ABOUT
Dominic Miranda (1986-2020) was an indie musician based in San Jose, California. He produced an expansive discography before his mid-thirties, shifting seamlessly between the genres of folk rock, political punk, and indie rock and roll. His credits include songwriting, vocals, guitar, piano, and more.
Payphone is his latest solo project, preceded by longtime bands The Record Winter and Rex Goliath (in addition to groups from his youth including The Avenues, Parents France, Mourning Sunset, AM Holiday, and The What Ifs).
After the dissolution of both former projects and the end of a long-term relationship, Miranda hit a low point and entered inpatient rehab in the Santa Cruz mountains. While there, he laid the foundation for what would become Payphone’s eponymous first record.
Recording began the next fall at San Francisco’s Tiny Telephone, during the Paradise fires.
“We spent every day in a low, heavy fog of smoke and it was hard to breathe. Around the same time, a good friend of mine died in a drunk driving accident. That was the tone of the recording sessions. It wasn’t until our final day of tracking that it rained and the air finally cleared,” Miranda explained.
Payphone is a departure from Miranda’s previous projects, lyrically and productionally.
Where Rex Goliath focused on politics, Payphone looks inward, drawing on the personal and often deeply painful emotions of someone struggling to cope with loss, depression, and addiction.
“I decided not to hide out in my lyrics and to be as honest as possible. Because of that, I fought with the idea of putting out the record. Never have I been so afraid to release a piece of music in my life. But I did it.”
Produced by Jason Quever (Beach House, Cass McCombs, Papercuts), the recordings capture the rawness of Miranda’s melancholic rock and roll, enveloping it in analog warmth.
Rounded out by longtime musical collaborators Damien Wendel (drums), Steven Blankenship (bass), and Kendall Sallay (backup vocals), Miranda’s latest effort is a new staple for fans of Big Star, Elliott Smith, Nick Drake, and David Bowie.
Discography
LATEST RELEASE: PAYPHONE
THE RECORD WINTER
Formed in 2007 out of a solo project called The What Ifs, The Record Winter stemmed from a desire to help sustain San Jose’s once-thriving music scene. The band’s early sound was defined by artful melodies, poetic lyrics with folk sensibility, ambient textures, and an emphasis on dynamic expression. Their final record, Sleeptalking, leaned on darker, more tripped-out textures, giving their indie-folk ballads a heavier edge.
Vocals / Guitar / Keys: Dominic Miranda
Guitar / Keys: Steven Sczepanik, Josh Shute
Bass: James Trujillo, Steven Blankenship
Drums: Matthew Hastings, Adam Bishop, Jesse Sotelo, Ben Trapp
Additional Personnel: Jason Quever
REX GOLIATH
San Jose political punk outfit Rex Goliath showcased a completely different side of Dominic as lyricist, vocalist, and guitarist. Unlike introspective past projects, the trio's three-album discography navigated topics from police brutality and socioeconomic oppression to the horrors of racism within the US. Drawing comparisons to acts like Titus Andronicus and J. Mascis, the band expertly juxtaposed loud, dissonant intensity with moments of melodic release.
Vocals / Guitar: Dominic Miranda
Drums: Anders Ericsson, Damien Wendel
Bass: Krystl Johnson
VIDEOS
LIVE FOOTAGE
INTERVIEWS
OFFICIAL MUSIC VIDEOS
VIDEOS FROM FRIENDS
PRESS
Artists Near and Far Plan Memorial Show for SJ Musician
The untimely death of singer-songwriter Dominic Miranda leaves a gaping void in Silicon Valley’s arts community…a group of musicians affected by Miranda’s work are organizing an online memorial concert to celebrate his life and music.
Rex Goliath Celebrate New EP, ‘No Body’
Nick Veronin | Metro Silicon Valley
As the vocalist in a politically charged rock band, one might assume that Dominic Miranda would be eager to put in his two cents as…
Dominic Miranda of Record Winter to record live solo album
Aaron Carnes | Metro Silicon Valley
Dominic Miranda strips the atmospheric guitars and pounding drums normally pervasive in his indie-rock band, Record Winter, and opts for an intimate acoustic solo performance at Good Karma on June 21 for a special live recording. Despite how loud and dynamic Record Winter’s music can get, according to Miranda, his solo shows are even more intense.
The Record Winter: The Record Winter
FrostClick
If you’re looking for a great quality quiet indie rock band, The Record Winter just might make your cut. This California four piece have found a niche in playing slow, dreamy rock that’s absolutely hard not to fall for. The crew has stemmed up from a once thriving San Jose scene and together they create a special portion of the local music scene with their ever melodic and sweet indie rock.
Christmas In July: The Record Winter comes bearing gifts
Claire Young | Metroactive
Not only does the Record Winter play a within a genre as of late left by the wayside in the South Bay, but it stands out by having a lead singer who performs with conviction—Miranda believes the words he sings and takes audience members on his emotional journey, visibly wincing as he belts out lyrics or woefully strumming his guitar, eyes closed.
PAST SHOWS
IN MEMORIAM
Virtual Tribute Show
““Are we ever considered professional, as musicians and bands? Next question.””
MY BROTHER, DOMINIC MIRANDA
By Kendall Sallay-Milotz
““The new album is so intense and emotional that lead singer Dominic Miranda at times sounds like he’s coming unglued at the seams.””
““Truly, honestly, I would go insane if I didn’t play shows. I would honestly lose my f—ing mind. And that should just speak for itself there. I’m not trying to get laid or anything like that. I’m not trying to be cool. I just honestly would lose my f—ing mind—and I have lost my mind on occasion due to the fact that I didn’t play music for a little bit.””