Domini Forster is a Melbourne-based singer/songwriter originally from Byron Bay. She’s quickly making a name for herself in the Melbourne music scene, recently supporting such artists as Greg Arnold (Things of Stone and Wood) and Lior. Domini’s music combines charming and thoughtful lyricism, harp-like ukulele riffs, acoustic guitar, percussion and rich vocal harmonies. Touches of glockenspiel, melodica and toy piano add a playful twist to the mix.

Your playing Ben & Jerry’s open-air cinemas in St Kilda on Sunday 23rd December, what’s your favourite movie soundtrack?

Probably the soundtrack to Amelie. Yann Tiersen writes the most beautiful whimsical tunes. And instruments like piano accordion and melodica instantly get me on-side.

What sort of movie would your music make a good soundtrack for?

Maybe a drama or a slightly off-beat romance. Something close and intimate, rather like Amelie coincidentally!

If you could play in any live setting or environment what would it be?

Hmmm…I’d really like to play outdoors on a boat in the evening. Preferably with fairy-lights involved.

You recently supported Lior for a couple of shows, how was the experience of playing with such an accomplished Australian artist?

It was fantastic. He’s an incredible songwriter and performer so I was stoked when he asked the band and me to support him. One of the highlights for us was getting the chance to make a little arrangement of Lior’s song ‘Daniel’ to play with him at the gigs. I ended up playing toy piano and egg-shaker as well as singing BVs, which was quite a challenge!

Do you write your music with specific instrumentation in mind, like using glockenspiel or melodica?

At the moment I’m writing most of my songs on ukulele, but I have a little acoustic band I play with regularly so I always have them in mind when I’m thinking about arrangements. Glockenspiel, percussion and harmonies are pretty much always in the mix – and melodica and toy piano make appearances too.

What’s your earliest memory of performing and who inspired you to start?

I think my earliest memory of performing was actually playing recorder in a primary school play. I didn’t start performing my own music until early high school. I had a very inspiring music teacher who encouraged me to perform my songs and helped me get some local gigs to get me started.

What new music have you been enjoying lately?

My housemate recently bought the new Mountain Goats record (Transcendental Youth) on vinyl and I can’t stop listening to it. The whole album is about outcasts and recluses, and John Darnielle’s lyrics are pure genius.

Do you have any particular ritual before you go on stage, or even a lucky charm you take with you?

I wish I had a more interesting answer to this question! Usually I just take a moment to myself and if I’m really nervous I do a little calming exercise one of my high school teachers taught me before my final exams.

Because it’s more fun to do things together, which living Australian artist would you most like to collaborate with? 

I think I’d have to say Lucy Wise; a Melbourne-based singer/songwriter. She released an album last year that I absolutely fell in love with, and I think our songwriting styles would complement each other really well.

You’ve released some singles throughout the year, when we expect to see an EP or full album?

The plan is to release something in 2013, so keep your eyes peeled!

Tell us why we shouldn’t miss your live set at The Ben & Jerry’s Open Air Cinema?

Who wouldn’t like to sit on the grass by the ocean and listen to a set of intimate acoustic songs, before settling in with a blanket to watch a film? It’s definitely my sort of evening.

Catch Domini Forster with Hayden Calnin on Sunday 23rd December – Gates open at 6pm 

For more info go to – openaircinemas.com.au/stkilda/schedule

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