Interview with Dom The Destroyer May 11, 2017 (Conducted by Derrin Thompson)

·      How’s life?

 D- In general a little fucked.. The 21st century took a turn for the worst. Corruption, Privatization, brutality.. We should all be way more fucking pissed. 

·      How long have you been making music?

Almost 13 years now. I got my 1st drum set when I was 12. My cousin and I recorded our 1st demo on a karaoke machine but it would only record cassette tapes through these cheap plastic mics.... That band was called "Sewage."

·      How would you describe the process of your mixtape, did you enjoy making it?

Agonizing... I've always made some type of underground music but this was the 1st project I took serious. To create a whole mixtape from scratch off an                  experimental genre that no ones ever heard before is definitely a pain in the ass but to have a finished product in the end is amazing. 

·      If you had to put your music in a box to categorize it, how would you describe it? What would you consider the genre to be?

It is like a loud, obnoxious admonishment of politics and religion over 808 drops and distorted guitars. I call it "DeathTrap." It's a working title.   

·      Any local producers / artists you’re hyped on right now?

            Just Myself.

·      For those of you who don’t know, Dom also runs a local clothing line called Domno Tes. How are things with Domno Tes?

 Going really well actually, We recently pushed all of our dead stock at pop up shops and on tour so we are currently sold out of everything. but we are designing new drops for this fall to co-exist with our friday the 13th tour. S/O to the DOMNOtheDESTROYER shirts that are gunna drop.   

·      How do you feel about the current state of the music scene in Virginia?

 I think this area currently lacks originality to a degree and for some reason we built a scene around it... It's either a bunch of trap boys mimicking the Migos flow or some generic ass Hardcore band from VB. I'm good... But if you know where to look there is some dope original music that comes out of the area as well, I just feel that we don't shine any light on anyone worth shining light on. Everyone sold out. 

·      Every now and then I hear people saying “ There is too much ego here, do you agree?

 exactly, its all showmanship. It's solely about who looks cooler on stage or who has more followers.. We lack originality, taste and knowledge. It's sad. We need to travel more, see these other scenes in other places and get some enlightenment and a reality check.   

·      What inspires you to do what you do everyday, I know running your own business can be a lot of work and stress, why do you pursue the dream?

I'm just wired like that... My pops is a big influence in my life, he NEVER stops. Growing up he would always tell me he just wanted me to be a better man than he was... so obviously now I can just never fucking stop, lol.

·      5 facts about running a clothing line (the good and the bad)

1. Nobody is going to buy your shit at 1st.. don't stop though.

2. Don't try to do it all by yourself, it is a multiple person job.

3. Fuck whatever is trending or whos in what.. fashion changes every 5 seconds and you will drive yourself crazy.

4. Be yourself, make clothes for you.

5. People don't know what they like until you discover it, so don't be afraid to experiment... scared money don't make no money. 

·      Are you still hosting drum lessons for people with an interest in learning how to play?

 Not currently, We could not generate enough interest in the classes but if anyone is interested in drum lessons contact me via email DOMNOTESCLOTHING@GMAIL.COM.

·      Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

 Touring other countries. Still designing and working on music.

·      Shout outs?

S/O to HENNY HUNCHO, KROWN VIC, ZAKKR, GARSO DIO, MKQN, THE PLAGUE, RVSH & MTM STUDIOS... SQUAD