Dominic Romano – Who I Am (2023)
Inspired by the likes of Frank Turner, singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Dominic Romano finds the line between folk and pop in his intriguing sound. A producer turned musician; Romano has been sharing melodies for several years now. As part of the progressive folk band The Gatehouse Trio, Romano has released well-received albums. However, it is his solo project that we look at today.
For the past eight years, this US-based artist has been performing as a solo artist with a critically acclaimed debut album in 2015, a solo EP in 2016, a second full-length solo album in 2021, and several singles to boot. He has been described as “…a craftsman of words…” (Indie Music Center) and “…excels at creating a marvel from the design of his own thoughts…” (Sinusoidal Music). The latest addition to his discography is the single ‘Who I Am’.
Following the track ‘Red Moon Night’, ‘Who I Am’ is not only the first single of 2023 but also the first single after a series of collaborations. Penned and recorded shortly before his mother’s passing due to cancer, he describes this song as “…the most honest song I’ve ever written.” We all lose people, it’s an unfortunate fact of life and can be painful, but Romano captures it elegantly in ‘Who I Am’.
Soft, soothing and gentle, ‘Who I Am’ presents a solid acoustic sound touching your soul with the charming guitar and smooth vocals. Leaning toward old-school folk songs, Romano taps into his inner Leonard Cohen and Janis Ian to create an intensely intimate song melodically and lyrically. Interestingly, while there is a melancholy tone to Romano’s dulcet vocals, there is also hopefulness within the poignancy.
Once again showcasing his ability to weave songs from personal thoughts, ‘Who I Am’ is a letter to his mother. He sings of loving his mother, learning from his mother and growing as a person in a sentimental, nostalgic poem. It’s heart-breaking but simultaneously heart-warming in its sincerity and honesty.
“This song is about losing someone you love to an illness, reflecting on the things they’ve given you, and finding a way to keep them with you even when you must continue on alone.” – Dominic Romano on ‘Who I Am’
For more from Dominic Romano, check out his Facebook, Instagram and Spotify.
This artist was discovered via Musosoup #sustainablecurator
