We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Dominique Vellutato a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Dominique, appreciate you joining us today. When did you first know you wanted to pursue a creative/artistic path professionally?

I always knew I wanted to sing and write, but it did take me longer than some to take the leap and make it my life and profession. I grew up in a more traditional sense in that I went to school, college, and then got a job right out of college. I was a major athlete throughout my childhood and a bit of my adult like so that also dictated my direction for a long time. It wasn’t until I started working that I felt that pull towards music as a profession. Lucky for me, my first job was Music Coordinator for The Voice, That role positioned me around tons of talented creatives from the producers I worked alongside to the artists on the show and the A listers coaching and performing. It was there where I learned so much about the industry and started to have a clearer picture of where I wanted to be in the music industry. I started songwriting and working with a wide variety of other writers and producers. I was lead by excitement and the desire to learn and grow into the best songwriter I could be.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

I grew up half in the industry. My mom was a special education teacher and my dad was SVP at Sony ATV. I was around music publishing and studios my whole life. I think for a long time I wasn’t sure what my place would be in the industry but I think I’ve found it after doing the time in a few different places and finding my own way. I never take for granted the exposure I’ve had but also even with that exposure it’s still challenging for me to find the success I seek in an industry and doesn’t support and champion songwriters. At the end of the day my favorite part of it all is the song. Is writing and finishing a song I am proud of. That is my bread and butter. I’ve been so fortunate to work at The Voice with Clyde Lieberman, one of my favorite humans on the planet and bess boss I’ve ever had. He’s taught me so much over the years and is always there to lay on the knowledge when I need it. I’ve worked in Music Marketing for GoPro, which still feels a bit random but has proven to be the gift that keeps on giving. What I learned while I was there and the talented friends I made have come back around over and over. Now back in LA, writing half time and being a music producer for The Voice and American Song Contest I’m grateful and looking forward to the next challenge.
Until then I’ve got my songwriting (sessions and features), my artist project, and my songwriting class!

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

I’ve always been a hard worker. I worked my butt off in school and for my sport. I played D1 in college and got great grades at Cal. I always believed that if I hard work and am resilience I will get you there. Which I still believe, but I have also learned there is some luck involved in this industry. Hard work, strong mentality, and luck. So many people have told me, last man standing wins.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Connecting with my friends, family, and fans. It’s the most fulfilling thing when someone you love or a stranger connects with you through your music.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.dominique-marie.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/itsdominique/
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominique-vellutato-9b8ab380/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCM8oDVbb8mM0_LjkXamD_NA
• Other: https://studio.com/dominique

Image Credits
Kenny Laubbacher, Kyle Camerer, & KP.