PK: Dom, thanks for taking the time to do this interview for Rockin Lifestyle! It’s exciting for me, since I’ve been a fan of yours since you joined Sting’s band back in 1990. In fact, it was your playing on “Ten Summoner’s Tales” that helped inspire me in life right after I graduated high school. I run the risk of sounding like a little girl, but your acoustic guitar playing on “Fields of Gold” till this day, almost bring me to tears when I hear it. I have to run and hide every time I hear that song-especially if my mates are around!
You grew up in a musical household, so obviously music was a regular part of your life as a child. I even read that you were seriously studying guitar at age 11, when most kids were playing sports and probably just messing around and getting into trouble. What was going through your head back then? As a kid, did you ever think that you’d end up where you are today, playing on platinum and gold records, touring the world? Or do you find you just kind of landed here by accident?
DM: Yes, I did grow up in a musical household. Guitar is kind of like the family instrument with my father and three older sisters playing music non stop as I grew up. My mother is a pianist. I wanted to join in the fun so my sister Julie taught me guitar when I was 8. I caught up to them pretty quickly. I started becoming serious when I was around 14. I took up classical at 15. Interaction with others has always been important to me. I do remember thinking I was serious about music but never allowed that to get in the way of any fun or trouble. I knew I would "make" it one day, if you consider what I do as making it, but as I write now, I wouldn't say this is making it. If you are serious about music you never make it. But I did know I was different in that I knew what I wanted to do with my future at 14. This, I think is unusual. I now realize this is a journey without destination. I am loving it.
PK: A lot of musicians and actors go through some serious struggles trying to earn a living. Sometimes they quit or give up because the struggle of not making enough money and dealing with the ups and downs of the industry is too much for them. Did you ever go through any struggles trying to make ends meet early on in your career? What were some of your own personal challenges as a young musician? What kind of advice could you offer a young musician planning on a career in the arts?
DM: You have to ask yourself if you are prepared to take a one way ticket to an unknown destination whilst being told you will never get there. If your answer is "yes", then this career is for you. Then you have to accept all the upsets on the way, like rejection, rejection and financial insecurity which I absolutely have dealt with as a younger musician and still encounter now. It's all relative. The more money I make the bigger the problems. My advice would be to believe. Doubt is the enemy trying to lure you away from music. But like I said, if you are not prepared to take a few serious punches probably best stay away and enjoy being an amateur. I know some brilliant amateur players who can blow away many pros. The difference is there is no pressure on an amateur. If this is your life, expectations are and always will be high.
PK: Musicians-especially young ones studying in University- get caught up in technique and sometimes forget about how to live life like the rest of the world. I’ve always been inspired by life and its events, which in turn, inspires my music and playing. What do you do when you’re not playing music to keep you inspired and fresh?
DM: You can't grow as a musician without interaction with others. You might become a very flash player, but people won't relate to you and you will never understand why. I am fascinated by other people's careers, be they athletes, painters, writers, cooks, nurses, policemen, mothers whatever. I learn as much from them as I do from musicians. It's a question of aptitude, commitment, skill and interaction. All these qualities help make me a better musician. Not music necessarily itself.
PK: I read that you have five kids! Good Lord! I praise you, my brotha! As a father and musician myself, I know how hard going on tour can be, leaving behind the family- and I only have one kid! How the hell do you balance your family life with a busy music career?! If you write a book on it, everybody will buy it!
DM: I have six kids. The eldest is 24 and the youngest is 4. It's very difficult doing the balancing act and I am not very good at it. But I do my best. Being a musician is a very selfish existence, especially if you want to reach a high level. As I get older and further in my journey, I am learning how to prioritize the family more. This is a very complex issue which I could indeed write a book about, but I doubt anyone would read it.
PK: Hahaha! I would read it! What are your long-term goals at this point in your life? Musically, or non musically.
DM: My main goal is to keep going and keep learning. Part of me likes not knowing what the future holds. If I did know what I would be doing next year, I might not feel so enthusiastic. I like to live in the moment. Someone once told me the the worst two days of the week are yesterday and tomorrow.
