Genre: Acoustic / Acoustic General / Folk
Location: Liverpool, UK
Transcript from an Interview with Dominic Williams
I recently returned to performing after a break of many years. Accompanying myself on Spanish classic or electro-acoustic guitar, the material combines original compositions, folk, music from singer-songwriters, ragtime and tunes from the Spanish classical guitar repertoire. Recently been playing in a band in and around Liverpool but it broke up. Forwards and onwards...
I've been in bands over the years and enjoyed it all while it was happening. Suddenly, when I thought it would never happen, I recently found myself in a band again. It can be fun but you've got to watch out for the madness. Some people are crazy..
Why this name?
It's my name.
Do you play live?
I've played live in many places over the years in a variety of venues including clubs, festivals and radio sessions. Now mostly I play at open mike sessions in and around Liverpool and N.W. England. I've particularly enjoyed the Urban Coffee Lounge and the Acoustic Engine - each a Liverpool venue with its own very positive atmosphere. Jam sessions at the South Bohemia Gallery were fun, turned into serious rehearsals and led to some gigs.
How, do you think, does the internet (or mp3) change the music industry?
It certainly puts the artist in more direct control and allows for the sharing of music with a like-minded audience. William Blake would have loved it. He only sold nine copies of "The Marriage of Heaven and Hell" in his life-time and how many people ever got to hear him sing his songs?
Would you sign a record contract with a major label?
I've had my fifteen minutes of fame. I wonder if you get two gos? A couple of people have recorded my songs. It is good when they take on a life of their own. I've got a batch of new songs now, so let's see where they go in the world. Once they're written, it's up to them what happens. Roll on, Roland Barthes!
Your influences?
Players I particularly enjoy are Segovia. John Williams and Lily Afshar. Influences on my music include Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Randy Newman, Loudon Wainwright III, Tarrega, William Blake and the rhythms of Winnie the Pooh. I used to sing along with my Dad as he sang and played the piano. I remember doing the high countermelody on "You're just in love." He taught me what rhythm was.
Favorite spot?
I remember being overwhelmed by a great feeling of tranquillity on Woolacombe beach in Devon. Marrakech is great in the dusk and early evening when the rolling floor show starts in the main square at Jamma el Fnaa. Sunset over the Karakoram mountains in Ladakh to the sounds of Mozart's Clarinet Concerto is firmly embedded in my memory and I like to revisit it from time to time. The Taj Mahal changing colour at sunset, but it's unspeakable at any time really. So much beauty out of so much agony. The view from the top of the Empire State Building at night is brilliant and gave a new meaning to "electric". Lake Malawi when the hippos are basking. Crossing the aqueduct on the Llangollen Canal in a narrow boat with the Dee Valley two hundred feet below is pretty spectacular. Try it. Trust me, it's good. Now, what's yours? You can use the messageboard to tell me!
Anything else...?
You can't beat live music for its combination of life and music. If you're making music you know you're alive.
Equipment used: Spanish classical guitar and Electro-acoustic. A backpacker when I'm travelling.