Domestique: "Good music dissolves boundaries wherever you play"

Redaction
Oct 1
3 min read

Domestique, a Finnish-American producer and DJ based in Minneapolis, blends the sophisticated atmospheres of melodic house with the intricate rhythms of progressive house, creating a distinctive and recognizable sound. With a strong musical background and a passion for analog instruments and unconventional production techniques, he continually experiments with new sonic textures, transforming each track into a unique auditory experience. His music has reached clubs and festivals across Europe and the United States, and his artistic journey continues to explore new creative frontiers without limits.

You’ve performed in both Europe and the United States. What differences have you noticed between European and American audiences, and how do these differences shape your approach to live performances?

I grew up splitting time between the US and Europe going to clubs before I started producing music and my favorite DJs always had their own unique sound. Sure there are audience differences between countries, but if you know your music well enough and trust your taste, songs will translate wherever you play. There are tracks I’ve played in the same year at a club in Ibiza, in Oslo, and then again at a residency set in Minneapolis. Good music dissolves boundaries regardless of whatever is popular locally.

"Spearfish" blends lush melodies with progressive rhythms. Can you walk us through your creative process for this track, and what emotions were you aiming to convey through the music?

Spearfish was a track I started a few years back. Around that time, I was spending a lot of time in nature hiking, going to festivals, and making songs on my laptop. The organic sounds and field recordings in the track were definitely a result of this. Most of what I make gets classified as progressive house, so I went all in on making it feel like a journey. I’ve followed Madraas and their label (Where The Shadow Ends) since it started and I was thrilled that they wanted to work with me on this release!

Your formal musical training and use of analog gear are distinctive elements of your sound. How do these aspects influence your production, and what advantages do they bring to your music?

Being into different genres and having the ability to play instruments drove me early on to the more experimental side of electronic music. I am influenced by producers like Nicolas Jaar, Tycho, Lane 8, and Aphex Twin who all use a mixture of hardware and software. With so much music out there, it’s tough to be unique so I look for tools that I know most people will avoid. There are always a couple pieces of hardware around my studio like my trusty Moog Sub 37, Octatrack, or my Cirklon sequencer. They are difficult to learn, but often result in “happy accidents” that give tracks character, especially when you only half-know how they work.

How would you describe the electronic music scene in Minneapolis, and what role do you see yourself playing within it?

Minneapolis is underrated because it’s a city with a deep musical history and many different venues. We also have talented promoters like Dance Agenda that help break new artists and book music acts that are genuinely good, not just popular. There are many talented artists based here, I’m happy to be involved and contributing my voice to the scene. When I went to college at the University of Minnesota I was exposed to a wide range of indie and experimental music that pushed boundaries. That has definitely influenced my sound and approach to this project.

Looking ahead, what are your artistic ambitions, and which directions are you considering for your next musical projects?

This year I played way more shows than expected, to more people than I ever thought would be interested in my music. It was really inspiring and pushed me to work hard in the studio. Recently, I’ve finished a few collaborations with artists and vocalists that I’m really excited about and can’t wait to share! I think people will be surprised by the direction this project takes. I don’t feel like I’ve even gotten started yet.