Reneé Dominique became widely known through her YouTube channel! Her story goes back to 2013, when she started with her first covers. Her deep voice surprised everyone and today she is sure of her career steps, despite her initial doubts. Her recent collaboration with Jason Mraz was another reason Reneé was widely recognized.
So we wanted to talk to her to find out more about her decision to launch her career through YouTube. Dominique has a comprehensive view of social media and its use as a useful music tool. As she told us, the good things sometimes end, so this time she is doing more than she can handle.
The cover she performed on the Beatles’ “I Will” is one of her favorite covers and she explains why, and her family and ukulele will always be the most important things in her life. Which artists would she like to work with? What are her next professional plans? Find out all about Reneé Dominique in her interview to SounDarts.gr
Reneé, welcome to SounDarts.gr! First of all, would you like to introduce yourself to the Greek audience?
Hi. I’m Reneé Dominique. A singer/songwriter/Youtube content creator from Manila, Philippines! Thank you SounDarts.gr for having me.
What are your current, musical activities?
A lot of songwriting for sure! That is the one constant musical activity I have in my day. I just came from a month long trip in the US for more song writing sessions and recording with brilliant and talented musicians.
I had the privilege of working not just with Jason Mraz and Team but to work with the Grammy and Oscars multi- award winning hit Song Writer Diane Warren and her team in Holywood. (Please see link and photos, please Google Diane Warren)
Recently, you collaborated with Jason Mraz in a romantic song, entitled “Could I Love You Any More”. How did this collaboration occur?
I was the voice for a Samsung Galaxy campaign which aired around the world. JoNa Music—who works with Jason Mraz stumbled upon it on TV, looked the singer up, found me, shot an email, and the rest was history.
Talking about the social media’s impact in music industry, please tell us your experience. And how did your story begin?
I started Youtube back in 2013 when I transferred back to being in homeschool. I wanted to rediscover my love for music and put stuff out there and see where it could possibly lead me. I was hesitant at first because i thought to myself “why in the world would people want to hear me sing?”. But I decided to take the leap, post my first cover, and I surprisingly got good feedback which inspired me to create more. Fast forward to today, with hundreds of thousands of subscribers and millions of views later, I look back and remember the little shy girl who decided to go out of her comfort zone and never looked back. And that has been my story that everyone relates to. The story of shrugging every doubt and fear away and just taking the leap.
Social media and the internet in general is a strong tool for business, so it does in music. Do you believe it is a trap for the new generation of artists?
I don’t think social media itself is a trap. I think it is actually a gateway for artists from anywhere, big or small, to put their work out there for the world to see. Although what i think is a trap is the mentality and clout that people get themselves into once they let the numbers, likes, fame, and money multiply through the platform. Intentions should be balanced well.
Since you are an artist who gained fame through YouTube, do you believe that it is something that could endure in time?
I believe all good things have an end. I am well aware that Youtube—with all it has done to help me, is something that may not be forever for me. So i am making the most of what I can do right now, reach out people through my music and content through the magic of internet through this platform. I would like to have a more personal encounter with my listeners, to perform live on stage, see real faces, interact and tell them stories of things that I would want to share with them.
From all the covers that you have already made, which one would you stands out for and why?
The video of “Somewhere Only We Know” I shot at Sag Harbor, New York became an avenue for me to me in a Global brand that opened more opportunities for my voice to be heard around the world.
Is there any special story that you can share with us?
Another one is, “I Will” by The Beatles. I love this because this cover of mine is what somehow made me see what my ‘thing’ is in this online universe. It’s what helped establish me as a content creator, which is- a girl who creates her own renditions of classic hits. The viewers loved it, and eventually wanted to hear more melodies from the past because of this cover.
Before your professional, musical career, what was your biggest dream? Is it still the same?
I have always wanted to be a performer ever since I was a kid. No other thing topped the passion and love I have for this art, and I knew it was the one thing I see myself doing for the rest of my life.
Apart from Ukulele, what else is the most important thing in your life?
My family. Haha! Music will always be my first love. But it is my family who introduced and raised me in an environment full of music and arts and is the reason why I’m pursuing it.
You were born and raised in Philippines, but you have a worldwide success. How can you manage all of this recognition? What was your family’s reaction in the first place?
It’s amazing, no doubt. My family was just as surprised as I was. But they’re my #1 supporters and I love them.
I don’t see myself as a famous person. I try to not get it into my head, try to be as grounded as possible, surrounding myself with few people who will help me be on the right track. I am grateful for where this journey has been taking me.
So, if you had the chance to collaborate with any other big artist, which one would you choose and why?
Ed Sheeran and John Mayer. Both my idols when it comes to songwriting. They have made a big impact in my life, and i will always be a fan of their artistry.
What are your professional, future plans? Maybe a studio album or / and live performances?
I plan to produce a full length album, and go on tour! I’m currently working on more music for that.
What is your motto in life?
I acknowledge that everything I have is from my Maker.
Is there something that generates your faith in music and keeps you going on with your career?
Never compare yourself and your success to others. We all have our own pace, and there is a perfect time for everything. Just focus on the work towards excellence, never give up and the rest will follow.
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