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Photo credit: Jeff Andersen Jnr.

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Interview with
DOMINI FORSTER
(21st June 2025)

Interview by Dave Bruce

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Watch the full interview below

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I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with Domini Forster, a rising folk artist whose music is as intimate as it is expansive. From early childhood acapella lyrics to supporting national tours, Domini’s journey through music and life is a compelling story of creativity, connection, and resilience.

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Photo credit: Jeff Andersen Jnr.

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Early Roots and the Songwriting Spark

Domini’s passion for songwriting started young — in fact, she recalls a primary school teacher commenting on lyrics she wrote and performed acapella back in grade three. “That was really the beginning of it all,” she told me. Although her songwriting blossomed when she learned guitar in high school, her upbringing in Byron Bay and attendance at a Steiner school laid the foundation. Creativity and music weren’t extracurricular — they were woven into her daily learning. “It was compulsory to learn a stringed instrument from grade three,” she explained, having played violin, recorder, and marimba as a kid.

Growing up in the Byron Shire — with its idyllic but complex community — helped shape her perspective. She acknowledged the challenges in the area today, including rising housing costs and homelessness, realities often masked behind the beauty.

Unearthed and the Audience Connection

Domini’s songwriting took a new turn when she entered Triple J Unearthed during year 11. Encouraged by her brother, she submitted a song about the Vietnam War that she’d originally written for a school assignment. It struck a chord with listeners and brought a newfound awareness of music’s ability to connect people. “I hadn’t really considered how audiences responded to my music — it was just cathartic,” she said. That moment ignited a passion for sharing her work more widely.

The Road Since: Touring, Collaborations, and Mental Health

After Unearthed, Domini pursued a music degree and recorded her first EP Little Dreamer with Sydney producer Tony Buchen. A pivotal moment came when she met and toured extensively with acclaimed singer-songwriter Lior. “We did around 60 shows together — pin-drop theater crowds where the audience was really listening,” she recalled fondly. This partnership evolved into a collaborative duo project in 2022 called Animal in Hiding, culminating in an EP and nationwide tour.

Alongside performing and recording, Domini has committed herself to community work, especially through songwriting workshops for people living with mental health challenges. “Music and mental health have always been intertwined for me,” she shared. Her songs often explore human struggle and self-understanding, reflecting her passion to use creativity as a tool for healing and connection.

I was particularly moved hearing Domini’s thoughts on how music gives people a voice to share their stories and feel less alone. It’s an ethos that aligns deeply with Amnplify’s own values, and I’m eager to explore this more with her in future conversations.

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The Sound and Influences

When asked how she would describe her music, Domini said, “It’s dark, dreamy folk with detailed orchestral touches.” She plays violin on her new record and enjoys arranging string parts that weave through her songs.

Her musical inspirations read like a folk fan’s dream: Joni Mitchell, Laura Marling, and Sufjan Stevens top the list. Each artist’s emotive storytelling and intricate arrangements have left a mark on her evolving sound.

Latest Releases and What’s Next

Domini recently released the lush, folk-infused single Magnolia, a song inspired by the seasonal cycles of life — blooming, loss, and renewal. She described how a magnolia tree outside her sister’s house sparked reflections on change and hope through inevitable transitions.

Her debut album The Lonely is set for release on June 20th, featuring nine tracks including singles Unraveling (about anxiety), Hard Love (a breakup song), and Magnolia. The Hard Love video, a collaboration with her videographer mum, even snagged a playlist spot on Rage — a proud moment for family teamwork.

Tour Details

Domini kicks off the The Lonely album tour on June 14th in Tasmania (tour dates below), with a Melbourne launch on July 10th at Northcote Social Club — a hometown show she’s particularly excited about. The tour also visits Canberra, Northern NSW, and Byron Bay, featuring support from Emily Lubitz, another standout Australian artist.

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If you could perform with any music artist, alive or dead, who would it be?

Domini’s answer was clear: Joni Mitchell. “I love her,” she says. “My music is very inspired by her, but I also admire her courage and rawness — qualities I aspire to in my own work.” Dave Bruce also highlights Linda Ronstadt, a powerhouse from the same era. He praises Ronstadt’s voice and trailblazing spirit, noting how she created the Eagles and produced one of the greatest-selling Latin hybrid albums. Domini sees these artists as pioneers who broke barriers when women had to fight for recognition in a male-dominated industry.

Long-term aspirations?

For Domini, it’s simple yet profound — happiness. She hopes to continue making music and playing intimate shows, like the recent 60-date tour supporting Lior, where audiences came to truly listen. “Recognition is nice,” she says, “but the real payoff is connecting with people who tell you how much your music means to them.”

Mental health advice for artists

Having worked in mental health, Domini shares valuable insight. She stresses the importance of building a support network — a group of fellow musicians or friends to lean on during tough times. “I have a WhatsApp group where I can vent anxieties about releasing music or booking shows,” she explains. She also encourages diversifying your work life to maintain financial and emotional sustainability. Writing — whether songs or stream-of-consciousness journaling — is a powerful tool for self-expression and healing.

Dave Bruce echoes this, advising artists to find trusted mentors and collaborators. “They’ve been there and can offer guidance — and more importantly, support.” Domini’s album The Lonely touches on navigating the human experience and mental struggles, and she believes sharing these stories helps others feel less isolated.

She also recommends keeping an eye on friends and peers and reaching out early if someone seems to be struggling. Early intervention can make all the difference.

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A few quick questions

Craziest thing you’ve done? Flying from Melbourne to Germany during the height of the COVID pandemic for a long-distance relationship — an adventure that inspired songs even though it didn’t last.
One topic you can talk about for hours? Mental health and the workings of the human brain — philosophy, psychology, and human nature.
What do you like most about yourself? Her emotional reflection and ability to communicate it, shaped by a background that included family mental health challenges.
Meditation or yoga? Domini practices yoga and meditation, acknowledging its importance for mental well-being.
Favorite album? Once I Was an Eagle by Laura Marling.
Favorite venue? The Atheneum in Melbourne and Ukaria near Adelaide — a stunning classical music venue surrounded by nature.
Favorite food and drink? Tacos and tea.
Favorite person in history? Oliver Sacks, neuroscientist and author who made complex ideas accessible and human.

Domini is also a lino-cutting enthusiast and plans to print merch for her album with her own art.

On authenticity in music

Domini closes with powerful words on authenticity: “If you try to perform as someone else, audiences won’t connect. Being yourself — with all your imperfections — is the only sustainable way to thrive as an artist.”

Dave adds, “Many artists who seem to have it all still struggle deeply. We need to create a more collaborative, supportive music community. Keep sharing your truth.”

It’s been a joy sharing this insightful chat with Domini Forster. Keep an eye out for her new music and join us in supporting artists who bravely share their journeys with us.

Stay tuned for more interviews here on Amnplify.

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Watch the full interview below

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Follow DOMINI FORSTER
YouTube – Instagram – Facebook – Spotify

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Photo credit: Jeff Andersen Jnr.

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Press Release 1st June 2025 (below) HERE

DOMINI FORSTER
shares lush new single
MAGNOLIA

New album
THE LONELY
set for release
June 20
– Presave Now

DOMINI FORSTER
2025 Tour Dates:

SAT 14 JUN
Dreamfarm House Concert,
HUON VALLEY/JUDBURY TAS
ALL AGES
Tickets

SUN 15 JUN
Hobert House Concert Collective
HHCC X TREETOP, HOBART
ALL AGES
Tickets

THURS 10 JUL
NORTHCOTE SOCIAL CLUB,
MELBOURNE VIC
18+
Tickets

SAT 19 JUL
SMITH’S ALTERNATIVE,
CANBERRA ACT
UNDER 18s MUST BE SUPERVISED
Tickets

THURS 28 AUG
THE CITADEL, MURWILLUMBAH NSW
SUPPORTING EMILY LUBITZ
ALL AGES
Tickets

FRI 29 AUG
BRUNSWICK PICTURE HOUSE,
BRUNSWICK HEADS NSW
SUPPORTING EMILY LUBITZ
ALL AGES
Tickets

SAT 6 SEP
SECRET HOUSE CONCERT
BYRON BAY NSW
ALL AGES
Tickets

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AMNPLIFY – DB