It’s not often an artist comes along that is as filled with passion as he is with talent.
Whilst most will say they want to be a pop star more than anything in the world, Dominic Neill is one that has slowly, methodically and unfalteringly not only paid his dues, but been as meticulous in his delivery of his dream as he is of honing his craft – every step of the way.
As a 25-year old, essentially still a youngster, one would forgive Dominic for making mistakes along his chosen career path – either personally or professionally. Yet there are very few beats that this singer/songwriter slash producer has missed.
With the release of his brand new album in July 2017, he proves that he’s once again raised the bar on everything people have come to expect from him – and indeed, commercial pop and dance music in not only South Africa, but indeed globally.
The commercial pop market is a saturated one – and electronic pop even more so. In order to stand out from the crowd one needs exception – and time. Most people assume when an artist ‘breaks out’ that’s it’s an overnight scenario, produced and packaged with the right team of executives and publicists –but it’s rarely the case. Most pop artists have to put in their time like anybody else, and only the true talent doesn’t fall through the cracks.
Dominic Neill is one of the artists that has managed to not only remain relevant since his ‘Top Seven’ Idols appearance back in 2012, but progressively elevate his game year by year, until his reputation in the industry was one that preceded him. After working with the massive DJ/producer DJ Kent on his album Evolution X, the twosome released a single that would have enough success on national radio to make people sit up and start asking who this talented vocalist was.
Dominic cites himself as being a singer first. “I like to remind people that I back myself as a singer – I’ve worked hard to hone my tone, my delivery and my ability over the years“, he states. This would make sense because, despite his obvious love of all things electronic, his influences are still predominantly the exceptional vocalists of our generation such as Jamie Cullan, James Arthur and Ed Sheeran. As a producer too, he shines. Writing and putting tracks together comes naturally for him and he has seen himself become aggressively more sought-after as a producer and songwriter by his South African peers. As part of his future vision, this suits him well as one of his primary passions.
With the living, breathing mechanics of the large record company Universal Music backing him not only on publishing but as an artist, Dominic has been given the creative freedom and space to be able to explore all sides of his craft with a solid support structure. His album Out Of My League shows the opportunities he has been exposed to and made his own, like incredible production from 7 top South African players in the industry, to German and Australian production, and some great duets along the way, such as the title track and first single Out Of My League featuring The Voice – Nigeria winning contestant A’rese.
Out Of My League as a record though, is diverse – so diverse in fact that it plays as beautifully in the house anthem department to the acoustic pop love song one. The more stripped down tracks such as Better Day, Straight Up (Paula Abdul cover version) and Love You Still reveal the technical and craftsmanship of a good vocal delivery, whilst tracks such as Taken By You feat. Lady Zamar, What We Are, Beat To Drop and Game Is Strong show their dance-floor power and remind the listener to never doubt the influence of excellent production and a banging summer beat.
Highlights tracks from the record and possible singles are undoubtedly the title track Outta My League, Taken By You feat. Lady Zamar and Love You Still. Game Is Strong is another that will feel right at home on the top of radio charts.
With an eye set on Europe for festivals, performances, collabs and song-writing, lucky for us Dominic Neill has no plans to relocate as yet – merely to keep pushing to be the best possible artist he can. With his German heritage he has an affinity with the country and he doesn’t deny he is an ambitious artist but feels that will come in his own time and, ever humble and gracious, feels he needs to work harder still.
Out Of My League is the product of many years of “striving to be better”. An honest musical moment in the life of a young, ever-evolving, ever-learning artist, it is a stellar moment that will do nothing but elevate this star to the heights he hopes for.
– Available to order 21 July 2017: https://dominicneill.lnk.to/OOMLEPFP
Dominic Neill Social Media:
Facebook: /iamdominicneill
Instagram: @iamdominicneill
Twitter: @iamdominicneill