nervous because I had never auditioned for anything in my life. But I felt God calling me there. After my first audition, I didn’ t make it. I felt defeated and discouraged. I later received an email from Mack Brock saying that he saw a lot of potential in me and wanted me to come back. I connected with Lance and Lee Worley( an Elevation drummer at the time) before auditioning again. Once that happened, I had more confidence and then received the“ You made it to the team” email.
[ WM ] Do you drum outside of the church? Do any session work?
[ Dominic ] Yes! I have the privilege of working with many amazing artists within the CCM world, including: Pat Barrett, TAYA, Mack Brock, Bryan and Katie Torwalt, and Benjamin Hastings.
Outside of the CCM world, I have the privilege of working with the dynamic duo Johnnyswim, as well as local / hometown bands and artists, including: Thousand Dollar Movie, Jude Moses, Solis, and Ethan Nathaniel. I’ ve also worked with John Mark McMillan and Mike Mains & the Branches.
In addition to playing drums in the music world, I’ m also part of the Youtube Kids’ Show“ Danny Go!” as the character“ Gerald”, where I play drums in a new and fun way for kids. I do a lot of session work, and co-own a recording company“ Gigantic Recording Company” with two of my really good bros and bandmates, Jeremy Smith and Leo Solis.
Over the last few years, I’ ve also been recording demo videos for Ludwig, showcasing new kits and snares, which is super rad!
[ WM ] Thoughts on drum cages? Are you using sound deflectors? Are they working well?
[ Dominic ] Learning how to“ play to a room” is SO IMPORTANT! I understand the use for cages and shields, but I’ ve never been a fan of them. They’ ve always made me feel disconnected from what’ s happening, and when playing with a band, having chemistry and being connected on stage is so important. I like to say,“ Being cage free is free indeed!” because I feel so free without it.
[ WM ] Do you have a kit at home … Tell us about that one?
[ Dominic ] I have a few, and they’ re all my favorites! But one of my top-five would be my Ludwig Classic Maple Black Oyster Pearl!
SHELLS Kick: 20x14 Tom’ s: 8x12, 14x14, 16x14 Snare: Ludwig Black Beauty 14x6.5
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