Celebrated pianist and cross-genre artist DominiqueXavier, recognized for collaborations with legendary acts like TOTO, Flying Lotus, Snoh Allegra, and Emotional Oranges, has recently released his first solo piano record, āAscension From Transgression.ā This ten-piece instrumental highlights DominiqueXavierās formal musical education and wide-ranging talent, with profoundly moving piano pieces conveying comfort, self-examination, and peace.
āAscension From Transgressionā aims to give listeners an enthralling encounter that encourages meditation and personal reflection. Each song is made to carry listeners to a reflective space, drawing inspiration from the natural world. The musicās quiet passages create a record promoting calm and awareness in everyday living.
DominiqueXavier guides us through the albumās creation.
Could you share a bit about yourself with our audience? What are your earliest musical memories?
I am DominiqueXavier. I have been playing music professionally for 11 years. I toured, recorded, and performed with some amazing artists. My earliest musical memories are growing up watching my dad play keyboard during his spare time. Around the age of 6, I developed an interest in and an instant connection to music. I learned very quickly and became proficient at learning music by ear at that young age.
What was it like collaborating with legendary artists like Prince, Queen Latifah, and Emotional Oranges? How did these experiences shape your musical style and career?
When I first started working with Prince, I was originally hired to jam and record with him. Ultimately, I ended up playing on his last two albums before he passed away. I learned so much from him. He was the first person to tell me that I deserved to figure out what my own music sounds like. I got linked with Emotional Oranges through mutual friends/producers with whom I grew up in Oklahoma. I have played electric bass and synth bass on a few of their records. Iāve really enjoyed contributing to their music. I think it’s groovy and meaningful.
What prompted your decision to embark on a solo career and release “Ascension From Transgression”?Ā
I have spent the last 11 years touring and recording for many artists. I learned a lot from them. I have also always written original compositions since I was a child. I finally worked up enough courage and experience to figure out WHY I wanted to put out my own music. I think that I have something special to offer people who are willing to listen. Ascension From Transgression is a collection of compositions that were created during my meditation time. I wish to promote reflection and deep inner thought with this project. I think we could all use some nice conversations with ourselves.
How does “Ascension From Transgression” differ from your previous work with other artists?
Ascension From Transgression differs from other projects in the sense of its conception. I never started a project during my intimate meditation time. I donāt think Iāve ever worked on music for meditation before.
Can you elaborate on the overarching theme or narrative behind “Ascension From Transgression”? What emotions or messages do you hope to convey through your music?
The main theme from the title is to get to a point where you realize that guilt doesnāt have to turn into shame in your default perspective. Guilt is āI feel bad because I did something bad,ā while shame is āI feel bad because I am something bad.ā I just wanted a phrase that would represent this ascension of thought. I hope to convey self-reflection and honesty with this project. I hope that is achieved through thoughts that traverse past, present, and future perspectives. In this album, if you allow it, youāll find nostalgia, conflict, and resolve.
Who or what were your primary inspirations for this album? Are there any specific artists, musicians, or life experiences that influenced the creation of these songs?
I think the main inspiration for this album is a version of myself that Iām still trying to understand. Musically, I also grew up listening to Lyle Mays. His solo work and collaborations with Pat Metheny have always been something for me to refer to when I think of tranquility.a student of thing
Your piano melodies on “Ascension From Transgression” are truly captivating. Have you ever explored the works of Masayoshi Soken? Do you find any connections or parallels between your style and his?
Iām not sure who that is, but I am a student of things that Iām made aware of my ignorance of. Iāll end up researching this artist and have a better answer for you another time.
With 2024 drawing to a close, what are your plans for the next year? Are you working on new music, planning any tours, or exploring other creative projects?
Next year I plan to release a non-instrumental project. It will mostly be a project that represents my music from a live instrumentation standpoint. I also will continue to tour with Ghost Note and Mono Neon.