A Chat with Dom Malin (12.06.25)
Dom Malin’s new single ‘Bloodmoon’ is a subtly stunning example of indie-folk storytelling. It combines atmospheric sound with sincere lyrics to convey the kind of emotional impact that lasts long after the last chord. We chat with Dom Malin about the new single and more below.
OSR: ‘Bloodmoon’ feels incredibly personal and reflective. Can you take us back to the moment or memory that sparked the first line or chord of the song?
Malin: The initial inspiration came from the words “emerald green”. The first time I heard them, I was arriving in Seattle, and now, to me, they describe the whole city. Two years later, I was opening for Hazlett in Seattle, and while waiting to go on stage, I came up with the guitar riff. That was the spark. From there, the song began to form. I’ve always loved using metaphors, and with ‘Bloodmoon’, it felt right to wrap that sense of longing and comfort in something more poetic – to honour the way someone can leave a lasting imprint on your life.
OSR: You’ve described the blood moon as a metaphor for a rare but enduring connection. Was there someone specific on your mind while writing this song, or is it more of a composite of relationships past and present?
Malin: I think we all have that one person who made the world stop, where, for a moment, everything goes quiet. Even if your lives drift apart, it can feel like the universe keeps finding ways to pull you back together. ‘Bloodmoon’ is about that feeling. It’s not just one relationship, but more a reflection of the beauty found in those connections; the kind that linger and teach you something. It’s a tribute to the ones that stay with us.
OSR: The atmosphere of this track is stunning, rich, nostalgic, yet full of space. How did you approach the production to balance that intimate feeling with a full-bodied sound?
Malin: I just wanted to serve the song. It holds its own as a stripped-down acoustic piece, just guitar and vocals, but the story and nostalgic undertone called for something more layered. So I leaned into texture and space, using vocal stacks and subtle instrumental additions to draw out the emotion in the lyrics. The production became a way to echo what the song was already saying – to create a soundscape that lets the listener feel held, but not overwhelmed.
OSR: You’ve spent time busking and playing open mics, but you also toured internationally in 2023 and 2024. How have those contrasting live experiences shaped the way you write and perform songs like ‘Bloodmoon’?
Malin: Every live experience is new and exciting for me. It’s how I connect with the people in front of me. When you’re busking, you’ve got to earn people’s attention; they’re just passing by, so you give everything you’ve got to pull them in. With ticketed shows, people already know you or what they’re coming for, but I approach both the same way, with the same intensity and emotion. Whether it’s five people or five hundred, every performance is a stadium show in my mind. It’s about heart and presence.
OSR: There’s a strong Americana influence in the song, especially in the guitar textures. How did your time in the U.S. inform your musical palette on this release?
Malin: I’ve always gravitated toward American music – the feel of it, the stories it tells. Spending time in the U.S. definitely shaped this release. There’s a rawness and warmth in Americana that really speaks to me. The way it holds space, lets the lyrics breathe and leans into imperfection. Being surrounded by that, especially in places like Washington State and the South, seeped into my playing without me even realising. On ‘Bloodmoon’, the guitar tone has a little more twang, a little more dust in the strings. It just felt right for a song rooted in memory and movement.
OSR: Your lyrics often explore the relationship between nature and emotion. Why do you think landscapes, both physical and emotional, play such a central role in your storytelling?
Malin: Nature just feels like the most honest way to express emotion. Landscapes have always mirrored how I feel – fog rolling over hills, waves crashing, the stillness of a forest. Those images ground me, and they help me give shape to feelings that might otherwise feel too abstract. I think emotions are like the seasons, always moving, blooming, dying back. So when I write, I tend to blend the internal with the external. It’s not always planned, but it’s how I understand what I’m going through. Landscapes give my stories space to breathe.
OSR: You’ve built a deeply engaged community through Patreon and TikTok Live sessions. How has connecting directly with fans influenced your confidence and creativity, especially in this latest era of your music?
Malin: It’s changed everything. Now, every release feels different; people get behind the music, share it, and make it their own through videos, messages, and art. It’s beautiful. Patreon especially has let me bring them into my world, from choosing between masters and covers to being part of the release day buzz. It’s helped me feel less alone in the process and more confident in my choices. I always wanted to build a space where people could feel something real, and now I get to share that space with them in a really tangible way.
OSR: Looking ahead to the Dom & Luna EP, how do you balance your solo voice with collaboration? What can we expect from this new chapter with Luna Keller?
Malin: These are songs we’ve written and recorded over the last two years, during tours across Europe and time spent living this journey together. We naturally write and record in a similar style, so blending our voices and sounds has felt organic. The EP leans into a more indie-folk sound – it’s softer, more reflective, and celebrates the moments we’ve shared on the road. It’s less about compromise and more about complementing each other. It’s a collection rooted in experience, friendship, and mutual respect.
OSR: You’ve mentioned how certain songs, like ‘One of Us’ or ‘Hey There Delilah’, left a lasting imprint on you. Do you ever think about the kind of moment someone might experience with one of your songs?
Malin: Yeah, and I’ve experienced that already, which blows my mind. When someone reaches out to say a song helped them through something or captured a moment in their life, it’s surreal. You don’t expect it. It hits you in this quiet, overwhelming way. Music is such a gift, and I don’t take that lightly. Every time I release something, it feels like I’m offering a piece of myself to the world, and hoping it finds the right heart to land in.
OSR: Finally, ‘Bloodmoon’ speaks to the quiet power of enduring connection. What do you hope listeners take away from it, especially those who might be thinking of someone they’ve lost touch with?
Malin: I hope it feels like a quiet hug. Something familiar and comforting that finds you when you need it most. ‘Bloodmoon’ is a reminder to hold on to the good memories, to let yourself reminisce, and to be grateful for the people who’ve shaped you, even if they’re not in your life anymore. There’s beauty in what was. And sometimes, that’s enough.
Many thanks to Dom Malin for speaking with us. Find out more about Dom Malin on his Instagram and Spotify.
