Interviews | The Sifting Pan

Introducing Dominique, an up and coming poptress of the NYC scene

DOMINIQUE – It’s Only You:

I’m not quite sure if there are enough superlatives to describe the majesticness that Dominique brings to the table. Which for starters is distinguished, yet simple pop music that lacerates the soul. A combination of raw talent and a solid grasp of the fundamentals of pop shall enable her to be enamored by and woo the world with ease. Just you wait and see!

To me, It’s Only You provokes the ghost of a past lover who can’t help but to haunt you. The fragments of whom remain vivid in the mind and still jab at the heart. Dominique’s voice is an ethereal beauty that manifests itself as a collection of reminiscences. The story may be simple, and we very well may have heard it many times before, but that could never take away from the intrinsic magnificence she brings to this tale. All of this mixed perfectly with lolling beats and an array whimsical tones to achieve wonderful results.

The truth is some people are destined for greatest, and I just happen to believe Dominique is one of them. Which means we are most definitely in store for something truly magical with the impending release of her upcoming EP Chains. No doubt a mixture of excitement and impatience shall plague me until it becomes available for auditory pleasure.

I’m overly delighted and grateful that The Sifting Pan was able to ask Dominique a few questions about her aspiring music career as a pop star. Thanks again for sharing with us!

How long ago did you decide that you wanted to jump into the crazy world of pop music?

I used to write and perform a little in high school, but I stopped for a few years. I started back up almost a year ago.

Was there something particular that finally pushed you in this direction?

I didn’t choose the pop life, the pop life chose me.

No, but really, I always tend to write pop music whether I’m trying to or not. Pop fascinates me. I’m obsessed with analyzing the melody lines and production of popular music every time I listen to it, and I think this affects me when I sit down to write a song.

Can you share some of your inspirations for writing It’s Only You and your upcoming Chains E.P.?

I was going through a heartbreak, obsessing over lost love. I wanted Chains to tell my story of that.

Is there any new music out there you just can’t get enough of at the moment?

I’m really crazy about that song “Hideaway” that HANAH just put out. I also LOVE Laleh’s new EP.

Finally, if you could collaborate with any other artist on future projects who would you want that to be?

I have always really wanted to work with Charli XCX. She is such a talented songwriter and has been a huge inspiration to me.

Thank you, once again, Dominique for taking the time to share with The Sifting Pan!

If Dominique continues to create such stellar pop songs, a Charli XCX collaboration may very well become a reality. One that I would personally love to see come to true fruition.

Twitter Handle: @dom_n_que
Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/D0MINIQUEMUSIC
Spotify: DOMINIQUE

Mesita, a.k.a James Cooley, in the flesh (photo credit: Samantha Hylla)

Mesita – The Villain:

So waaaaay back in July I had the pleasure of being able to ask Colorado based experimental indie rocker James Cooley a few questions about his outstanding song The Villain, and his upcoming album Infinity Sky Deluxe. It should be known that James prefers to release his music under the moniker of Mesita, and has been doing so since making his debut in 2008.

Now we are more than half a decade later, approaching album number five, and there appear to be no signs of easing up on the output of high quality tunes for Mr. Cooley. It seems Mesita is preparing to unload a massive weight of creativity unto us, which is clearly evident by a heavy hitter like The Villian. It’s a burden I shall graciously accept while blasting this gritty, gutsy, brooding rock single over and over on repeat. You’d be wise to follow suit and indulge in the oh-so satisfying Meista madness.

Without further ado, here are the intelligent and wonderful responses that Mesita was happy to provide for The Sifting Pan:

Can you share with us some of the many inspirations behind creating your single The Villain?

It’s about a few different things. Trying to get out and meet new people, break into the young professional crowd, finding myself slipping into some negative stuff, overcompensating for my flaws, losing parts of who I am in order to please strangers who shouldn’t give a damn about me. To make people jealous sharing some artificial view of what great life I have, all for that warm satisfaction of feeling more important than I really am. False humility. Trying to grow, sometimes your equilibrium gets messed and you lose a few steps in the process, find yourself acting in a way you always fought against. Turning bitter, you gotta get your center of gravity back, be there for people who have been there for you because we’re all struggling.

Is there a special mindset you have going into the writing of your upcoming fifth album ‘Infinity Sky Deluxe’?

I started working on new stuff right after the last album in late October, to go full force into making a minimal electro soul album, strip the whole thing down and just have sparse reverb snaps and warm synth and like a single falsetto vocal track in the center. But getting through Chicago’s coldest winter, I had to sit back and really think about the right direction to go, why I’m making music in the first place. So a lot of soul-searching and resting up mentally. Music’s been my outlet, and loud beats and guitars are what I’ve always loved, so do what you love.

Finally, can you recommend a fresh indie gem that you were quite pleased to have come across recently?

I haven’t been listening too much lately, but that new Black Keys album floored me. I wasn’t expecting it to some reason, but it hit so hard. Dangermouse nailed it. And Hamilton Leithauser’s solo album is fantastic. Just saw A Sunny Day In Glasgow has a new one, so I gotta check that one out too. Ashes Grammar was the jam.

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Mesita released his latest track, Astoria/Fallen, early last month. Truly a hint of the many great things in store for our ears, and hearts, on the new album. I must say this tune is brimming with that fulfilling Mesita sound we all know and love. Varying levels of real emotion spread out over nearly six minutes that culminate into pure tranquility. Give it a good listen and you shall reach a state of peace with your inner demons. Who needs medication or meditation when you have Mesita?

Mesita – Astoria/Fallen: [REMOVED]