Dominque Robbins | Art Matters Productions

Featured Interview

What role do you play in your Industry?

I wear many different hats being an independent artist, but my role within my industry is to mentor other artists through producing, songwriting and performing.

What year did you start in your industry?

I started back in 2009 when I first signed to local record label Confidential Records.

What Certifications, Degrees, Titles and Experience do you have in your industry?

I have gained education by working with other artists and producers and utilizing tools such as YouTube to gain more knowledge, but I have gained education through the GMWA: Gospel Music Workshop of America National Convention in the areas of voice, dance, choir directing, drums and percussion.

Why & How did you get involved in your industry?

Well to make a long story short, it was my grandmother who raised me that really started me in this direction. I grew up singing and playing multiple instruments in church, which she fully encouraged, and after getting to experience playing for gospel recording artists and traveling to play for different services and concerts I really wanted to dive more into the inner workings of music creation. I love music, it has really helped to shape my life and has lifted me out of the darkest of times in my life. If I don't create I don't feel whole.

What do you love most about your role in your industry?

I am loving getting to meet other artists and be part of their progress. It's really cool to see a project you worked on or had a hand in get national recognition and awards. I have no regrets at all when it comes to that.

What is the best advice you have received about how to impact your industry?

The best advice I have received so far is know who you are, love who you are and know what you bring to the table is valuable.

What do you think are the top 3 things that help people excel in your industry?

What encouragement would you give to those who are interested in being in your industry?

What do you think is the most important qualities for people to have in your industry?

What obstacles have you overcome, or are you overcoming to excel in your industry?

For me the worst obstacle hasn't been physical. It was all mental. Once I began to change my mindset from a localized to national level that began a whole new direction for me. I was focusing on just getting my music to the people around me that I didn't realize my music belongs on a bigger stage. And then being rejected by the same people who I thought would be proud of me and would want to support me also shifted my mental state a little bit because I wanted to make people who would never support me happy. I finally changed my mindset after hearing Bishop Kevin Foreman preach and said to myself, "that's okay I'm going to win anyway" and began marketing outside of home, and connecting with artists outside of Colorado, and allowing myself the space to create better and get out there more. It has been so rewarding because now I'm connecting with people who absolutely love what I do, what I have to offer, and it has really built my confidence in myself and my skills.

What accomplishments are you most proud of in your life?

I am first proud that I didn't give up when others wanted me to. I am proud that I have opened a business in an area where people like me probably wouldn't succeed, but we are. I am proud of the work that I was able to be part of for others because now they are succeeding with those projects. Lastly, I am proud that I have a new mindset that will take me everywhere I want to go and beyond.

Who is is one person that has influenced your direction in life? Explain How.

So there are two people. As I mentioned before my grandmother Vera Jackson who not only raised me, but saw the gift that was in me and pushed me to be great and excellent at what I do, but I also have to give credit to another family member Evette Valentine. She gives me great advice, but not only that she encourages me in her own way to push further and go the extra mile. It's truly because of her that I am doing R&B music instead of gospel or any other genre that people have tried to put me in. She also sees my gift in producing and songwriting which is why I have the songs I do now.

What advice would you give to the younger generation?

The advice I would give is if you have a dream just go for it. Stop looking for immediate validation and always know there is someone behind you who believes in you just as much as you believe in yourself.