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

Hi Liz, thanks for joining us today. Can you open up about a risk you’ve taken – what it was like taking that risk, why you took the risk and how it turned out?

In late 2019, I left Australia, where the music scene was struggling, particularly for genres like dubstep and EDM. I ventured to the USA with a work visa, seeking new opportunities and hoping to revive my music career. I arrived in LA just before the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic, which began to impact the world in early 2020.

During this time, I fell in love with my now ex-wife. Tragically, just before our wedding, her brother passed away, which deeply affected both of us. To support her and be closer to her family, we decided to relocate to Ohio, leaving the vibrant but increasingly chaotic LA scene behind. This move was a pivotal moment in my life, marked by both profound grief and significant change.

We eloped and got married, but the weight of her brother’s death created strains in our relationship, ultimately leading to infidelity on her part. This personal crisis left me in a state of uncertainty, living in Cleveland with no job and a fractured sense of direction. Despite considering returning home to Australia, something compelled me to stay and press on.

In Ohio, I was introduced to the local dubstep scene, which reignited my passion for music. My background in DJing, honed through playing bass house music in Australia’s underground scene at venues like Chinese Laundry and Birdcage, helped me make connections in Ohio. I took a leap of faith and performed at a small spiritual/music festival, which turned out to be a turning point. This performance caught the attention of key figures in the local music scene, leading to further opportunities.

In my first year of DJing in Ohio, I released three singles, including one collaboration, and performed at major music festivals like Dancefestopia and Lost Lands. The experience has been incredibly fulfilling, and I am now focused on advancing my sound design and attracting the attention of music labels.

Despite the challenges and the tumultuous journey, staying in Ohio has allowed me to rebuild and thrive in the music industry, proving to myself the importance of perseverance and following one’s passion even in the face of adversity.

Liz, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

Back once again for the renegade master

Badada – over played

“Believe,” Cher

Music runs in my family; on my dads side, but he’s also a musician – plays mostly Croatian folk music, So i guess he gave me a lot of his genetics there. I began playing guitar at the age of 12, crafting small ballads and discovering my passion for singing. In my early years, I would sing secretly in the fields, because I was too shy as a kid to perform in front of others.

Growing up, I was a very shy girl, tomboyish kid, easily bullied. Music became my outlet for expression. This personal struggle and the need for a powerful emotional release are reflected in my craft today, particularly in the heavy dubstep I create. My music often channels deep emotions and pent-up rage, translating these feelings into a dynamic auditory experience for the crowd..

As a DJ and producer, my work blends melodic elements with heavier dubstep influences. I’m continually exploring ways to merge trap, melodic, techno, psytrance, and tearout genres & striving to find a harmonious balance. My goal is to eventually create an extraordinary live performance that integrates all my emotions into an epic DJ set, featuring dancers, stunning visuals, and captivating lighting.

My persona, embodied by a lizard, represents a fusion of futuristic and natural elements, reflecting my dual nature. Whether it’s the baby lizard or the bearded dragon with fire-breathing prowess, this brand captures my multifaceted personality and my journey through adversity. I want people to see me as a nurturing figure, a “mother to all,” who has overcome significant challenges to find purpose and achieve a sense of self-worth for others. I want to make others feel like its okay. .

I take immense pride in what I’ve accomplished independently. Overcoming numerous obstacles, including coming out at 16, leaving home at 17, and moving to a new country by 23, being Jobless and stuck in a foreign country has shaped me into the artist I am today. My story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the belief that anyone can achieve their dreams with determination.

The lizard branding is more than a persona; it’s a reflection of my Gemini nature, embracing the complexity and diversity within. I hope to inspire others with my journey and demonstrate that with dedication and passion, you can turn challenges into triumphs and carve out a meaningful path in life.

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

Knowing that I can leave something behind for the younger generation.

Have you ever had to pivot?

I realized the impact of word-of-mouth within the music scene and the level of events I had gotten into. As my presence and performances gained attention, I found myself at a crossroads: What was next? How could I build on this momentum and offer something that would resonate even more deeply with my audience?

This year has been transformative. I decided to make a conscious shift in how I approached my work and life. My focus turned towards deepening my producing skills and understanding my sound. I committed to prioritizing learning, and practicing greater discipline in my daily routine. I made the decision to be sober, which allowed me to concentrate better and maintain a clear vision for my artistic journey.

Balancing life and artistry became a central theme. I aim to be more mindful of others and to create a harmonious equilibrium between my personal life and professional ambitions. This shift was not just about refining my music but also about fostering a more disciplined, focused, and balanced lifestyle.

This pivot has not only enhanced my creative output but has also allowed me to connect more authentically with my audience. By dedicating myself to growth and mindfulness, I’ve been able to offer a richer, more engaging experience, both in my music and in how I interact with my fans and collaborators.

Overall, this period of transition has been incredibly rewarding. It has solidified my commitment to my craft and has set the stage for even greater achievements in the future.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/baby_lizzard/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/baby.lizzard11/
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/Baby_lizzard
• Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/lizzard96
• Other: https://linktr.ee/lizzard96

Image Credits

Courtney Earls

Andrew Dang