It’s May! Welcome back to another #FirstFriday with Philly PR Girl! This month, we’re highlighting two Philly-based artists in the music scene. Meet Dom & Jesse!
Originally from Connecticut and Florida, and coming together as Dom & Jesse in Philadelphia, Dominic Tursi and Jesse Lopez have already started making their mark on the city’s pop scene. The duo lay their lyrics over fusions of R&B, alternative and pop from the ‘80s to 2021. Dom & Jesse’s music exudes summertime vibes and they definitely achieve their goal of making feel-good music. As the weather gets warmer and we’re soaking up the sun, turn up the Dom & Jesse tracks! Keep reading to learn more about the pair’s musical inspirations, how they connect with fans, and their love for Philly, of course.
Philly PR Girl: What has been your journey with music?
Dom and Jesse: Music has individually been both of our lives since we were teenagers. It started as an outlet and turned into a whole lifestyle and career. Even through all the shows we played and experiences we’ve had so far, we still feel like this is only the beginning of our musical journey. We’ve been known as Dom & Jesse for about 3 years now, and we know we’re just getting started.
PPRG: What emotions do you hope listeners feel when they put on a Dom & Jesse song?
D&J: We wanna mainly bring that fun energy to anyone that listens to our music. Songs like “Won’t Waste My Time” and “Can’t Help Myself” are more so meant to be upbeat and lighthearted. Songs to roll the windows down and sing your heart out with your friends!
We champion those “sunshine and summer” vibes, not just in the music but in our lives too. But we also share our hearts on our sleeves on some songs. “If We Don’t Leave Now” is our story about leaving our hometowns and coming to Philadelphia to find bigger things. “No Hero” is an honest but upbeat ballad about how nobody has to be perfect to be there for the ones they care about. Even when we’re singing about an old relationship, in “Only Have Tonight,” there’s still underlying positivity in the meaning of it.
PPRG: Your sonic inspirations include ‘80s and ‘90s pop, as well as current artists like Charlie Puth. What themes inspire you on the lyrical end?
D&J: We’re really inspired by our own relationship experiences. Both good and bad, past and present. For us, during and after relationships, that’s when we really learn the most about ourselves and where the most growth happens in our lives. And we just wanna share those experiences with others who have been through the same stuff. And of course, a massive shout out to C.R.E.W., our production team who we’ve been workin with since the beginning. These songs and lyrics wouldn’t nearly be as good without the team in our corner.
PPRG: You have multiple ways that you connect with your fans online, such as video chats and a Community texting number. How do you come up with fan engagement ideas?
D&J: A little research goes a long way! We pay attention to what other artists are doing and take inspiration from them, while seeing what our “greats” did that made them GREAT. But we also just do a ton of trial and error to be honest. Experience and failure are the best ways to learn, so the more we communicate with our fanbase, the more we learn what they like and what they respond to. But we love the hell out of our fans and they really inspire us to keep going.
PPRG: How can people continue to support you online?
D&J: We are everywhere! First we have our website www.domandjesse.com where you can find pretty much everything. Music, videos, social media, and we even have a merch store up! Then there is Instagram and Tiktok which are both @domandjesse. Finally, you got yourself Spotify, Apple Music, and Youtube which are Dom & Jesse. The best way to support is to stream the music and come to the shows (when we’re allowed to be on stage again lol). Everything else is extra love to us, and we appreciate it all!
PPRG: How has Philly and its music scene inspired you and impacted your approach to music?
D&J: From countless open mics, to gigs and networking events around the city, we have really come to say “Philly is our home.” Everything about this city just breathes creativity and passion. We love the vibe Philly gives, and all of the musicians are so unbelievably talented. There really is no city like Philly. Our production team C.R.E.W. also has a lot of “Philly sound” that we tap into as well. Those guys are constantly pushing our perspectives and helping us grow into stronger and better artists and people. We wouldn’t even be here without them. The team means everything to us, and it’s all based right here in the City of Brotherly Love. Summer All Year.
You heard it from the source! What another awesome #FirstFriday interview! Keep up with Dom & Jesse on Instagram. If you’re into the Pop, 80’s and 90’s scene, check out their latest releases on Spotify! Head over to our blog to read more interviews like this!
