Thank you for talking with us! Where did you grow up and how has that influenced your style of music? Growing up in Maine, living in LA, then to Nashville, I believe that I have picked up a "coast to coast" sound. I grew up listening to RnB like Tank, Usher, Chris Brown, and Boys 2 Men, and American Top 40 Pop such as Justin Timberlake, One Republic, The Script, and Timbaland. Later in my teenage years, I grew a huge appreciation for Country such as Garth Brooks, Rascal Flatts, Keith Urban, and Sugarland. I believe that the listener can hear those influences in my writing and my sound.
Did you always want to be a musician or was there a specific moment that something happened that made you think "this is what I want to do with my life." If so, what was it? When I was a teenager, I went to see a Sugarland concert at the Augusta Civic Center in Maine. Sitting up in the nosebleeds, I watched Matt Nathanson open for them, singing his big hit "Come On Get Higher". When he hit that high falsetto note, it gave me chills. It was that moment, that I wanted the chance to do that someday; be on the big stage and have one song impact someone's life enough for them to pursue a career.
Did you have a musical mentor? If so, who was it and how did they influence you? I believe that I have had multiple music mentors through out my life. They each served their purpose based on where I was at in my career. My most influential music mentors were actually my school's band and chorus teachers. I had a pretty tough time in school, some dark times, but the Rheins and Mr Forster (my music teachers) always gave me a reason to smile and keep pushing. They taught me music theory, piano, guitar, how to move my voice around, and most importantly, that I was worth it. They knew that I struggled with my speech impediments, but they never gave up on me, so I knew I wanted to make them proud.
What was the best piece of advice you've ever been given about pursuing a career in music? When I lived out in LA, I was blessed with the opportunity to sing for Randy Jackson. He told me that a great voice can only go so far. If I want longevity in the music business, move to Nashville, the writing Mecca, and learn how to write and produce my own songs. Within two months, I left LA and moved to Nashville to immediately start working on my writing chops.
If you could have penned a song in any genre what would it have been? I'm extremely jealous that I wasn't part of the co-write for Beyoncé's "Halo." That song gets me every time! Ryan Tedder is a genius!
What is an example of a menu you would prepare if I came over? First of all, welcome to the Colizzi Kitchen! I think as an appetizer, I'd start us out with chips, salsa, and queso with a flavored margarita. For the main course, we are either doing homemade Thai food or an
Italian pasta dish. For dessert, we always gotta do something with cake. I have a true obsession with cake so that's a given! Of course throughout each meal, we will be making mixed drinks to keep the party going! I know you're probably thinking - "Mexican, Thai/Italian, then American?" The answer is yes! I call it "around the world in 80 minutes"
How do you drink your coffee? How I drink my coffee is a reflection of what my day is going to look like. If I'm drinking it black, I'm probably dieting, going to the gym, or we are at a breakfast diner. Let's face it, nothing's better than a classic cup of diner coffee. If it's a typical day of the week waking up with kids and a full day planned, I'm probably choosing a flavored cream, no sugar. Lastly, if I'm writing or need the extra sugar, I'll pick a flavored latte to keep me going strong! I'm a coffee buff, but honestly, I'll drink it all except Decaf!
Home cooking or going out for dinner? This is a tough choice...I love making home cooked meals. If I didn't pursue music, I'd most likely train to become a chef, since I've watched every episode of Hell's Kitchen, Master Chef, and anything Gordon Ramsey! But my wife and I love going out to eat and trying new dishes! We end up reviewing every dish as if we are food bloggers.
What is the one place you have always dreamed of dining? I would kill to eat at one of Chef Gordon Ramsey's restaurants. But I would want it to be authentic. I want to hear him screaming at the staff or it won't feel genuine!
If you could be sponsored by one food/drink brand who would it be and why? I would love to be sponsored by G-Force by ESports! When you have three kids all under the age of 10, a music career, and constantly training at the gym, I live off of caffeine. Not only does G-Force have the best favored energy drinks, but I truly believe that the gaming world is just getting
started and they are the future of entertainment. Even for Sync licensing purposes, streaming, monetization, branding, everything is leading back to games! I think they're on to something and I'd love to be part of that!
Website: www.DomColizzi.com
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YouTube: https://youtube.com/user/DCMelody93
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