DOTMIG: Press/Reviews
Post AlternativeThe New Faces of Alternative Rock
Home About
An Interview with DOTMIG
May 07, 2008
Written by Kyrby Raine
Believe it: One of the most intoxicating, absolutely infectious albums of the year is the beer-splashed and crazily versatile Sexy-N-Lean from DOTMIG, otherwise known as New Yorker Steven A. Mignoli. Leap-frogging from heavy metal to blues to Americana, Sexy-N-Lean reinvents the rock & roll wheel, bravely shifting musical styles without jarring the listener but instead reeling us in for a night of non-stop entertainment. DOTMIG recently spoke to me about his career and emotionally rejuvenating CD.
Kyrby Raine: What does DOTMIG mean?
DOTMIG: A wall street term I consider as hot commodity.
Raine: Or represent?
DOTMIG: [And] will develop into a hedge fund.
Raine: Your music is incredibly eclectic, shifting from one genre to another. Where does this versatility originate from?
DOTMIG: I went to a lot of concerts; my girlfriend’s father owned a big ticket agency.
She had every venue in the tri-state area for free and kick-ass seats for every show.
My zodiac sign of Sagittarius plays a large part in my versatility. Always going on impulse and not looking over my shoulder enough. When I was hanging out with my friends I grew up with, it was classic rock: the Rolling Stones, the Who, Led Zeppelin. Then came Ozzy Osbourne, Judas Priest, Motley Crue, Def Leppard, Posion, etc. But with chicks it was dance, disco, Bryan Adams, Bruce Springsteen. I couldn’t help it. I just love all types of music. But back then, you don’t tell your friends you like club music unless they were Hispanic. My high school was made up predominately of Cuban descent. So club music was born, and DOTMIG likes to dance.
Raine: How has the music scene in new york influenced your work?
DOTMIG: Not so much the music scene. My style is unique and fueled by New York City, but not influenced by other bands in the area. I’m not bragging at all. Talent is everywhere. It depends on how you market your product. Big city big dream living in the mecca, a metropolis of art and culture. Creatively influenced is the easy part. Getting published is the hard part.
Raine: What songs on Sexy-N-Lean have the most meaning for you?
DOTMIG: OK, let’s start with anger management. “Back With A Vengeance” gave me a chance to really express how I was feeling inside. I had so much anger built up and frustration. So I started the first verse with my mom and my sibling and blasted them in the lyrics. Followed by the pre-chorus and then the hook. “Back With A Vengeance” is my anthem to the music industry as well. I’m here to stay. “Going to the Top” has always been my motto: If you want the best in life, you have to earn it - there’s no free rides. I’m still paying for mine. I work real hard in every project I start so “Going To The Top” is where I plan to be. “Dive Bar” has a comical theme and a business background I grew up in. My dad took me to work at a young age in the beverage industry, which is still owned and operated by my family. We have Dive Bar accounts in downtown Jersey City, and I have been to every one of them since the age 21.
Raine: There seems to be an interesting tale behind “She’s My Muse.” Who — or what — is it about?
DOTMIG: This is my tale of who my muse was? I met a girl from California named Diana who believed in me. I was not in the music industry when we met. I was producing a cable commercial for the family business. Hoboken Beer and Soda outlet in Hoboken, New Jersey. Diana helped with the script, and we incorporated a rock scene. She insisted for me to play the lead. It went well and gave me confidence. Diana was by my side for the next four years, and DOTMIG was born.
Review of MR. MIG HOT REMIX M.. by DOTMIG [play]
Genre: Dance 3.0
Petshop Boyz
This reminds me of the petshop boyz
I do like it it sounds like chromeo too.
At first I didn't like it but the more I listened I started liking it more and more nice chorus hook too
Extra Credit: Male Vocals, Drums, Programming, Production, Lyrics, Melody.
- FelipeCea Respond to this reviewer
Sydney, Australia [flag]
August 4th, 2008
Review of "DRIVIN ON HOME" by DOTMIG
Genre: Blues Rock 2.8
from a mess to a song!!!
Either these guys are loaded or they just live it up when they play.
Totally uninhibuted in a Bob Dylan meets some alternative rock band.
I hear Dylan. I hear soul. I hear blues. I hear a some guys having fun. Including Felix.
Nice track.
The harp adds excitement and the horns and lead guitar bring it to a climax.
Great break.
( my comment on the intro is the heading)
Extra Credit: Mood, Originality.
- denlore123
Upstate, New York
April 15th, 2008
"DRIVIN ON HOME"'s signature review
REVIEW ON GARAGEBAND.COM
"HANGIN OUT/ NOBODY GOIN HOME
Enjoyable Listen!
Right off the bat, I heard the signature guitar style of modern metal rock, so I braced myself for a metal rock song. However I was pleasently surprized by incorperation of the acoustic guitar in the song's mid section. The suble blending of techniques is very effective and masterfully executed. Ultimately the dynamics of this song held my attention because it took me somewhere I wasn't expecting to go. I loved the rap quality of the lyric & melody line. (Yet another unexpected, pleasent surprize) The backing vocals are crafted in a way that seamlessly connects them with the lead vocal. In fact, I didn't recognize the backing vocals as backing vocals at all...which is hard to do, and a good thing because the backing vocal's don't distract here...they seem to be part of the lead. These guy's are players. The rhythm section held tight in the pocket, once again the ability to remain "un-noticed" yet maintain the groove is an art. I really enjoyed listening to this song.
Extra Credit: Guitars, Production, Beat, Mood, Originality.
- DanielLink
Austin, Texas
April 6th, 2008
December 8, 2007 - Saturday
New Review by Kit Burns
Current mood: creative
Category: Music
Overground Underground
News and reviews of the best mainstream and independent music
Feed on
Posts
Comments
DOTMIG's 'Sexy-N-Lean' offers sunny alternative to wintry darkness
December 8, 2007 by kyrbyraine
Reviewed by Kit Burns
There's nothing better in chilly, rain-soaked weather than, well, an album that will remind you of the sun-drenched days of summer. Sexy-N-Lean, from the artist known as DOTMIG, functions as the most invigorating alternative to these gloomy times. While the modern-rock airwaves are packed from top to bottom with the black-clad and manic depressive, DOTMIG delivers a funny, toe-tapping romp with speaker-blowing guitars and positively good times.
Even better, DOTMIG never sticks to just one style; the amount of musical variety of Sexy-N-Lean gives the CD additional reasons for repeated spins. You'll never get tired of it because DOTMIG has enough creativity to fill several records and not just one. "333 River Street" is the kind of punk singalong that you'd imagine the mosh pits going wild to at CBGB's. It's a blast of energy and party-animal enthusiasm that sounds best cranked in the car at high speed. The title track is exactly what you'd expect, a classic FM rocker with a good-natured sense of humor. You'll find yourself humming it long after its played. But then DOTMIG stuns us with the blues and country stylings of "Dive Bar" and the adult-alternative feel of the lovely "She's Lying."
The production is crisp and clear with hooks galore throughout the album.
http://www.dotmigmusic.com
Whisperin & Hollerin
Reviewing: Sexy-N-Lean
This Review
'DOTMIG'
'Sexy-N-Lean'
- Genre: 'Rock' - Release Date: '2007'
Our Rating: 8 out 10 stars
Any album with a title with a title that reminds you of '80s spandex metal is certainly an attention-getter in these glum-rock days.
Throwing all subtlety - and political correctness, thank you - to the lions, DOTMIG (http://www.dotmig.com) rips through a collection of punk, classic rock, pub anthems, and even a blues number. The only connecting thread, if you were to search for one, would be the lyrical wit of vocalist/songwriter/producer DOTMIG himself, who yelps, "Nobody's allowed to wear a tie at the dive bar!" on "Dive Bar."
As you can probably tell, this is a pretty crazy record, and we all need a little nuttiness and fun once in a while. The alcohol-fueled chants on "333 River Street" makes you want to join in even though you have no idea what the hell they're talking about. (It must be a New York reference that us Britons cannot grasp, Americans' revenge for exporting Monty Python to them.)
At times, I can feel DOTMIG trying to channel the Ramones; this is especially true of "333 River Street," especially the urgent drumming. But, to be frank, DOTMIG jets into so many different directions that it's hard to compare him with any single act. It's like he threw various musical styles into a blender and told us to drink up, no questions asked. Fine with me. I haven't been drunk in a while, and DOTMIG has just given me an excuse before the holidays.
author: Adam Harrington
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
Reviewed by Kyrby Raine
If the Ramones were fronted by the late Bon Scott of AC/DC and crashed Black Flag’s “TV Party,” you’d have “333 River Street,” the opening fireball shout-a-thon on DOTMIG’s oddly unpredictable Sexy-N-Lean. Party anthem aren’t dead after all, especially in the punk-rock world which has become increasingly whiny. But are DOTMIG punk rock? If you feel that punk shouldn’t have boundaries, that the whole idea of punk is to liberate ourselves from any restrictions whatsoever then, yes, DOTMIG are punk. If you a purist and believe that punk should sound a certain way then DOTMIG might confuse you.
As you can tell from the comparison above, which landlocked the Ramones, AC/DC, and Black Flag on a single island, DOTMIG are somewhat irreverent. Also, I am referring to DOTMIG as a group here when it’s actually a person, but given that Sexy-N-Lean has a definite band sound (albeit a schizophrenic one), I feel that the category applies. For example, the title track is a Big Rock Song not too far off from Spinal Tap; calling DOTMIG a ’singer/songwriter’ after that would be misleading. One could imagine Hawaiian Tropic utilizing that tune although it might be a tad too racy for them.
The betrayed emotions of “She’s Lying” breaks free from the drunken chants with its summer-stained acoustic riffs while “Dive Bar” strangely enters blues territory. You won’t find too much in common with the songs although DOTMIG does recall Scott again on “Back With a Vengeance.”
Official Website:
http://www.dotmig.com
IJ Dee-Vo's Varity
Soundtracks, Anime, Electronic/Dance
DJ: IJ Dee-Vo
Location: n/a
Visit us at www.ijdeevo.com
and from Me, Tachi, and Sock Monkey we wish you happy listening!
http://www.live365.com/stations/ij_dee_vo
http://www.dotmigmusic.com
INTERVIEW WITH ARTIST DOTMIG
1. In your own words how do you describe your music?
It’s an exuberant rollercoaster of genre’s that has many facets of everyday reality. With no borders & no rules just individuality.
2. What bands/artists if any influenced your work?
The bands that influenced my creativity where the heavy hard hitting classic rock band’s of the 70’s that produced compilations & rock opera’s. As music changed into the 80’s heavy metal grew & absorbed a lot of attention, acts like Ozzy Osbourne Judist Priest & AC/DC, as they hypnotized us with their blazing guitars & their razor sharp lyrics that made you run for cover, for a new genre to emerge. The Sugar Hill Gang & Young Mc, that sparked a creative writing formula that possessed a new style of creativity.
3. What bands/artists are your favorite?
The Who, Santana, Led Zeppelin, The Police, Coldplay, David Bowie, Kid Rock & Madonna
4. How long has your band been playing?
The band has been playing 1 ½ years.
How long have you've been playing?
There is no time table on this,music has been built in my whole life.
5. What is your musical history? Instruments you learned on, schools you played in, other bands you were in?
Concerts, musicals & small venue showcases & dance club track acts. Guitar, none, MPK (Indie Band)
6. Of all your work, what if any was your favorite?
I am going to narrow it down to 2 of my favorites. SEXY-N-LEAN is #1, because SEXY-N-LEAN is the love of my life “She’s my muse” ties together with #1, Shakespeare’s quote “only a king that the God’s can stage for a princess to act & set you free”.
7. From conception to finished version, how long on average does it take complete a song?
About 2 months to finish a song.
8. How did your band come together?/ How did you decide on your career?
Exclusive producer DOTMIG slowly but surely formed the band, one recording at a time. Engineer Guido Diaz auditioned his skills on guitar during a recording session & was immediately inserted into the band & is a diamond in the rough when it comes to musicians.
SEXY-N-LEAN who is co-producer & co-writer with DOTMIG, helped form the rest of the band.
With hired musicians for particular tracks.
Harmonica – Felix Cabrera
Keyboards – Ricky Gonzalez
Background vocals – Erica Diaz
Drums – Matteus, Sean Patton & Ralph the professor
Bass – Mino Class
I decided on my career from my teenage years this has always been an aspiration for me. Also, to write, produce & entertain. When the timing became right I was able to make it a full time career.
9. Where do you find your inspiration?
Life experiences, interaction with individuals, nature, my two beautiful dogs, my gorgeous Muse & what’s inside of my heart.
10. Of all the elements in the periodical table, which one most symbolizes you and why?
Mercury – it separates in all different directions, then will always come together.
Additional: DOTMIG is the latest addition to our lineup!
______________________
Blues City Internet Radio plays
The best of the blues in both
national acts and the Indie Artist
Top Ten Tracks
1. Dot Mig - "Dive Bar"
2. Rikki Lee Jones "Trouble Man"
3. The Black Keys - "Have Mercy
On Me"
4. Suzanne & The Blues Church -
"Cheatin' On Me"
5. Jessie Mae Hemphill - "Standin'
In My Doorway Cryin'"
6.Big Mama Thornton - "Little
Red Rooster"
7. Joe Bonamassa - "If
Heartaches Were Nickels"
8. David Allan Coe -"Cell 33"
9. Joe Bonamassa - "Reconsider
Baby"
10. Guitar Boy - "Two Tone Blues
http://www.live365.com/stations/beaumontblues
Pop Punk Reviewer's Picks (this week)
Main Menu : Gigs : Reviewers' Picks : Current Charts : Alltime Charts : Search
Each week thousands of Pop Punk tracks are reviewed by thousands of GarageBand.com members.
So check out tracks picked out for special praise, in 23 musical categories...
Moodiest Track
Featured Artist
.MIG (DOTMIG)
Be sure and catch
.MIG's track "Dive Bar"
On Blues City Radio
http://www.bluescityradio.com
http://www.myspace.com/bluescity
Waiting for the Blackouts update for week ending 9/29/07
Waiting for the Blackouts Update for week ending 09/29/2007
------------------
News:
add me:
http://www.myspace.com/wftb
--------------
Listen listen listen!
Top 20:
1. Tiger Army - Forever Fades Away - Music from Regions Beyond
2. The Cult - Edie (Ciao Baby) - Sonic Temple
3. Pigface - I Can Do No Wrong - Fook
4. Lucretia's Daggers - The Horrors of Retail - Sad Flower Songs
5. DOTMIG - SEXY-N-LEAN - SEXY-n-LEAN
6. DOTMIG - Muse - DOTMIG'S CD for Radio
7. DOTMIG - Dive Bar - DOTMIG'S CD for Radio
8. DOTMIG - 333 River Street - DOTMIG'S CD for Radio
9. Depeche Mode - Told You So - People Are People
10. Concrete Blonde - Joey - Bloodletting
11. Client - Lights Go Out - Heartland
12. Anders Manga - We Won't Stay Dead - http://music.download.com
13. Wumpscut - Wreath of barbs (album mix) - Wreath of Barbs
14. The Bangles - Hazy Shades of winter - Greatest Hits
15. Siouxsie and the Banshees - Carcass - The Scream
16. Public Image Ltd. - This Is Not a Love Song - Public Image Ltd. - Greatest Hits So Far
17. Plain White T's - Hey There Delilah - All That We Needed
18. Oingo Boingo - You Really Got Me - Only a Lad
19. Noirhaus - The Ghost in You - http://music.download.com
20. Ministry - Work for Love - With Sympathy
These song and more can be heard between 11 AM and 2 PM PDT.
note dotmig are still one of the featured bands on blueskyfm meaning lots of plays of your songs which are still doing so well , heres the latest as voted by our listeners ..DIVE BAR SEXY AND LEAN 9.9 THE DIVE BAR 9.8 WERE GOING TO MIAMI 9.3 ...333RIVER ST 9.1 SHES LYING 7.9 / not bad eh? from peter at blueskyfm /.....oh thanks for your email /
http://musicnation.com/player?id=13013&play=undefined
KINGS LEVEL 3 RADIO dirty south, r&b/urban, underground hip-hop CD 64k
kingslevel3
FROM PALM BEACH FLORIDA KINGS LEVEL 3 RADIO GIVES LISTENERS WORLD WIDE A CHANCE TO LISTEN TO POPULAR INDEPENDENT ARTISTS NOT ONLY FROM SOUTH FLORIDA,BUT INTERNATIONAL INDI. ARTISTS AS WELL.
[Professional]- Playlist: DOTMIG - MR. MIG HOT REMIX MIAMI - MR MIG REMIX HOT MIAMI
K 94 ROCKS YOU REQUEST IT THEY PLAY IT!!!!
"SHE'S MY MUSE" BY DOTMIG...........
LISTEN TO REACT RADIO
ON LIVE 365 THEY PLAY TODAYS NEW ARTIST & TOMORROW'S FUTURE POP HITS.
333 RIVER STREET
With a party animal like DOTMIG you can only expect, you’re in this one for the duration. We bust “333 River Street” at you like your back in college again & the party never ends.
SEXY-N-LEAN
The smoothness of Rico Suave meets DOTMIG lol on “SEXY-N-LEAN”, this love ballad, proclaims she never fakes an orgasm when DOTMIG is in the cockpit. The cool rap behind acoustic guitars & the drum snare clicking together, with a sexy hook, it’s quite enjoyable.
SHE’S LYING
Then of course the drunken break up happens, when you know “She’s lying” & X 2. It sucks but it happens to all of us.
DIVE BAR
Head over for a round of Blue’s Rock to cheer yourself up. There is nothing better than having the fender guitar kickin from my boy Frankie (Guido Diaz). #1 in my book & in the world….trust me! Here is a special musician from Cuba Felix Cabrera on Harmonica. We have received so many compliments on both musicians, where many legendary musicians have been born Cuba.
That moves you instrumentally like you have not felt since, a few shots of bourbon. Lol sorry.
SHE’S MY MUSE
Let’s stop the games & turn to the Greek Gods Zeus, for an example in Xanadu. The battle between DOTMIG & Zeus to claim his muse was the reason you can’t stop him now.
GOING TO THE TOP
More than just a fight song for a football game, Guido has pulled out the talk box & put Peter Frampton’s show stopper back into where Rock was Rock & DOTMIG has set his goal on “Going to the top”.
I’M ON FIRE
You’ll feel the fire as if DOTMIG took you to the devil, where it’s really hot!!
BACK WITH A VENGEANCE
It will never be forgotten on how I started & the turbulence I went through. To come “Back with a vengeance” has made my life dream come true.
This will be the guide of the hallucinogenic mind of a warrior that I would like for you to respect & love as a musician with character, style, pride & honor, towards music & art for history & longevity to come.
DOTMIG’S Band deserves all the credit to make this possible. SEXY-N-LEAN is my Muse & Mozart for composing & conducting a stellar symphony.
Guido Diaz is the Greek God known as Zeus. There is no man that I can’t thank more than (Zeus) Guido Diaz.
Special thanks to his young talented daughter Erica Diaz on background vocals. A talent the world is going to hear & see. Good luck on your new albums Erica.
OvergroundRadio.com Banner
Next Page >>
