What is your names?
Dom Fricot. Call me Dom.
Give us a little bio about you.
Born and raised I small town BC, Canada. Salmon Arm to be exact. Two elder sisters. My Parents passed away when I was a teenager. Went to university for History but decided I’d rather follow my dreams of playing music, cuz heck we only live once, as far as I know. Been playing in bands, touring across Canada for about a decade. Started playing solo in 2011, and this is my 3 studio release.
Are you a signed?
No…Thanks for bringing it up.
You have released the your new single ‘ Help Is Needed’ ,tell us more about it.
The song is the closest thing I’ve ever done to be called political. Based on beat box and vocal loops, Help is Needed is a serious pop song with a message.
Tell us about the naming process of the single.
I usually waffle over naming songs endlessly until a friend or somebody close to me just says, it should be called ______. But this one felt quite obvious. It encapsulates the message and it’s also the refrain.
What was the writing process like?
These things often piece together over years. I remember I was listening to drum loops on garage band and I started writing the verse. I really felt the word Babylon in it for some reason, but didn’t know why. It was just a nice word for a while but I sensed that using it would have a lot more weight than citing any old place. The song started out being called “People on stairs” in relation to how we tend to be obsessed with our own success and willing to do anything or step on anything or anyone to keep climbing the ladder or stairs.
Probably 5 years later I had the experience of travelling around Europe during the Syrian / refugee crisis and the trip ended with the shootings at the Bataclan. At the time I remember a lot of talk about closing up the borders and tightening national security. Basically ramping up the fear for the “other” or the unknown, foreigners, refugees, terrorists etc. My feeling was in these moments we need to do the opposite of our instincts and be more accepting, more caring, more loving. I came home to Canada and sat down at my sister’s piano in Canmore and wrote the rest of it.
What was the recording process like?
Probably the sunniest most pleasant recording experience I’ve ever had. Our engineer was a new father so he gave strict hours to work 9-6 or 10-7. I loved that. Normally people want to go until 3 or 4 in the morning and I’m kind of opposed to that.
You also premiered the video for ‘Help Is Needed’, how was the making of it?
Pretty fun. A day in a field with a small team of people. We ate a lot of granola bars.
Any good memories from shooting?
Kinda funny. When making a video there are always so many costs for random props to rent, food, actors, costumes etc etc. It adds up quickly So you try to cut down on costs where you can. The producer and director, Evan Bourque of thought box visuals had found us a free location on a friend’s property so that was great. We had some home made explosives that we were using that made me a little nervous but those ended up being quite cool. Mid day I walk over to my vehicle away from the group and a truck drives up to me and points through the window. His face noticeably stern. He gestures to come over. I should say my face is covered in dirt and I’m wearing army fatigues. I hesitantly approach him.
“What on earth do you think you’re doing?” he says.
“Um” I say puzzled. “We’re making a video…”
“And WHO said you could do that on my land?”
“The director Evan” I respond realizing I have no idea who’s place this is.
It was pretty tense until Evan ran over and the owner realized he knew Evan and it was totally ok. I guess the man’s tenant hadn’t notified him. But for a moment I was sure we were gonna get shut down.
You are also set to drop your new album ‘Deserts’, what can we expect from it?
I had been flirting with a sound reminiscent of post Genesis 80s Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins. Built upon mostly the sounds of my Rhodes keyboard, vocal and beat box loops and my voice, the album is very focused and a slight departure for me sound wise. No guitars or drums which I find refreshing.
Describe the album in three words.
Cinematic childhood Nostalgia…
Do you have any shows coming up or a tour maybe?
I’m touring Canada in March with a smattering of Dates across Ontario, BC and Alberta.
If so where will you be heading?
Mar 9 – Burnstown, ON – Neat Coffee Shop
Mar 10 – Toronto, ON – Burdock (Early Show 6pm)
Mar 16 – Medicine Hat, AB – Cafe Verve
Mar 18 – Calgary, AB – Ironwood Stage and Grill
Mar 20 – Canmore, AB – House Concert
Mar 22 – Edmonton, AB – The Mercury Room
Mar 24 – Golden, BC – Rockwater Grill & Bar
Mar 30 – Vancouver, BC – Fox Cabaret
Do you have any collaborations coming up with any other artists or bands?
I play pretty extensively with my other Project “Folk Road Show”. We’re based out of the Netherlands. We’re touring around Europe in April and May.
Woud you be up for collaborating with artists or bands?
Sure, why not
What made you go in to music?
I just always connected with the expression. Writing was always therapy but more than that. It brings me great joy to create and emote through music.
Do you play any instruments?
Guitar, keyboard. A little bit of bass and banjo lately.
Who are your influences?
Sigur Ros, Radiohead, iron and wine, tori Amos, elliot Smith, and obviously Peter Gabriel and Phil Collins on this.
How do you get inspiration to write songs?
Always a bit different. I think it comes down to showing up to make an attempt to write. We all have inspiration in our lives. It just differs how we transform that.
Where do you see yourself now in 5 Years?
Working from home. Off the road. Writing more than touring. Hopefully for other artists. Married. 2.5 children. No pets.
When you’re not doing music, what do you do?
Hiking, biking, eating, god I love food.
What’s the best advice you have ever been given?
Spread the cheese evenly on your nachos. You don’t want chips without cheese. Cuz that sucks.
What advice would you give to aspiring musicians not about the industry and just as an artist?
Obviously the nachos advice….no seriously, um do what you love, play as much as you can, and that’s in both ways. Practice, get out and gig, but also try to find that childlike state or playing with reckless abandon in your art.
What quote or saying do you always stick by?
Hmmm..I don’t really.
When you are at a gig, what are 5 things you cannot forget?
The audience, the lyrics, spare t-shirt for changing into after,
You come off tour;
1/ Where do you go first?
Bed.
2/Who do you see?
Friends.
3/What do you eat?
Sushi if I’m in Vancouver.
Do you have social media accounts so your fans can follow you?
