Domino (producer)

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Domino
Background information
Birth name Damian Siguenza
Also known as Domino
Born November 9, 1970
Origin Flag of United States San Francisco, California, USA
Genre(s) Alternative hip hop
West coast hip hop
Occupation(s) Producer/Manager
Instrument(s) Akai MPC 2000, Akai MPC1000, M Audio Axiom 49, Pro Tools, Numark CDX, Korg Kaoss Pad KP3, Ecler Nuo4, Arturia Analog Factory, Novation ReMOTE 25SL
Years active 1993–Present
Label(s) Hieroglyphics Imperium Recordings
Associated
acts
Hieroglyphics
Dan 'The Automator' Nakamura
Amp Fiddler
Website http://www.hieroglyphics.com

Damian Siguenza, known by his stage name, Domino (born: November 9, 1970), is an American producer, manager, DJ, and one of the members of the Oakland, California-based underground hip hop collective, the Hieroglyphics.

Contents

[edit] Biography

Born in San Francisco, California, Siguenza claimed in a 2006 interview that the nickname "Domino" came from his friends in high school:

I got the name in high school. There is no meaning other than that it is associated with my first initial to my name Damian."[1]

Domino began his music career as a rapper, but by 1989-90 had switched almost exclusively to beat making, following the purchase of a Casio FZ 10M sampler.[1] By the time he joined the Hieroglyphics in the mid-1990s, Domino concentrated solely on beat making and production.[1]

[edit] Musical career

In 1991, Domino was living in the back room of 'The Groove Merchant' Record Store in the Bay Area honing his ear and craft with old and rare funk and soul records. He met Hieroglyphics' founder Del tha Funkee Homosapien through a frequent customer, Elektra Records producer Dante Ross.[2] Del then introduced Domino to the other members of the Hieroglyphics, who admired Domino's beat making skills as much as Domino admired the Hieroglyphic's rapping skills, and Domino eventually became an integral part of the collective. Ultimately, as the various groups were signed to Elektra and Jive Records. Domino, being the oldest, became the spokesman and manager for most of the groups. [1]

Domino is known for his combination of jazz and funk style sounds, creative sampling and extensive record knowledge. Some of his more notable tracks include "After Dark", "Make Your Move", and "Powers That Be", from the Hieroglyphics' sophomore album Full Circle. His creative use of samples and approach to using funk and jazz-based music is one of the foundations of the Hieroglyphics' sound. His production has been featured on just about every Hiero-related release on Jive and Hieroglyphics Imperium labels.

In the years of managing the Hiero Imperium, Domino has gained world-wide recognition and respect in the underground hip-hop world while expanding the Hiero Imperium to include artists such as O.C., Goapele, and Beeda Weeda.

Domino has recently (2006-2007) been associated with Dan the Automator and is rumored to be on working on many new projects, including a solo project. He currently is experiementing with several new pieces of equipment to expand his sound and approach to creating beats.

[edit] References

  1. ^ a b c d Maniaci, Paul (09-03-2006). Domino Music Producer Interview. The Career Cookbook.com. Retrieved on 2007-03-14.
  2. ^ StinkE (1996-07-22). Domino Online Exclusive Interview. StinkE Productions. Retrieved on 2007-01-31.

[edit] External Links


Hieroglyphics
Members
Casual | Del tha Funkee Homosapien | Domino | Pep Love | Souls of Mischief (A-Plus, Opio, Phesto, Tajai)
Albums
3rd Eye Vision (1998) | Full Circle (2003) 
Hiero related artists
Beeda Weeda | Encore | Goapele | Handsome Boy Modeling School | O.C. | Z-Man