By Chase & Jesse Chappell
Music has a way of describing things that we can’t really put into words; it can be a storytelling device that allows artists, and subsequentially their listeners, to express feelings they might not have even realized they had.
After all, the importance of music is only fully demonstrated in its contrast to the chaos of everyday life.
Dom Louis, a local Niagara folk artist, takes a moment to reflect on the hustle and bustle of our day-to-day lives and provides a much-needed moment of calm, introspection, and an overall “feel good” vibe. It’s no wonder that Louis places such emphasis on providing his audience with raw and organic textures within the musicality of his songs as well as the lyricism.
Early Beginnings and Musical Journey
Dom started writing songs at an early age, but it wasn't until high school that he took it seriously. When asked about the origin story of Dom Louis, he had this to say: "…I took it more seriously when I didn't make the soccer team in grade 5.”
Who knew that a failed foray into soccer would be the catalyst that the world needed to bring to life Dom Louis’ musical talent?
There was a county fair that would come to town once a year so I would go sing [my songs] there and anywhere else that would have me
Dom continued the hustle after high school and moved out of Niagara and into Toronto, where he would perform in bars and at open mics in between his impromptu busks on the streets.
Songs About the Struggle: Writing Process and Influences
Drawing on his early influences like Bob Dylan and Tom Petty, Dom is no stranger to folk music that focuses on remaining grounded in the reality of life yet still having the capacity for self-analysis.
Dom Louis's music is a unique blend of raw, organic, and earthy sounds. His honesty, creativity, and therapeutic writing process are even reflected in the production style, where he even goes as far as removing as much compression and effects as possible.
According to Dom, his reflective writing style allows him to “stay in the dream while writing, and that helps [him] to be honest in spite of myself”.
Like most art, it comes from places of intense emotions, whether elation or melancholy and everything in between. Louis’ motivation to create comes from working day jobs, being in a relationship with people close to his heart, growing up, long drives, new friends, and quiet moments of reflection.
"First Light," a song off Dom's new EP Dom Louis, was one of the last songs written for the album. The song’s beautifully paints a melancholy picture. Louis delves into intricate and relatable emotions that encompass a spectrum from nostalgia to a profound longing for home. He was inspired to write the song after watching a movie without a happy ending.
Birds fly like I wanted to hold me. Send my body back home again.
“I think life is very hard and each generation is gonna face their fair share of trials and tribulations. I like music that speaks to the working class and speaks to that struggle,” says Louis.
Red Like Stone is one song in particular from his new EP Dom Louis that reflects some of these themes of struggle in its presentation of love, loss, and the physical wear-and-tear brought from a life lived on the road. Such themes are presented beautifully on this track with a vocal performance that marks a departure from the rest of the album, which features melodies often performed in a soft, subtle, and gentle tone. Tonal shifts like this are just some of the ways Dom’s versatility is put on full display and really make the album come alive.
Another of Dom's tracks, "Down Every Road", has resonated with audiences based on some available Spotify numbers. Dom attributes the song's success to its fun nature, plus, according to Dom: “the banjo cooks”
Louis’ music both manages to speak to a whole generation while still remaining personable through songs that speak to broad feelings of nostalgia and the specific adversities of life that he has experienced that his audience can, hopefully, empathize with.
A Life on the Road Brought to a Stage Near You
During live performances, Dom and his band have fun on stage and try to let go, with the best moments often coming unexpectedly. Dom described his performances as "good wholesome fun" and hopes that listeners can hum a few songs on their way home.
Dom Louis is currently on tour supporting his self-titled debut album. You can catch Dom Louis with the support of his friends Sophi and Neon Cowboy at the Warehouse Concert Hall in St. Catharines Friday, May 12th, 2023.
He invites fans new and old to listen to the music anywhere online and wants them to know that he will have some physical releases available soon. Keep an eye out for his shows in the Niagara region and beyond!
Music is indeed a powerful medium that transcends language and enables artists to convey emotions and stories that might be challenging to express through words alone. Dom Louis, as an artist of the everyday musician, taps into this universal language of music to connect with listeners on a deep and emotional level. Through his music, he provides a platform for people to explore their own feelings and experiences, making it a valuable and relatable form of artistic expression. It's inspiring to see how musicians like Dom Louis can touch our hearts and help us connect with our own inner emotions. You need to place your Spotify music and popularize it with spotify promotion - https://artistpush.me/collections/spotify-promotion