Robbie interviews rising star Dominique Young Unique and finds out why you shouldn’t grow up too fast..
I’m interested in finding out about your background in Tampa, you started at 13 – did it ever feel like you were loosing out on your childhood by getting involved in music from such a young age?
Yeah, somewhat, because I missed a lot of things because of my age. When I turned 15/16 I found I couldn’t really hang with my friends a lot and I was working with my producer David Alexander constantly…it was like ‘OMG’ I’m so dedicated to my music. And I loved it, then David took me under his wing after that I was just like flying to London flying all around the world, and it was like ‘OMG’ I’m doing it so young.
Do you think having these opportunities ever distorted your perception on certain things? How you wrote about things?
You know, OMG, I thought it was all the same. I thought the whole world was gunna be all the same, in Tampa I didn’t really know there was all these other places. You read about all that in school, and I thought, like, I’m never actually going to get a chance to go to different countries.
Do you feel lucky that you had the chance to travel the world?
I wouldn’t say lucky, I’d say blessed you know. I pray to God like all the time to get my family out of the struggle to help me succeed in my career – to go along way. And it happened, and I’m like, is God letting me see this for a reason? But you never can question the man up above. I feel good about it you know, it’s so joyful.
So, we all know you’re a party girl…
Yeah, you know, I’m a girl that likes to party, and when I go to the club and stuff everything across the world is so different. I mean here in Tampa it’s different and in London and the UK…it’s VERY different. In Tampa no-one goes wild like you all did in London. It’s crazy! I think I like the England nightclubs the best.
Your music seems to capture that party feel. Is that something you always intended?
Yeah, but, like the music I do IS party, that techno sound, that electro sound. I love to make club music. When the beat hit that up tempo people just go crazy. And I love to see that.
You’ve said you look up to Trina..
Yeah, but it’s to a point. I feel like now I’m on the same level with Trina – that’s how I feel. I don’t even really like look at her no more.. I respected her when I was younger always going “this girls so bad” but now I’ve got more mature, my inspirations now changed to Beyonce.
Do you think Trina’s attitude was the thing that did appeal to you when you were younger then? That recklessness, that sense of freedom? That feel for just going out and not caring?
I think it is, I used to always watch Trina. And you know, if you watch an idol, who you’re really into and love. And then you start to become that person, and yeah, I say I got that kind of arsey attitude she has, but I love it you know.
Why do you think there’s such a hype for you in the UK?
Maybe because I’ve been over there, like, I don’t know, maybe because of my work. People seem to love what I’m bringing to the table, and I love the people of the UK, they all very supportive. Sometimes for a female it’s really hard to get yourself noticed out there because a lot of people become so picky about female artists. I think male artists weigh easier.
Yeah but people seem generally hyped with what you’re doing, what with major artists tweeting and that. How does it feel to have stars tweeting your name?
OMG. I swear to you, it feels so good. Sometimes I feel down a little, I’ve tried so hard to get my work out there. I want people to feel where my music is coming from and to have fun and party! Having other people tweet about me and talk about me made me feel good, it brought me out of those negative situations. The people that go at me, make me try much harder…I love making music, it’s not gunna stop me.
You’ve said “I want my music to stand the test of time”, how do you keep things sounding fresh?
My music depends on the mood I’m in, if I’m upset I’m gunna go off on a song. My attitudes switch up every day. I write a song like every day.
Before I perform, I’ll write a hook.
Do you think there’s more pressure because of your age?
Yeah but sometimes I love it because it makes me feel more like a woman than a kid. I feel like I’m working hard for my family and I feel a bit like a business women. I love it, I love it.
It sounds like you’ve really found yourself..
Yeah I agree, in fact, I know of late I’ve found myself. I went all in on this mixtape (Stupid Pretty). I’ve gotta find myself, and this mixtape is me proving that.
What’s the future? World domination?
I’m shooting videos for each track and just releasing man. Dominique is different, she’s unique, I got style. My flow game is getting better and better and I’m coming. I’m about to take over, so be scared. I’m scared of myself.
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@robbieflash
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