What’s your stage name and where are you from?
Dominé Brishawn, from Oakland, CA – born and raised.
What’s the story behind your stage name?
It is actually my legal name, first and middle. My name is already unique, and I want the world to know me as me.
Describe your musical journey in three sentences.
I was born into a musical family with musicians and singers on both sides, but it took some time for me to step into my own independent artistry. My training began in church, progressed at Oakland School for the Arts (high-school), and blossomed at Fisk University (undergrad). As my voice continues to mature, so does my writing, and overall understanding of music.
Share an interesting experience you had while creating your latest track.
I recently just started working on a new project in the midst of rolling out “Better Luck Next Time,” which was released on April 27th, 2026. While in the studio, I was playing with different vocal techniques and tonalities within my voice, and I feel like I unlocked 5 new characters! I hadn’t realized how holding onto old music was constricting me vocally up until that moment. I’m very grateful for the release!
What message do you want to convey through your music?
I always want my music to speak from a place of vulnerability and accountability. My music should make folks feel a way; whether it be a positive or a negative emotion, I need everyone to feel something when they listen to me. I also want it to help people be more vocal about what it is they’re experiencing in life, love, and all the in between.
Tell us about a challenge you faced during production and how you overcame it.
One of my main challenges was working with producers and engineers who weren’t within arms reach. My main engineer moved abroad, and though I’m extremely happy that they are living their lives, I was left an orphan in terms of studio spaces, lol. Making music via social platforms can be quite interesting. I’d much rather be in person. I’d also say that I’m fortunate to work with some pretty amazing creatives, however our schedules don’t always align, so playing the waiting game can be a bit taxing, but all is worth it in the end.
If you could collaborate with any artist, who would it be and why?
If allowed the opportunity I would choose to collaborate with Stevie Wonder, Jazmine Sullivan, Jill Scott, Lalah Hathaway, and Brandy! These specific artist have helped to carve out how I approach the mic, my arrangement style, different recording techniques, and live vocals. They are indeed my blueprint when it comes to being both a songwriter, and an artist. Honorable mentions to Kim Burrell, Tye Tribbett, and B. Slade, I grew up listening to a lot of gospel, and that genre and these singers are definitely a foundational piece of my artistry. I hear music differently because of them and many other gospel artists.
Where do you see your music taking you in the next year?
It is my hope that my music get’s recognized by people that host writing camps for all the big artist. A goal of mine is to write, arrange, and vocal produce for artists that have a larger following/fan base than my own. I want to be a collaborator on Grammy nominated and award winning projects. If my music allows me the opportunity, that is where I’d like to be.
What’s the next big step for you as an artist?
I just began my residency with the Women’s Audio Mission (WAM) as a part of their Local Siren’s program, so upon this more recent release I get to go back into the studio and create something completely different than what I’ve done before. In addition to completing my residency, I also hope to build partnerships with labels that ultimately lead to publishing and distribution deals.
Where can we hear/watch your most recent work?
Everything I have done visually is, or will be available on my YouTube Channel. All music is available on all streaming platforms, and my website will be launching withing the next month or so.
