Music has the power to tell stories that resonate with listeners on a deeply personal level, and 'Tapping Out' by Dom Malin is no exception. With raw honesty and emotional depth, this song captures the complexities of failure, loneliness, and regret, while still offering a glimmer of hope and resilience. In this interview, Dom Malin reflects on the inspiration behind the track, the evolution of their musical journey, and the profound connection they've built with fans worldwide. From intimate lyrics to powerful live performances, they share how Tapping Out represents both a full-circle moment and a step forward in their ongoing story—one that continues to inspire and connect through every note.
‘Tapping Out’ feels like a deeply personal and reflective song. Can you share what inspired you to write it and what emotions you were trying to capture?
Tapping Out is my story of facing the toughest parts of life—but still trying to rebuild with every note. It’s a journey through failure, loneliness, and regret—a reflection on the weight we carry and the moments we wish we could rewrite. But as raw and vulnerable as it is, it’s also about hope and the quiet resilience that keeps us moving forward.
You’ve described this song as a “full circle moment.” What does that mean for you in terms of your personal and professional journey?
Releasing new music is always daunting, but I remind myself it’s a fresh start—a chance to show growth and capture the chapter I’m living right now. The voice is still there, along with the doubts and memories, but they fade over time. That’s what I mean by a full-circle moment. The ending of the song returns to a distant, head-voice-like vocal, bringing it back to where it all started, but with a new feeling.
The song builds from a quiet intimacy to a powerful crescendo before ending in a stripped-back moment. How did you approach the arrangement to mirror the song’s emotional journey?
When I write, I focus on the dynamics and intensity of both the vocal melody and the production. This is how you draw people in, evoke emotions, and take them on a journey. I want my songs to feel like a journey for the listener, much like shifting gears in a car—moving up and down, shifting the pace. I’ve been playing this song live for the past year, and it's one of my favourite ways to explore its structure. It gives me a real sense of how an audience reacts, allowing me to fine-tune it along the way.
Your music often explores themes of perseverance, self-reflection, and chasing dreams. How has your own journey in music influenced the messages in your songs?
I talk about the world around me and try to explore universal themes that anyone can relate to. We all lead similar lives, and it’s comforting to share that connection, to let people know they’re not alone in what they’re going through. Each day, each month, and each year, our chapter and story evolve, and I’m here to write that—to capture it from my perspective and share it with the world.
You’ve built a strong community of fans, particularly through livestreams and social media. How has this connection with listeners impacted your music and career?
It’s twofold! Their energy, enthusiasm, and passion inspire me to be the best I can be. I wanted to create a space that feels like catching up with a friend over coffee—a safe place to exist, share, and be part of a loving and supportive community of diverse, multicultural people. This has impacted so many areas, from shows to supporting releases and creating meaningful content.
You’ve had the opportunity to tour extensively across the UK, Europe, and the USA. Are there any standout moments from your travels that have shaped your perspective as an artist?
For me, it reinforces everything I love about live music and connection. Being able to share a moment that will never repeat itself is truly timeless. Playing the Keller Auditorium in Portland was surreal, as was performing on the streets of Bern, Switzerland.
Your career started with busking and open mics, and now you’re headlining international shows. Looking back, what do you think has been the most pivotal moment in your journey?
It's about not giving up and constantly striving to improve everything I do—from production to my guitar skills and songwriting. I never let myself get complacent.
Many fans resonate with your introspective songwriting. What do you hope listeners take away from ‘Tapping Out’ and your music in general?
It’s the depth of my words, the maturity in my writing, and the transparency of who I am as a person. I want my songs to resonate with people’s lives and be a window into their souls.
You’ve cited artists like Damien Rice and Joan Osborne as inspirations. How have they influenced your sound and approach to songwriting?
Damien Rice, in particular, has inspired me to be honest, raw, and emotional in my music. He captivates you because you believe the words he’s written and the story he’s trying to tell. This has always been how I’ve wanted to approach my style of songwriting and performance. He reminded me that a song is only as powerful as the connection between a singular instrument and voice.
With 2025 shaping up to be another big year for you, what can fans expect next in terms of new music and live performances?
I’ve set a goal for 2025 to connect with as many of my community members as possible, and it’s already becoming a reality with gigs lined up in Madrid, Germany, the US, and England. Musically, I’m shifting toward exploring the challenges of life through themes of self-worth, mental health and personal growth.