Rock Cafe and it was amazing to see so many different acts on stage. I think that’s where I realized that this is what I want to do forever.

PEV: What was it like trying to break into the music scene when you first started? What was your first show like?

JD: Trying to break into the music industry when I first started was not the easiest of things. It is a lot of hard work, a lot of practice and there were good times and bad times. It was more of a DIY type of time with was no social media other than MySpace, so it made it a little bit different to be more creative and get your music out and heard.

My very first show was actually when I was in a group. It was a boy band of the time and it was for 5 people. It was a very humbling experience but we rocked it so I guess that’s all that really matters. I learned how to rock small crowd before big ones, which is a lot tougher.

PEV: What can fans expect from a live Jean Dominique show?

JD: You can expect a lot of energy and a lot of fun. I try to make it not just a concert, but an experience, as if you were hanging out with me and I just so happen to be on stage. I want everyone to feel like they know me and my personality and that they really connect with me.

PEV: What is the first thing that comes to mind when you step on stage to perform?

JD: Oh lord please don’t let me fall. But really I’d have to say it would be how can I make these people have as much fun as possible as quickly as I can. I feel the faster you can get people excited, the better the pace of the show.

PEV: What is the best part about being on stage in front of an audience?

JD: just getting to share what I love to do with them all and seeing the reactions on their faces on how they connect to certain parts of the show or a song

PEV: What is the underlying inspiration for your music?

JD: Love, fun and having a great time. That’s really what I’m all about and that’s what I try to reflect in my music.

PEV: Thinking back to when you first started out, do you ever look back on your career and think about your earlier days and how you’ve arrived where you are today?

JD: Absolutely. I always try to reflect on where I’ve been and where I’m headed and try to learn something from my past to apply in my future. I try to enjoy the moment and make sure that I don’t take it for granted or let it pass without appreciating it.

PEV: What’s one thing we’d be surprised to hear about you?

JD: I love mixed martial arts and I have trained seven days a week for the last four years. Its something that I love to do and it keeps me in great shape. I also love soccer.

PEV: What happens when you hit a brick wall when writing? What are your methods to get over it?

JD: If I find myself hitting a wall I try to go out and walk away from the song. I’ll go do something else, go to the movies, hang out with friends, watch TV – anything to get my mind off of it. Sometimes I’ll experience something that will inspire me in the process.

PEV: How do you think the industry has changed since you first started out?

JD: The industry has changed a lot. We now have YouTube, Twitter and so many other social media sites that you can get your music out for people can hear it, whether not you’re on the radio or not. When I started there really weren’t any outlets like this so that’s definitely a difference.

PEV: What can fans expect from your latest release, Formal Introduction? What was the writing process like for this album?

JD: On this project my fans can definitely expect some fun, up-tempo music that talks about life, love, and relationships. That’s where I was what I wrote the project- living life, being in love, and dealing with relationships, so I write about where I am in my life at that moment.

The writing process for this album was fun – I rented a hotel room and just wrote. I had friends come over, other producers, and we just made music. It was a lot of fun and I think I’m going to do it again next time [I write an album].

PEV: With all your traveling, is there one area you wish you could travel around and play that you have not yet?

JD: I would love to go to Japan. I hear it’s amazing the way that they support and love music, so I would definitely love to go.

PEV: How have all your friends and family reacted to your career?

JD: My friends and family are super supportive. They love that I love what I’m doing, and that I am able to make a living at it. I couldn’t ask for a better support system.

PEV: What can we find you doing in your spare time, aside from playing/writing music?

JD: if I’m not the gym, I’m hanging out with friends or sleeping.

PEV: Name one present and past artist or group that would be your dream collaboration. Why?

JD: There’s a lot but Pharrell Williams is my all-time favorite and I would love to do a song with him.

PEV: Is there an up and coming band or artist you think we should all be looking out for now?

JD: There’s a young lady by the name of Electric Starlet whose music is awesome. I had the opportunity to hear some of it and there’s a chance I might be featured on one of her songs. It was just great to hear what she’s doing -definitely be on the lookout for her.

PEV: If playing music wasn’t your life (or life’s goal), what would you do for a career?

JD: I probably would be playing soccer. I love the sport and watch it all the time, and I play as much as I can in my free time.

PEV: So, what is next for Jean Dominique?

JD: Next for me is the release of the EP Formal Introduction and rockin’ the stage the rest of the year. Looking forward to it! - Pens Eye View

Jean-Dominique is a performer in the truest sense. With a body of work that ranges from upbeat dance tracks to choreographing the hottest dance moves for some of the biggest stars in the music world, Jean-Dominique is someone you want to know.

Jean-Dominique started his career on the Nickelodeon lot acting on well-known programs throughout the 2000’s. He continues to hone his craft and has been featured in many national productions.

Jean-Dominique start as a choreographer, the list of internationally known performers he has worked with is too long to list. Nevertheless, when you see Jean-Dominique move, you know it. High energy and athletic is the best way to describe his dance moves. When you see a Jean-Dominique move, you won’t soon forget it. Only try them if you are brave enough.

Last but not least, as a singer, Jean-Dominique can’t be put in a box. Hip Hop, Soul, Pop…there are songs in his discography that appeal to people who like good music that makes you want to get up and move.

New single ‘Your Star’ is a brightly burnished number with some silky smooth vocals set amidst bristling lyrical content.

The song is shiny and golden, radiant with bands of shimmering keys rain-bowing through the verses like bridges of fire.

But it’s the ultra-smooth voice that draws you into the folds of this song.

@neilmach © 2014 - Raw Ramp Magazine