A techno record label based in Brisbane, Domino FX sets the tone for future releases with its unique take on techno for the club environment, delivering powerful rhythms, twisted sound design and dominant basslines.
The label's debut release is a collaboration of five artists hailing from Queensland. The compilation features 8 tracks between 125-136bpm range.In an industry dominated by over-saturation, Domino FX provides compositions described as 'stripped-back' and 'hypnotic powerful energy'. The label doesn't care for 'big drops' or 'commercial value' when choosing its works.
"Domino FX delivers dark melancholic soundscapes, with the goal of putting the listener in touch with their imagination," label owner and featured artist Tony Quinn says.
"We don't want our audience overwhelmed by complexity, we want you to lose yourself in the music and let your mind create the atmosphere inspired by the music. Music is just way more fun when you let your imagination paint the picture."
Domino FX also release new EPs the last Friday of each month. So far they have only been supporting talent from Queensland, but last month their featured artist 27Club hails from the UK.
Plus, with a successful application with LabelRadar, Domino FX are now accepting demos from artists worldwide while looking increase their frequency to fortnightly releases.
Last month, the label hosted its first launch show at Wonderland Kuća with performances from Jody Six, Rabbits On Saturn, Emlyn BPM, Tony Quinn, MILL7 and newest label member LWCD.
"Wow! Brisbane that truly was something special, big pat on the back everyone; couldn't have asked or hoped for a better reception," shared Domino FX founder Doug Brennan on socials.
"Seeing our artists play their own music and style to a welcoming audience was so enriching and really showed us how accepting and supportive you all are.
"Big shoutout to Kuća for providing a space for our launch event. The level of professionalism and dedication in supporting Brisbane's underground music scene is not unnoticed and word is definitely getting around that this is the place to be on Friday nights.
"Thank you so much everyone involved without our artists, promoters, venue staff and media personnel none of this would be possible. But even then without you ravers none of this would even be feasible. Thanks for keeping our scene alive."
What motivated you to launch Domino FX?
[Doug] To be frank, I like many others were sick of pouring my heart and soul into my music, then to not get any kind of response from labels I had sent my works to, it's demoralising to say the least.
After being in the scene in Brisbane for nearly 15 years, it was painfully clear that there are so many talented producers and DJs that aren't getting the opportunity to be heard and have their music showcased. By working with and learning from other key players, I started formulating a plan for Domino FX and our debut compilation album.
What type of artists-producers are you looking to align with?
Quite simply, any producer who is making tracks suited to our sound, regardless of how 'polished' they are. It has been so rewarding to provide assistance and feedback to those where their tracks just aren't quite there yet.
Helping artists get their tracks sounding phat and at a competitive quality is often the final piece of the puzzle; I know that from my own personal experience in music production.
While it's a niche audience, the passion of local ravers must give you confidence to build a community for the scene to flourish?
You say niche, but in reality worldwide electronic music has a huge following and it's only getting bigger and bigger. It's commercial Australian radio and television programmes that focus on 'commercial' value that would give you the impression that it's niche.
The community is already here and the reason why it is flourishing now is because of how passionate ravers are. Sure, one of the biggest reasons for Domino FX is so we can give back to the scene and work together to showcase our artists on a global scale.
Furthermore there are well established techno labels in QLD already, so Domino FX is nothing new or out of the box. The beauty of the label is that we push our own sound and are always happy to work with likeminded artists and help them achieve their dreams.
Twelve months time; what do you hope to have achieved with the label?
Annually we plan to put out one compilation a year consisting of the music we have released on our EPs, additionally a remix album. We are currently working with promotion agencies across the globe, so that our releases are featured by the scene's most influential artists and mix shows.
Domino FX is now a part of LabelRadar, the industry's most recognised platform for submitting demos, which means we will never not have music to release. Due to this, we are contemplating increasing our release schedule to bi-monthly.
In addition to our compilation album events, we are also looking to partner with club nights and festivals across Australia. It would be incredible to see our artists tour together and provide Domino FX shows nationally at this stage.
