On The Verge with Dominic Neill
Breaking into the South African music scene is a daunting task for many. It takes a shit load of passion and dedication, great work ethic, and a little bit of luck. Some aren’t cut out for it, and others just can’t get enough of it.
Dominic Neill is the latter. From a 7th place finish on South African Idols, to forming a new band on the verge of making their mark on the local music industry, Dominic is ready for the big time.
I spoke to him about Idols, his new band The Ilustrators, the “tough” South African music scene, and how he manages to juggle his love for making music with his education.
Why did you decide to audition for Idols?
I always watched Idols when I was younger but I never really considered entering. It was when I decided to take a break from my studies and focus on music that I was lucky enough to meet Graeme Watkins and his wife Kim (who is now my manager) that things fell into place and I felt I had the support and guidance to make the most of it. That’s when I took the plunge.
Would you advise other aspiring singers to audition for the show?
Idols is always something that needs to be planned and that’s what I always advise people. If you think idols fits into the bigger plan you have your career then I’d say that it’s a good career move. The one thing I feel very strongly about though is that any hopefuls should finish school first and make sure that they are ready, in terms of maturity, for the challenges that come with a massive TV show like Idols.
What would you say is the most important lesson you learned during your time on the show?
The most important lesson I learnt is that you have to back yourself to be successful. I like to think of it, as being your own sales person. Unless you believe in yourself, nobody else will and it’s something I didn’t quite get right during the show and I often doubted myself. Looking back, that was definitely the biggest lesson I learnt.
Since Idols, you have formed your own band, The Illustrators. How would you describe your sound?
Our sound is quite diverse because we literally discovered our sound while we wrote the album. But if I were to sum it up I’d say that we are a combination of dance/electro/pop.
You're currently working on your debut album. What can we expect to hear?
Well the album is actually done and we’re just getting our ducks in a row for the release. The album is a serious mix of different sounds and elements but it’s very upbeat and dance driven. What we focused on though is telling stories and writing from a place that was meaningful.
How would you describe the South African music industry at the moment? Hard to break in to?
“It’s a tough industry”, is the classic response to this question but isn’t any industry when you’re looking to slug it out at the top? The point I’m trying to make is that there are opportunities for those who are serious and ready to really work their fingers to the bone.
I’m really, really excited about the talent that we have, the emergence of Hip-Hop as a major force and also South Africa findings its own music identity. I’ve never been happier being in the industry.
Do you think local music is of international standard? Or are we still a few steps behind with regards to production and artistry?
In the past, production was definitely the one thing that let us down a lot of the time in terms of the quality of local music. But those issues are definitely a thing of the past because of how small the global music community has become thanks to social media and the Internet as a whole.
So I’d say we’re closer to international standards than we’ve ever been but I’d hate it if we lost the South African identity in our music purely in the hope trying to sound like someone else.
Is there any one artist who you'd say has inspired you to sing and make music?
I’ve gone through many phases in my life of listening to different people that inspired me in different ways. The standout names who really made me fall in love with playing piano and writing music are Jamie Cullum and John Legend.
Having said that, as an artist, I very actively look for inspiration and qualities in other artists that I can adopt in order to get better at my craft.
What one piece of advice would you give aspiring artists out there?
Work as hard as you possibly can on every single aspect of your career as an artist. Plan tirelessly, execute tirelessly and go above and beyond for whatever it is you are doing.
You're busy with your music career, and you're currently studying towards a degree. How do you juggle it all? Another musician, Jimmy Nevis, has also done the same thing. Do you think that should become the norm for young musicians?
I value education and come from a household where I was always encouraged to excel wherever possible so I would encourage any young musician to get an education.
In terms juggling it, I think it’s just a case of I have to get it done and so I just find/make the time. I think it seems and sounds far more daunting than it is.
Is there any message you are aiming to send with your music? Anything you want to achieve specifically?
I like the universal music that a song can have and that’s what I really appreciate when writing. If I tell a story and it resonates in the hearts and minds of the audience listening then I am proud and I know I’ve created something meaningful.
Sidebar:
Some quick fire questions:
Last book you read?
Jeffrey Sachs –“The Price of Civilization”
Favourite album of all time?
John Mayer – “Continuum”
Favourite food?
Indian
What's your pet hate?
People with no respect.
The thing you're most scared of?
It’s a close race between rats and frogs.
Favourite film?
Saving Private Ryan
Nkandla?
I’m not the holiday resort kind of guy.
Oscar Pistorius?
No comment.
One Direction?
Incredible brand in music and they write incredibly good pop music. I’d join the band tomorrow.
Beyonce or Beck?
Kanye.
