It's every once in a good while that you hear an artist that pushes boundaries and does their own thing to elevate pop music. Sure there are plenty of great pop songs showing up everywhere but there are normally so much similarity between them its almost hard to remember each artist. What made them different. What was that song you heard yesterday?
Doomsy is a near perfect example of a flourishing youth on alternative pop music and how, without putting up walls and following what they are hearing already, one can create something refreshing.
The latest from Doomsy is called "Oh Lord" and tastefully blends multiple genres together to make something different. All with a solid hook and a colorful flavor.
"Oh Lord" has a touch of aggression, R&B and indie-pop mended together with haunting undertones.
This is a track that buries boundaries and does what it pleases but damn is it good.
"Oh Lord" is an impressive follow to his string of singles released this year which by the way, all have something killer to offer.
We had to have a chat with the artist to find out where it all comes from.
RAG: Okay let's start with "Oh Lord". This track is a killer indie-pop track with alternative edge and touches on R&B as well. Where did this track come from?
Doomsy: The kind words are Much appreciated. When I wrote oh lord, I was trying to understand different recording methods I could explore, and it ended being a layering embrace at that point- just adding layers of instrumentation over a general mood that I had envisioned. I also wanted short and minimalist, lyrically- so I could focus more on layering vocals instead of a wider RnB approach. It also became a matter of wanting to explore how I was using my voice. When I went to school for music, eons ago, I was being trained in classical techniques that often brought a much different sound out of my voice. I’ve been experimenting with those concepts a little.
RAG: "Oh Lord" is a little different from your last single release "Disappear". Then again all the singles you've released this year have similar tone but are all varying in style a bit. What artists or bands really influenced you musically?
Doomsy: In retrospect, A lot of my previous releases have been testing my flexibility as a song writer, and trying to understand where I can grow. Disappear was total trip-hop in its origins, where I was trying to do calm yet frustrated. Its a song that embodies how I feel about Nostalgia, and how bittersweet it can make us. Lately, I’ve been hugely influenced by bands like Bay Faction, a Band from the Boston area that I love dearly, but also kicking it back to my roots with groups like Radiohead. Donald Glover (Childish Gambino) has done a lot for me as well. But, stylistically, Oh Lord definitely paves the road ahead for me.
RAG: How long have you been at this? How did it all start for you?
Doomsy: I’ve been Doomsy since the covid-19 pandemic started. Had a huge job transition, and ultimately felt it was the time to start doing my own solo stuff. Before this, I fronted a hard rock band for several years, but when we parted ways, I started writing things that would become Doomsy tracks. It felt far more natural as I started returning to the piano for writing, while focusing more on melody and emotion with my voice. and I didn’t feel the struggle that I once felt writing all-out rock songs- because that would easily feel forced at times.
RAG: Did you perform live before? Do you think you'll be doing live shows when the time comes?
Doomsy: I haven’t performed live with this music yet- worst timing unfortunately. There’s a lot of great musicians I’ve been talking to about helping out though, when the time comes. In general, the pandemic has certainly hindered a lot of ideas and projects, but for valid reason. 2021 is almost here, right?
RAG: What does someone like you do when you're NOT working on music?
Doomsy: When I’m not working on music, I’m working to pay rent. Absolute truth. My days begin with one computer (working from home), and end with another computer. Tattoos and friends also have my heart.
RAG: Your artwork and visuals seem to be a big part of your aesthetic. Do you do all that yourself as well?
Doomsy: For sure, and i like to be patient with how I approach drafting visual work. A huge part about carrying out my musical endeavors is making sure there is visual art to accompany it. I usually get the visual art ideas from listening to the master tracks in my own time when not working on tracks- sort of an eyes-closed process to let something natural manifest itself in thought. I’m all about crafting a vibe. I can’t draw a circle to save my life, however.
RAG: What's next for you as an artist?
Doomsy: I really wanna make music videos/film art to pair with what I’m doing musically. I often times see my music visually, in mind, and it sticks- and I can’t shake the idea away. If I could buy a camera, I would in a heartbeat. I know that time will come though, certainly a 2021 endeavor. For now, I have so much music coming and I’m very excited. It’s been an amazing experience so far, especially with the massive amount of support and the great people I’ve met and had the pleasure to work with. I consider Oh Lord to be the first step into what I’m becoming as an artist.
RAG: Before we go, what would you like to say to fans of the music?
Doomsy: Fans and friends and artists that I work alongside are the reasons why I do what I do, besides from the fact that it’s who I am and what I love to do. I think about the artists and music that has had a huge impact on my life, and how thats moved me as a person. So for me, the greatest feeling in the world would be to give that same feeling to someone else- to be able to move someone with my music or art. I want everyone to be excited for 2021, for everything that the music community has in store. I certainly am.