Music Monday: Meet Domenico

Happy Monday, readers!

Meet our new Music Monday artist this week, Domenico.

Domenico is an 18-year-old multi-instrumentalist, entrepreneur, and singer/songwriter that just released his EP The Morris Code. Additionally, he is a multi-instrumentalist with his own label, Il Dottore, and all of this is on the heels of his recent acceptance into the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU. He even has his own TedTalk!

In our interview, Domenico talks about what made him get into music, The Morris Code, and his upcoming semester at NYU. He even talks about his love for The Sopranos — make sure to read the full Q&A below!

To keep up with Domenico, make sure to follow him on Twitter at @DomenicoSounds.

https://soundcloud.com/domenicosounds/sets/domenico-the-morris-code-1/s-Xvlr5

Celeb Secrets: What made you want to get into music?

Domenico: “Growing up in the suburbs of North Jersey, music was a way to distinguish myself from the next guy. I may not have been the most athletic, funniest, or best-looking, but I could write, perform, and produce an original record. It felt good to do something outside of the norm and that fueled me for a while.

As I got older, I started realizing a deeper, more intrinsic motive to reach people with music. Recognizing that cultivating a passion can combat negative lifestyle choices, I decided to make it my mission to reach the world with a positive message through my music.”

Celeb Secrets: You have an EP out right now called The Morris Code — can you tell us a little more about it, including the writing and recording process?

Domenico: “You probably have never heard of Morristown, NJ right? That’s where I spent the first eighteen years of my life. It’s no secret that you are the sum of your experiences. I wrote about mine, through the eyes of a Morristown High School student. So much so that I recorded the majority of the tracks on my laptop during class. That’s where the word play comes in, “The Morris Code,” a mini-album about growing up in small town New Jersey.”

Celeb Secrets: You’re also an entrepreneur — what’s it like being your own boss?

Domenico: “It’s tough managing my own time, since habitual laziness can ensue at any moment. Maintaining excitement about my brand during non-glamorous tasks is a challenge. That’s when I remind myself how lucky I am, and that complaining about sending emails is ridiculous. Subsequently, the wheels start turning again.”

Celeb Secrets: You’ve accepted a seat in the Clive Davis Institute of Recorded Music at NYU — are you excited to attend? How are you going to balance school and your music career?

Domenico: “Clive was the only school I applied to. No other program offers the same level of legitimacy and opportunity via its staff and students. So, I was fully prepared to be rejected and apply again in 2017. That being said, I am a strong advocate for prompting passion in the classroom. When you align students based on interest and ambition, you create an environment which motivates everybody, regardless of individual strengths and weaknesses. I go deeper into this concept with my TEDx Talk on “How To Destroy The Millennial Stereotype,” but that’s for another interview with you guys.”

Celeb Secrets: Why do you think our readers should listen to your EP?

Domenico: “The salesman inside of me screams “Satisfaction Guaranteed,” but I’d rather let the music speak for itself. It’s uplifting RnB recorded in a classroom. Why not?”

Celeb Secrets: Since we are Celeb Secrets, can you share a secret about yourself with our readers?

Domenico: “I obsessively watch “The Sopranos.” Seen it seven times going on eight… I love that sh*t.”