NYC pop producer Dominique discusses the influences behind new track "Use Me"

"Use Me" combines bright and bouncing synths with trap beats while Dominique's cooing, seductive vocals belies the fact this is the producer's most nakedly reflective song to date. As she develops a new sound away from her first EP, this is the soundtrack for fighting to remain an independent spirit.

We spoke to the New Yorker to find out a little more.

Just who is Dominique?

Dominique: "A producer, singer, songwriter, and businesswoman. A girl who strives to make emotional pop music that you can not only dance and vibe to, but also feel and relate to."

What or who influences you? Musically and in other areas...

"In terms of music, I'm most inspired when I hear artists put out songs with novel lyrical subjects, wordplay, and sounds. Songs that gives me chills or make me cry upon first listen. It pushes and inspires me to try to write something just as unique or emotional. I was really affected by Lorde's new album, and it sort of served as a wake up call for me to push myself to create material that's just as hard-hitting. Non-musical inspiration definitely comes from my own life experiences and is usually sparked by relationships, both platonic and romantic. I studied biology in college and I always felt like learning so much about this field gave me inspiration for the music I was making, but I can't say it's ever been the whole story behind a song."

What can you tell us about "Use Me"?

"When I wrote the track, I was going through a ton of opposite emotions, and I think the song reflects that. It's not just a sad song or a love song, it's a mix of both among other things. I was experiencing that giddy, in-love feeling, the crushing feeling of being rejected, and agonizing desperation for that person all at the same time. If you don't really listen to the lyrics, you might think it's more of a fun, upbeat track, but really it's all over the place."