Some music is made to entertain. Some is made to heal. For Canadian neo-soul artist DomLand, her latest EP ‘Dipped In Black’ is both, a cathartic, soul-drenched tribute to her late partner, Dip Black, written in the wake of unimaginable loss and the arrival of new life. It’s a project born from heartbreak and held together by love, offering three deeply resonant songs that shimmer with honesty, grief, resilience, and beauty.
With her commanding voice and jazz-inflected R&B arrangements, DomLand invites us into an emotional space where vulnerability is strength. From the yearning ache of opener ‘No Distance’ to the cosmic closure of ‘Legacy’, this is music that refuses to shy away from pain, instead turning it into something tangible, tender, and lasting.
So with the new EP available now, we sat down with DomLand to discuss origins and influences over the years.
–
Can you tell us a bit about your musical background and how you got started in music?
I started singing almost as soon as I could talk. I joined my elementary school choir at 7, and my mom noticed how much I was into it so she spoke with my choir teacher, who also offered private lessons, and I began vocal lessons at 8 years old. I trained with her for eight years and performed on a stage for the first time at the age of 8. I didn’t begin writing my own music until I was 25. I released my first album 1 year later in 2016 and have been writing and creating ever since.
Who are some of your biggest musical influences, both past and present?
My earliest musical influences were Christina Aguilera, Mariah Carey, Alicia Keys, and Whitney Houston. I was always drawn to big, expressive voices. The kind that carry both power and vulnerability and make you feel deeply. As my sound has evolved, my influences have shifted toward artists like Cleo Sol, Sade, and Jill Scott. Powerful voices, powerful women, and rawness. That balance of strength, softness, and truth continues to shape how I approach my own music.
Are there any specific artists or bands that have had a significant impact on your music style or approach?
Cleo Sol stands out above all. Her music and aura is so pure, honest, and grounded. She’s shown me that I can simply come as I am and let go of the pressure to be anything other than who I am. That sense of authenticity has been incredibly freeing and continues to influence how I show up in my music.
Could you share any memorable moments or experiences that have shaped your musical journey so far?
One of the most defining moments in my journey was discovering songwriting later in life. While I had been singing and performing covers for years, writing became a turning point. it gave me a way to process real life, to express myself and discover my sound.
How do you express your personal experiences and identity through your music?
I express my personal experiences and identity through honesty and intention. I draw directly from my lived experiences, love, grief, growth, and motherhood and allow myself to write without filters. Rather than trying to fit a sound or expectation, I focus on how something feels and let that guide the music.
Are there any particular themes or messages that you aim to convey through your music?
As a female artist, I’ve definitely faced moments where I felt sidelined or not taken as seriously as male artists around me. I’ve experienced a situation where my performance time was changed last minute to accommodate a male artist, even though my friends and family were coming specifically for my scheduled slot. Moments like that taught me the importance of advocating for myself. Over time, I’ve learned to speak up, stand my ground, and be clear about my boundaries and expectations. I’ve become more confident in knowing what I want, less willing to accept being put on the back burner, trusting my vision and ensuring my voice is heard.
Can you talk about your creative process and how you go about writing and producing your music?
My creative process usually starts with a beat, and I like to be present from the very beginning of that process. We’ll build the base of the track together, and from there I prefer adding real-life instrumentation rather than relying solely on programmed sounds. Bringing in musicians adds depth, emotion which suits my sound best. The writing happens either on my own or through co-writing. Vocals are recorded in the studio, including harmonies and background vocals, and the final step is mixing and mastering to bring everything together. For me, it’s all about creating something that feels intentional, organic, and emotionally honest.
How do you hope your music will resonate with your audience, especially with other aspiring female musicians?
I hope my music reminds people, especially women, that their voice and vision are already enough. I want it to feel like permission to show up as you are, without pressure to perform, over-explain, or fit into expectations that don’t feel true. In an industry that often pushes image over substance, I hope my work encourages artists to trust their instincts, protect their authenticity, and lead with honesty. If my music helps even one woman feel more confident in owning her space and her truth, then I’m doing what I’m meant to do.
–
Listen to DomLand’s new EP ‘Dipped In Black’ below.