We were lucky to catch up with Dominque Robbins recently and have shared our conversation below.
Dominque , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Let’s start with a story that highlights an important way in which your brand diverges from the industry standard.
Something that we started that is a bit different from the industry is that we have developed a new mentorship program named AMP RISING STARS where I as an artist help artists in my area in rural Colorado build a foundation for themselves. The Internet of course is full of classes, tutorials and so on, but not a lot of people are able to use those or even understand what is being taught. With me, this program is fully hands on, I give these artists the tools and resources that I have acquired to help them along in their journey.
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.
Well my name is Dominque Robbins. I am also known as my stage name DMINQ. I am an independent recording artist trying to help forge a new path for lgbtq performers in Colorado. My business is Art Matters Productions and it is the first arts and entertainment company and recording studio in Rocky Ford, CO.
The goal for my business was and is to provide services to a community that is under served in the arts realm. The new mentorship program has been a game changer with me taking people who really want to do what I do and show them a way they can do it without compromising who they are. We provide services such as recording, mixing, mastering, songwriting assistance, workshops, lighting, sound, entertainment booking, event hosting annd planning, and the mentorship program.
My journey really started in the church as a kid where I sang, played instruments, and even got to play behind some incredible gospel and Christian artists. Over time my heart was leading me to be an artist and so in 2009 I signed to Confidential Records and I released four mixtapes and some singles between 2009 and 2014. My first album was released in August of 2018 and from there I just kept going.
It has been hard at times staying focused and really build my brand, but I am so glad I didn’t quit completely because I am much farther today than I was before. What sets me apart is that I have my own sound, my own voice. I’m not trying to copy or be like everyone, but I am inspired by so many that are out here.
I really want people to know that I love performing and I love helping others and giving others a platform to express themselves and work.
We’d love to hear a story of resilience from your journey.
I don’t want to be long, but in short, back when I was released my first album people didn’t really believe that it was a good body of work. So much so that when I would try to audition for shows to get in front of people I was told my music wasn’t black enough nor was it gay enough being that I am also part of the lgbtq community.
Both of those statements hurt and honestly almost made me quit doing music. But, after some time to myself and taking advice from a couple people who are really close to me, I decided to take a different path and approach. From there I released eleven new singles and my second album which all were very well received by my peers in the industry and others.
After that, I became a fighter for myself and my music.
Where do you think you get most of your clients from?
The best source honestly has been social media. Through my content on Tik Tok and a few of my loyal followers sharing on Facebook more people in my area are becoming more interested in what it is we are doing.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.dminqofficial.com
- Instagram: iamdminq
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DMINQOFFICIAL?mibextid=LQQJ4d
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dominque-robbins-67b60a7a?utm_source=share&utm_campaign=share_via&utm_content=profile&utm_medium=ios_app
- Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dminq1776?si=1QRS9hPHgUcdm8UC
Image Credits
Faith Lacy Photography