Domino Grey = Dance or Move In Natural Order Generate Rhythmic Energy Yourself

Domino Grey sat down to talk to us about his influences, the many aliases he releases music under, and his new masterpiece, Butterfly Affect Part 1: Facial Recognition Technology.

I understand the concept of fake it till you make it, but I think a lot of us are sliding towards the faking it becoming all that it’s about. —Domino Grey

Let’s break the ice. Who are you? Where are you from? What style of music do you create?

Domino Grey is a New York music producer who creates under several aliases, across multiple genres. His influences range from Electronica to Hip Hop.

Domino Grey is a really dope acronym (Dance or Move In Natural Order Generate Rhythmic Energy Yourself). What inspired it?

That’s the nerd-scientist in me. Everything has to stand for something and have meaning. My Domino is about inter-locking styles and elements like you would see playing the game Dominos. The greyness relates to an inexact approach. I slide around somewhere between all the rules and music formulas. I try and make that my approach to life too. Most people call this balance in all things.

Your music has this depth to it that is hard to explain. What inspires your creation process? What other music do you listen to or draw inspiration from?

I love science, science fiction, experimentation and exploration. I love movie soundtracks- where the music and sound effects merge into one. That’s done in movies like Blade Runner, Star Trek and even Apocalypse Now. Also, I like when music tells a story. Anything epic and grand will inspire me.

If I understand correctly, you create and release music as more than just Domino Grey? Can you briefly tell us more about Fallout Shelter, Drew Spence, and Dynamics Plus?

Those names are solutions to the problem of releasing very different catalogs and needing people to know what to expect. Drew Spence is the me behind it all. I’m the Editor in Chief of Producer’s Edge digital magazine and the brain behind the Mark of the Griffin action web series. Dynamics Plus is the lyrically-enhanced scientific emcee and Fallout Shelter is the band that releases all of our instrumental tracks.

Mark of the Griffin Episode 3 – Night Zone

What other artists or producers do you work with? Do you collaborate on tracks or mostly self-produce?

Mostly it’s all me with a few guest appearances. The Lenzmen is my rap group- composed of Docktor Strange, Centri and Earthadox. Donna S is a wonderful saxophonist who plays on the Domino Grey record “Melody Diagnosis”; we have a few projects slated for later this year. Shea the Doll is a talented R&B singer who always blesses my music and I have a few other collaborations and remixes on the sketchpad.

What is the scene like in New York for your genre of music? I’m sure we all have assumptions, but let us hear your perspective.

New York is still pretty much ruled by the club scene and Long Island by the bar scene. My live show isn’t really as a DJ set so I’m looking at festivals as a gateway to showcase my music production. Currently, I use online radio, video channels, podcast, blogs, digital magazines and such to promote and share my music.

What role is the Internet/social media playing in marketing and promoting your craft? Is it helping?

It’s a Catch-22. I can be doing a whole lot and not share the details and people assume I’m not doing anything. I could pursue the fans/likes/follows and you see big numbers and think ‘man, this guy is a big deal’, but no one might be spinning my records or buying them. I’m active on my blog and that sets the bar. If it’s not important enough to write about, it’s probably not worth sharing. Do you really need to know that I’m having a sandwich and making music tonight? I think you can assume such without seeing it on instagram or facebook.

Are there any downfalls?

I’ve said that the internet is a reflection of the real world. The only downfall I can think of- is replacing activity in the real world with ‘the look’ by having the results. I understand the concept of fake it till you make it, but I think a lot of us are sliding towards the faking it becoming all that it’s about.

I’ll see someone and they’ll be like “I love that third song- it’s my favorite!” And I’ll ask: Did you comment or share? Did you click the Like Button and then get upset when they say they didn’t do anything. Then I realize I’ve been driven insane by social media and remember why I do music to begin with. I already got what I wanted: they heard my song and liked it. Does it really matter after that?

Well yeah, I guess. There is a large segment that doesn’t have the patience, confidence or presence to judge something themselves. They have to wait till a lot of other people say it’s good. They are the followers, the sheep among us. Ha! You gotta get some numbers for them to consider your art worth…worth…considering.

Dynamics Plus Battlestrux Trailer

More important than the what you use is how you want to work.

Is there a specific piece of hardware or software you could recommend to someone trying to get into electronic music production?

Hmm. More important than the what you use is how you want to work. Do you see yourself staring at a screen and clicking away? Hunched over something with blinking lights? Playing a keyboard, banging on a drum machine? It’s no longer about sounds since you can have the sounds in every format and configuration imaginable. It’s about discovering the most comfortable interface that allows you to express yourself.

What’s your favorite piece of gear?

You know what? I’m going to say my old-ass copy of Adobe Audition 1.5. I have all the updated versions, but I figure if it aint broke…I just fire up my audio multi-tracker, hit record and make music. I think the freedom of working that way removes many of the concerns behind this verse this or what’s the best…. I never have to choose or be locked down into one way of thinking or doing. There’s a nice grey in that.

What can we expect in 2013? Do you gig or tour?

I have a bunch of music coming, new Mark of the Griffin episodes and a few surprises. My current set up is mostly spinning my recent works with some new twists and turns to the popular cuts and a few showcase elements. If you appreciate my recordings, you’ll really love seeing me live. You’ll get that experience plus a whole lot more.

Where can we find you and your album online?

Here’s some links:

• http://www.DominoGrey.com
• https://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/domino-grey/id418278165
• http://www.beatport.com/artist/domino-grey/255338
• http://dynamicsplus.wordpress.com/category/domino-grey/

Thanks for giving my music some shine, it’s much appreciated.