10 Questions: Dot Cromwell
Introducing certified self-starter hailing from Atlanta; Dot Cromwell has the kind of raw talent that’s big enough to cop an American college scholarship off the back of a freestyle. His track God Bless was picked up by none other than Pharrell for his personally curated mixtape – i Am OTHER, Vol. 1 – that focussed on the strength of sharing music in these weird times. Dot has just followed up with another banger Me Ova U and we’ve just caught up with him for a few quick-fire questions to see what’s next…
Photos by Mike Mckay
1. Contestant, what’s your name, chosen craft and where are you based?
Hey wassup, my name is Dot Cromwell I'm a musical artist/rapper and I'm currently based in ATL by way of Brooklyn/Philadelphia.
2. How would you describe your sound?
I create anthemic songs for the underdogs, all the people who had to take the long way to success. Someone recently said, I pull beautiful songs from challenging places, I couldn't agree more!
3. Who/what do you consider to be the biggest influence on your music?
Artists like Lauryn Hill, Nas, Jay Z, & Michael Jackson were probably the biggest influences on my music (there's legitimately so many others) and I'd say my curiosity around black ownership, outer space, the future of humans, and technology influences me pretty heavily too!
4. What’s the proudest moment to date for you as an artist?
My proudest moment is my most recent. One of my songs God Bless was handpicked by Pharrell to feature on his Soundcloud compilation album i am OTHER Vol.1 but the part I'm proud of was that my song reached a listener who needed that message. They hit me up saying they were having a horrible day and my song changed their whole energy around. To know that something I created is circling the globe and helping those in need is amazing... I guess now I feel obligated to continue.
5. Do you have any advice for our readers who maybe trying to play the mad game of music?
Aww shit lol... ok let's try this. First step is to stay consistent with whatever your product is. Some people may like you for your songs, or your videos or your tweets...whatever it is, lean into it and embrace it. Secondly I'd say manage, protect, and fuel your relationships... genuinely support the right people around you and they will do the same. Last but not least, don't lie to yourself or compromise your integrity for an opportunity... there are no shortcuts to legacy & longevity.
6. Name 3 people you would love to work with and why?
So I would love to work first hand with Pharrell, I really feel as though he's a musical genius and defies the laws of music. Snoh Aalegra, because I just think everything she touches is magical...she's like a unicorn to me. And Steve Stoute, he sees the music industry & entertainment world like how Neo saw the matrix in all green code...I have to work with him!
7. What have you got planned for the not so distant future?
MORE & MORE MUSIC! Right now I'm focused on unloading my catalogue on the world. I need to give ya'll a soundtrack to live your lives to!
8. What’s the album you’ve played more than any other?
I've probably listened to Nas – illmatic more than any other album in my life so far!
9. What’s the best concert you’ve been to and where was it?
Ohhh 2019 was my first year as an official SXSW performer. In between two of my shows I got to see Tierra Whack perform on the ASCAP stage... that shit was hilarious. She made the whole crowd scream fuck her DJ in unison and then took someones ID in the crowd because she thought they were lying about their age...probably doesn't sound as funny as it was in person lol.
10. Name three things you can’t live without?
Well I'm not interested in living without women, so there's that. Secondly, I'd say I can't live without music, even if I can't make it... I just need to be able to hear it. Lastly, I can't live without buffalo wings... it's the worst addiction I have smh.
Follow Dot Cromwell for the latest news and releases. His music is available to stream now.
