Imagine the most synth-y, energetic pop song you can think of, with 80s influence while feeling fresh and modern at the same time. The Ghost Club’s latest single, “I Feel Fine,” is either exactly that or even better. With sleek production from Los Angeles’ Eric Palmquist (Tate McRae, Bad Suns, half•alive), it’s less of a song and more of a sonic journey into the past and future simultaneously.
Mastermind Domenic Dunegan tells TREMG, “This song means a lot to me because it was the first one that was written where I had a clear vision in mind and started thinking for myself instead of creating with the intent of trying to make something that I thought would follow trends.”
The journey of The Ghost Club began in 2018, when the group released their debut single, “This Bird Has Flown.” After Dunegan fell in love with music at a 2016 Bruce Springsteen concert, he knew he wanted to find a way to convey his own vision in an immersive way. And even as a rookie effort, the song managed to do so while amassing over two million streams to date.
“When I released that song, I knew nothing about songwriting and producing, so I feel I’ve grown in that regard,” Dunegan explains. “I also had no idea what I wanted to sound like then and feel that I have a better idea now.”
Not only has the vision of what The Ghost Club could be gotten better, but the music has as well. Each song has a retro flair that’s still grounded in the present moment, thanks to modern technology, Dunegan’s unique viewpoint, and the catchy pop sound that will never go out of style. And if The Ghost Club keeps rocking, they’ll never go out of style either.
You can find “I Feel Fine” on your favorite streaming services now, and get to know The Ghost Club on Facebook, Instagram, and Twitter! Keep reading for more from our conversation with Domenic Dunegan!
Congratulations on the success of “I Feel Fine” so far! What does the song mean to you?
This song means a lot to me because it was the first one that was written where I had a clear vision in mind and started thinking for myself instead of creating with the intent of trying to make something that I thought would follow trends.
Is there a certain lyric on “I Feel Fine” that you’re particularly proud of?
“It’s myself I have to face, I’m walking this road alone.” I wrote this line in reference to myself because I came to the realization in 2020 that for me to get out of the headspace I was in I had to kinda be a little more self-reliant with my emotions. A lot of people just tend to cope by dropping their issues on others and I just needed to avoid that at all costs.
“Same Graves” is one of your biggest tracks so far, collecting over 3.895 million Spotify streams. What has it been like to watch fans enjoy the song so much?
It honestly meant a lot to me because it kept this project afloat and has really boosted morale among everyone involved. It was really surreal making the front page of Reddit with it and it’s been very gratifying to see people enjoying what we’ve made.
You officially fell in love with music after seeing Bruce Springsteen live with your dad in 2016. Was there a certain song or moment during the show that particularly moved you?
Definitely during the song “No Surrender” when he sang the line, “Now I’m ready to grow young again.” It was really chilling to hear a grown adult sing that out, especially with the conviction that he sung it with. It kinda shocked me into being grateful to be in the moment I’m in, because someday I’m going to miss it.
You’ve worked with producer Matt Squire on songs like “Antique” and “This Bird Has Flown.” Was it intimidating to work with him knowing he’s produced for icons like Ariana Grande and Kesha?
Matt Squire thankfully has been such a kind and supportive person. It was for sure nerve-wracking leading up to it, but he was certainly a terrific person to be around and really helped dispel any nervousness.
Speaking of “This Bird Has Flown,” how do you feel you’ve grown as an artist since you debuted with the song in 2018?
Well, when I released that song, I knew nothing about songwriting and producing so I feel I’ve grown in that regard. I also had no idea what I wanted to sound like then and feel that I have a better idea now.
Your music takes a lot of inspiration from the 80s, but still manages to sound unique and fresh. How do you find a balance between the retro and modern sounds?
I kinda don’t. I try to make things sound as retro as I can but since I’m making them with modern equipment and instruments that kinda does the work for me in bringing it into a more modern context. Even when you’re really trying to sound like something else, you’re always gonna have your own fingerprints on it, and mine aren’t from the 80s.
Congrats on playing your first show on December 4th! How does it feel to finally be able to perform for fans?
Walking out onto that stage felt like walking onto a beach. It was single-handedly the greatest thing I’ve felt in my life and I am honestly disappointed that I didn’t take it in as much as I did then. I’d do anything to relive that again and feel the way I felt. Until next time, I guess.
What can fans of The Ghost Club look forward to in 2022?
Well, there’s a lot of confidentiality rules in place on speaking on certain subjects, but we are for sure touring and putting out a LOT of music.
