Domino (producer)

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Not to be confused with Domino (rapper), a different American rapper.

Domino
Birth name Damian Siguenza
Also known as Domino
Born November 9, 1970 (1970-11-09) (age 37)
Origin San Francisco, California, U.S.
Genre(s) Alternative hip hop
West coast hip hop
Occupation(s) CEO/Producer/Manager
Instrument(s) Akai MPC 2000, Akai MPC1000, Pro Tools, Numark CDX, Korg Kaoss Pad KP3, Ecler Nuo4, Arturia Analog Factory, Novation ReMOTE 25SL, Native Instruments Kontakt 2
Years active 1993–Present
Label(s) Hieroglyphics Imperium Recordings
Associated acts Hieroglyphics
Dan 'The Automator' Nakamura
Amp Fiddler
Website Domino at MySpace

Damian Siguenza, known by his stage name, Domino (born November 9, 1970), is an American record producer, manager, DJ, and one of the members of the Oakland, California-based underground hip hop collective, 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 A&R/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' second 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 being acting CEO 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 continues creating music for Commercials, Television and Video games. His songs have recently been featured in the EA's Tony Hawk's Pro Skater series and his songs featured on the HBO Entourage Series.

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

[edit] Discography

[edit] Studio albums

Album information
No Need For Alarm
  • Released: 1993
  • Songs Produced by Domino: "No More Worries", "Don't Forget"
Both Sides of the Brain
  • Released: April 11, 2000
  • Song Produced by Domino: "Press Rewind"
93 'til Infinity
  • Released: September 6, 1993
  • Songs Produced by Domino: "Let 'Em Know", "Live And Let Live", "Disseshowedo","What A Way To Go Out", "Outro"
Trilogy: Conflict, Climax, Resolution
  • Released: March 14, 2000
  • Song Produced by Domino: "Interrogation"
Ascension
  • Released: July 24, 2001
  • Songs Produced by Domino: "Act Phenom", "Different"
Power Movement
  • Released: April 20, 2004
  • Songs Produced by Domino: "Raindance", "Dedication"
Triangulation Station
  • Released: February 22, 2006
  • Song Produced by Domino: "Confederate Burning"
Fear Itself
  • Released: February 1, 1994
  • Songs Produced by Domino: "Intro", "Me-O-Mi-O", "That Bullshit", "Follow The Funk", "We Got It Like That", "Lose In The End",

"Thoughts Of The Thoughtful", "Be Thousand"

He Think He Raw
Smash Rockwell
  • Released: September 6, 2005
  • Songs Produced by Domino: "Rap Game", "Styles"
3rd Eye Vision
  • Released: May 24, 1998
  • Songs Produced by Domino: "Intro", "All Things", "At The Helm", "After Dark", "Tajai", "Off The Record", "Aplus", "No Nuts", "Del"
Full Circle
  • Released: October 7, 2003
  • Songs Produced by Domino: "Prelude", "Powers That Be", "Make Your Move", "Shift Shape", "Classic", "Let It Roll", "7 Sixes"

[edit] Compilation albums

Album information
Hieroglyphics B-Sides
Hieroglyphics Oldies, Vol. II
  • Released: 1998
  • Song Produced by Domino: "Fear No Evil", "Can I Kill 'em?",
Over Time

[edit] External links

[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.