Dot Cromwell – Vanity Tape

By starrymag | February 1, 2022

By: Jamie Steinberg

 

 

 

Q) How would you describe your sound? 

A) I believe my sound is a balance of introspection and self-motivation. My skill set is really pulling beautiful songs and moments from challenging places and experiences.

Q) Who are some of your musical influences? 

A) This changes daily, but as of today Nas, Jay-Z, Lauryn Hill, Tame Impala, Pharrell, Stevie Wonder & I’m currently listening to a lot of SZA & Snoh Aalegra

Q) Talk about the story behind your new song “1st & Goal.” 

A) “1^st & Goal” was actually a song I originally made in 2015 under the creative supervision of a childhood friend Isaiah Dawson. After one of my previous releases “MOOD” was featured on NBA2K21, it exposed me to a segment of listeners who were playing my music while gaming, playing sports or hitting the gym. Knowing I wanted to feed them more of those vibes, I stumbled back on the old recording of “1st & Goal” and tapped on one of production partners Swanky to give the record new life with his production.

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to? 

A) I think the song immediately gives you a breath of fresh air! The hard-hitting drums almost make you feel like you need to be in motion and with these last two years feeling so dark and gloomy, the triumphant music kinda gives a light at the end of the tunnel.

Q) What made you select it as the first single off your mixtape Vanity Tape? 

A) I’ve technically been releasing the project piece by piece over the last year or so, but it felt fitting to make “1st & Goal” the focus song since lyrically it encapsulated the overall goal of the mixtape…learning your worth, believing in it and then owning it!

Q) How does the video for the track play into the message behind it? 

A) Right now, there’s just a visualizer for it, but what it ties in is the animated world we call “LAVNDR CLOUDS,” which we’ve been creating for all of my releases on the Vanity Tape! I’m heavy on visualizing the world you want – if I can see it then I can attain it. This animated world is a way of me manifesting the life I’m moving towards!

Q) What is your song writing process? Do you need music before you can create lyrics? 

A) This process changes for me every now and then, but currently I need at least a skeleton of the music. It could just be the bassline or some keys, but this helps me pinpoint the soul of the song and from there I can tell its story and craft words around the music.

Q) How much of a hand do you have in the production of your music? 

A) I’m pretty involved! I don’t play any instruments myself, but I’m heavy on the arrangement of things and the selection of sounds. I see my voice as an instrument, so I need to be active in the production to make sure everything is cohesive.

Q) What are some themes you explore on Vanity Tape? 

A) We journey through imposter syndrome and self-doubt, feeling as though maybe I lucked up and sometimes not being able to tell if the accolades and praise is warranted! So, this project is really me checking myself and realizing I am that guy and owning my powers!

Q) What tracks on the mixtape challenged you the most creatively? 

A) I’d say “Off the Moon” because that song was actually double the length. I really had so much that I wanted to say, so figuring out how to trip two minutes while maintaining its potency was a challenge for sure.

Q) What songs off of it really standout and hold a special place in your heart and why? 

A) “God Bless” holds a special place in my heart because it was originally released in 2020 as part of the “i am OTHER Vol.1” compilation album. The song was handpicked by Pharrell Williams to be featured! Pharrell plays such a large role in my ability to grow a melodic IQ over the years, so it’s incredible that he’s even heard a song that I’ve created, let alone loved it enough to put on his album.

Q) What do you hope listeners take away from checking out this new mixtape? 

A) Man, I want them to know they’re self-worth and then add tax!

Q) Where are some of your favorite places to perform and what makes those locations so significant to you? 

A) NY is still one of my favorite places to perform. It’s a tough crowd but they are proud people with entrepreneurial spirits and that’s who I speak to in my songs!

Q) You’ve previously worked with Pharrell, Wale and Jidenna. Who would you most like to collaborate with on a song in the future? 

A) I’d love to work with SZA, Snoh Aalegra, Tyler The Creator, Hit Boy and Jack Dine.

Q) I love the mission behind your company Million Watts. Why was it so important for you to create a safe space, so to speak, for contemporary artists and musicians? 

A) Growing up I always wished I had mentors that could share knowledge. I understand the importance of having a strong support system. So, if I can cut the time in half for a younger artist/creator to find success in their craft that would be fulfilling to me!

Q) You are a part of social media. Why is that such an important way for you to connect with your fans?

A) I think the best part I’m realizing is that my listeners can hit me up directly after discovering my music, even if just to say they liked the song. Imagine if I could have DM’d Nas when I was little to tell him how much I loved him…and he responded!

Q) What would you like to say to everyone who is a fan and supporter of you and your work? 

A) Honestly, I love all of you and I’m so happy we’re on this journey together. If any song you heard in my catalog resonated with you to the point of learning the lyrics, it’s because it’s not “my” song – it’s “our” song! And as long as you all continue to entrust me with privilege & honor to speak on our behalf, I’ll continue to be a vessel!