Singer-songwriter Dom Malin has been making waves with his deeply personal and evocative storytelling, blending folk and indie influences into a sound that’s both intimate and expansive. Based in the Midlands, Malin has supported artists like Hazlett and Dermot Kennedy, captivating audiences with his heartfelt lyrics and raw, emotive performances. With a growing global fanbase and a headline show in Madrid on the horizon, he’s proving that authenticity resonates far and wide. For On The Record, Malin opens up about the inspiration behind his latest single ‘Tapping Out’, a song that navigates themes of failure, resilience, and self-reflection. He also shares insights into his creative process, the evolution of his sound, and how his fans have shaped his journey. With new music, live shows and exciting projects in the works, Dom Malin is an artist to watch in 2025.
Welcome to Unrecorded! For those you aren’t already familiar with Dom Malin, can you introduce yourselves?
Hey, I’m Dom Malin! I’m a singer-songwriter and designer based in the Midlands, UK. My music leans into folk and indie, with a focus on storytelling and emotion—based on acute observations and personal experiences. I’ve had the chance to support artists like Hazlett and Dermot Kennedy, and I’m currently getting ready for a headline show in Madrid on March 29th. When I’m not making music, I’m creating designs that help bring my stories to life. Excited to be here with Unrecorded—let’s get into it!
Let’s dive right into your latest single ‘Tapping Out’, what specific experiences or emotions led you to write this song?
‘Tapping Out’ was written from a deeply personal space—it’s about that feeling of running from the past while carrying the weight of failure. When I wrote this, I was struggling with the weight of personal and professional setbacks, failed relationships and trying to rebuild a life through music, wondering if I was chasing a dream that was slipping through my fingers. There’s this push and pull between wanting to keep going and feeling completely drained, like you’re on the edge of giving up but still holding onto hope.
The lyrics explore themes of loneliness, regret, and unfulfilled expectations. How did you channel those emotions into the songwriting process?
I wrote what I was feeling at the time, and it just poured out of me.
With lines like, “I don’t see myself like I did before / There’s nothing left to love no more,” the song lays bare the pain of self-doubt and the universal search for redemption. Ultimately, it’s a meditation on grief, rejection, and the struggle to find meaning in everything we’ve lost and can’t control. It’s probably one of the rawest songs I’ve ever written, both lyrically and emotionally.
The song builds from an intimate acoustic setting to a layered, emotional crescendo before stripping back at the end. What was your vision for this arrangement?
I wanted the arrangement to mirror the emotional arc of the song—starting in quiet reflection, building as the weight of the past sets in, and then stripping back to leave a sense of raw vulnerability at the end. ‘Tapping Out’ begins with the quiet intimacy of guitar and piano, creating space for reflection. As the song builds, layers of percussion, organ, and lead guitar emerge, mirroring the rising intensity of confronting the past. The crescendo swells with emotion before falling away to a raw, stripped-back ending—just piano and vocals—signifying the fragile but hopeful acceptance of facing the truth.
How do you think ‘Tapping Out’ compares to your previous singles, like ‘Hurricane’ or ‘Keep Out The Rain’, in terms of sound and storytelling?
These singles showcase what I love most about being an alternative singer-songwriter—exploring different sounds while staying true to my storytelling. Keep Out The Rain leans into indie rock, Hurricane has a country feel, and Tapping Out embraces a folk-rock sound. In terms of storytelling, Tapping Out carries a deeper sense of maturity, reflecting on life’s struggles with more nuance. Where Hurricane and Keep Out The Rain deal with emotional turbulence and self-preservation, Tapping Out feels more lived-in—like a moment of realisation rather than reaction. The production also mirrors this shift, focusing on how the song translates live, making it feel raw and real.
How do you decide when a song is “finished” and ready to share with the world?
For me, a song feels finished when it no longer feels like it’s missing something—both musically and emotionally. I’ll sit with it for a while, tweaking lyrics and arrangements, and if I keep coming back to the same version without wanting to change anything, that’s usually a sign that it’s ready. But honestly, it’s more of a feeling than a formula. Sometimes a song comes together quickly, and other times it takes stepping away and revisiting it with fresh ears. When I can listen to it and feel like it fully captures what I was trying to say, that’s when I know it’s time to share it.
You’ve built a strong, global fanbase through TikTok and live performances. How has that changed the way you approach music?
It’s pushed me to level up and show up for my fans in new ways. Every time I create something, it’s like a challenge to make it better than the last, because they expect something fresh. I want to keep them on their toes, never really knowing what’s coming next. But at the same time, I want them to feel like they’re part of the process. I love the idea of involving them more in the journey and letting them have a say in what I release next. It’s all about building that connection and keeping things exciting for both me and them.
You have a headline show scheduled in Madrid which was inspired by a fan’s connection to your music. What does it feel like to have that kind of impact?
It was completely unexpected, and I feel incredibly grateful for the opportunity. To think that people want to see me perform in their cities—that’s honestly mind-blowing. The community that’s built around my music is something I’m so thankful for. It’s not just about the songs; it’s about the connections, the way people come together and support each other. To have fans who believe in what I do enough to invite me into their cities is incredibly humbling and a feeling I can’t fully describe. It makes every show feel even more meaningful.
With more live shows planned in 2025, what can fans expect from your upcoming performances?
In 2025, fans can expect more intimate moments, bigger energy, and a deeper connection with the music. I’m focusing on creating an experience that’s both personal and immersive, where the songs are front and center, but the vibe is still full of energy. With each performance, I want people to feel like they’re part of the journey—whether it’s through new songs or even just a more intimate setting where we can all share the moment. The goal is for each show to be unique and memorable, so people can expect something that feels fresh and genuine every time.
Do you have any collaborations or new projects on the horizon that you’re excited about?
I’m in the early stages of launching some new merch, which I’m excited about—it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a while! I’m also starting work on a Debut EP, which is always an exciting process. I’ve got a lot of ideas brewing and can’t wait to see how they come together. There’s a lot to look forward to, and I’m pumped to share it all when the time’s right!
You can also listen to ‘Tapping Out’ in our Folk This Way and Shades of Pop playlists.
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