If you aren’t paying close attention, you might find Domonogood online and think he’s just a regular New York guy, but you’d be mistaken. This creative, independent artist, videographer, and studio owner is making moves in the music scene on and off camera. In this interview, he shares simple, practical advice with fellow creatives, lets us in on the competitive streak that got him started in rap, and details how his network has organically provided opportunities to grow in the music industry beyond being an artist. Through his journey, independent artists will see the power of an organic network of creatives and artists supporting one another demonstrated in shared opportunities and professional growth. Beautiful people, meet Domonogood.
Origins of Domonogood
Photobombshell: Domonogood, thank you for agreeing to share your story with me. I have been an observer for a while, and I love seeing the growth and progression of your career. For those unfamiliar with your work, would you share a bit about your music, where you’re from, and what inspired you to start making music?
Domonogood: First off, I would like to say thank you, and I highly appreciate it. My name is Domonogood. I’m from Brooklyn, New York; Brownsville/East New York, to be specific. I can’t shout one out without the other.
I’ve been making music since I was nine or ten years old, and my first inspiration came from my sister. She started rapping first. Initially, it was just something I did to prove I was better than her, so I started writing music myself. My music is just a reflection of my lifestyle and the people closest to me, somewhat of a collection of stories about me finding my way as a man, an artist, and a person.
Domonogood and Career Progression
Photobombshell: Who knew you were so competitive! That’s cool, having a built-in system that challenges you to level up as an artist. Now, you started as a rapper. Then, you became a studio owner. Now, you’re also a videographer, pulling in some big-name captures. Talk about how that progression and what sparked those changes and momentum.
Domonogood: Yes, I did start as just a rapper. I guess it came from just wanting to do something different. When we decided to invest in a studio, my engineer, Wav3King, my partner, and I were recording in the back of a garage in a makeshift studio. We were thinking to ourselves that this wasn’t going to cut it anymore.
It is all about location. Our friend and fellow artist, Donnie Durag, came to us with a proposition about a studio space open for rent. We checked it out, took over the lease, and now we’re here. I guess, in some way, that helped me make my transition to a videographer as well. Becoming a studio owner opened my mind to getting involved more in things around music than actual music.
Organic Connections and Opportunity
Photobombshell: That’s awesome. It seems like everything came together very organically. How did you end up working with Dumbo, shooting artists, and their events?
Domonogood: I started working with Legacy Dumbo through one of the owners, Ali. I have known Ali for about ten years. Through that friendship, I’ve been blessed with the opportunity to work with them.
Photobombshell: You have to love having an organic network of like-minded people. That’s so cool, and your work with Legacy Dumbo is some of my favorite work of yours to observe via social media.
Inspiration and Motivations
Photobombshell: Your circle is full of creative people. I love seeing the collaborations. For you, what’s the perfect scenario or environment for creating music or capturing music through videography?
Domonogood: I think the best way for me to create music is the way we’ve been doing it recently. Our studio is in a large Brooklyn warehouse full of recording studios, so there’s a collective of artists and producers to link and bounce ideas off of. There are a lot of different genres going on, so it’s never too much of the same sound being made. It’s dope.
Live From Room 16
Photobombshell: Oh, wow! You’ve got your think tank for music going on. That’s cool. Speaking of your studio, talk to us about Room 16 and the partnership there with your fellow owners. I’ve seen the content on social media, and what you are doing there is so interesting.
Domonogood: Definitely, and thank you. Live from Room 16 is something that Llama, another videographer who transitioned to producer/artist, and I have collaborated on. We’ve been discussing different and more efficient ways of producing short-form content for the artists as part of Room 16. It has also been a way to connect to artists that we don’t know.
Domonogood Shares Advice for Artists
Photobombshell: The way you have found ways to create and pivot while remaining in the music space is something so many artists aspire to do, creating longevity while maintaining creativity. Given your experience in so many facets of music creation, what is one practical piece of advice that you would give to fellow independent artists? What can they put into effect right now?
Domonogood: One piece of advice I would give independent artists is to be realistic. Be realistic about the goals you want to accomplish and whether or not you’re doing things that are conducive to them.
Photobombshell: That’s huge and a little grounding energy for the daydreamers. Great advice.
Right Time and New Music
For you as an artist, I want to touch on some of your work. Talk about your last released project, “Right Time.” That was the song that caught my attention to keep tabs on you. What was the motivation?
Domonogood: Thank you. “Right Time” is one of my favorite songs, too. It was produced, mixed, and mastered by my studio partner, Wav3King. The motivation… I think I was on my way to a hot date.
Photobombshell: That tracks, for sure. Are there plans in the works for another single or album?
Domonogood: Yes, there is a plan for upcoming releases. I have two projects recorded right now. I am just waiting for the “right time,” no pun intended. “God Given” is coming soon.
Photobombshell: I am very much looking forward to that. You’ll have to keep me updated so I can promote it on the release calendar and announce when it goes live.
A Key Career Moment
Photobombshell: What has been your greatest accomplishment as a musician and creative?
Domonogood: My proudest accomplishment as an artist was my virtual release party. It was dope, not only because it was my first, but also because it took place during the pandemic when everything was crazy. There were more important things going on in the world. To my surprise, it was a great turnout. It was via Zoom. The video and audio were perfect.
What’s Next?
Photobombshell: That’s incredible. The pandemic, particularly in the earlier parts, was incredibly challenging for artists to lose that in-person connection with their audiences. I love hearing about the success. I am hopeful for some in-person events for you soon. What can we look forward to from you in 2023? What are your goals for the rest of the year?
Domonogood: In 2023, you can look forward to more music and productions from me. As for the goals, more money!
Photobombshell: Thank you so much, Domonogood! I truly appreciate you taking the time to chat with me and share your story and advice with our community. Readers interested in connecting with Domonogood can find him here and on all digital streaming platforms.
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