“Dance music and club culture is back in a big way…” 909originals chats to Dom Dolla
The past few years have been something of a rollercoaster for Melbourne artist Dom Dolla.
Having broken through with tracks like Take It, San Frandisco and Pump The Brakes at the tail end of the last decade, recent months have seen him pick up where he left off prior to the pandemic, with some 120 shows scheduled for this year across North America, Europe, United Kingdom and his native Australia.
This includes appearances at major festivals such as Coachella, EDC Las Vegas, Ultra Miami, Creamfields, Parklife and Tomorrowland… not to mention a headline performance at Colorado’s legendary Red Rocks amphitheatre.
His latest release is Miracle Maker, already a much-rinsed track during his shows, which was released on 15 July and sees him team up with vocalist Clementine Douglas. You can download/stream it here.
909originals caught up with him.
Hi Dom, from the looks of your schedule, it’s a busy summer for you. Any highlights so far?
It’s been a wild first summer post pandemic. I’m really grateful that I’ve been able to spend time in both the US and Europe playing shows. There’s been so many memorable moments, but I had 50 of my best friends and family fly over to see my show at the iconic Red Rocks in Denver. We sold 9,000 tickets and it snowed (pictured). It was my first B2B with a blizzard and completely unforgettable.
I can’t forget my show in Dublin at 3 Arena, ether, or more specifically the after party. Myself, John Summit, MK and Dublin’s own Dave Treacy went B2B for hours in a club after the show… also a lot of fun.
Tell us about your current single, Miracle Maker, how would you describe it? It has had a few airings recently – what was the response like?
I’ve been opening my sets with Miracle Maker for a while now, the reactions have been wild. I’ve never felt a response like this for one of my records internationally. It’s always a great feeling when DJs are playing your record and Miracle Maker has been getting played all over.
I started writing Miracle Maker inspired by the 90’s rave soundscape, I wanted to create something that was unashamedly for the dancefloor. I’m just so appreciative that people are loving dancing to it.
Is it the first time you have worked with Clementine Douglas?
Clementine performed and co-wrote the lead vocals with Caitlin Stubbs. We hung out for the first time at Reading & Leeds festival in the UK and instantly became friends. I met them through an introduction via our managers and they’re both such amazing people.
We’ve had a few sessions together and there’s always a great atmosphere. I sent them both the instrumental to Miracle Maker and they sent back the vocal after one take. Seriously talented and incredible artists.
You’re working a lot with John Summit at the moment – can we expect a few releases from this collaboration?
John and I have worked on some music together, I’m sure the time will come when it’s ready to be released. We’ve had a lot of fun times together and I’ve loved seeing his growth. We’ve played alongside each other a lot recently, and we’re always getting asked when we’re putting a record out together. Stay tuned.
You’re playing at Tomorrowland, along with Mysteryland, Creamfields etc later in the summer – do you approach a gig at a festival differently to a club gig?
These are iconic festivals, it’s amazing to be a part of them. Big stages tend to require a bit of planning and extra thought, just based on the scale and size of the crowd.
Clubs are more intimate and dance music naturally translates quite differently than at a major festival. I try to capture the energy of each environment and play appropriately.
You’ve remixed artists such as Dua Lipa, Calvin Harris, MK, Purple Disco Machine and Flight Facilities over the years. What to you makes a good remix?
Finding the balance between taking a track into a new world, but not abandoning the magic of the original.
Do you think your success is helping put the spotlight on Melbourne’s house scene? We can think of a few DJs from Melbourne that have gone on to International recognition – Anthony Pappa, Dirty South. Who else is worth looking out for?
Melbourne had a thriving dance music scene long before I arrived! I’m really proud of my hometown and there’s some amazing talent coming through – Airwolf Paradise, Pretty Girl, Jordan Brando, MemphisLK Torren Foot and Adult Art Club.
Is there anything about dance music and/or clubbing that you think has changed as a result of the pandemic? Or anything that you would like to have changed?
It was a challenging time, but dance music and club culture is back in a big way. I’d prefer to look at the future, so I am just happy to see dancefloors full with a melting pot of happy and diverse club goers watching sunrises again.
Thanks Dom for talking to us. Dom Dolla – Miracle Maker, feat. Clementine Douglas is out now, download/stream it here.
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