ACM alumnus Dom Liu has co-written Take That / Sigma track ‘Cry’.

Camberley based Dom Liu graduated from the Music Production Degree in 2013 and has since started working full time at Metrophonic Studios. Whilst studying at ACM he started working for the studio after finding the opportunity via the Academy’s Industry Link department.

During his time so far at Metrophonic Studios, Dom has had the opportunity to record acts such as Little Mix, Boyzone, James Arthur and The Vamps to name a few. Having always had a passion for production and recording bands after a year of working at the studio, Dom has now started songwriting too.

‘Cry’ was written in 2015 alongside Sean Mac and Chiara Hunter. The song has since taken on many different forms and whilst A&Rs liked it, no artist had picked it up. Dom then played the track to Gary Barlow who instantly loved the track, but he said in order to make the genre work for Take That, he’d have to collaborate with Sigma who he then brought in for the project.

“The song was originally written about a year ago by myself and songwriters - Sean Mac and Chiara Hunter. We pitched it to several acts and did loads of different versions but whilst many A&Rs liked it getting it cut was proving difficult. We pitched it to Gary Barlow and he loved to song but he felt Take That might confuse their audience a little if they brought out a Pop/Dnb track, so they contacted Sigma who were really up for the collaboration. Both Sigma and Take That had some tweaks they wanted to make to the song so we spent a few days in the studio working it all up. It was a great experience meeting and working with both acts!”

Dom Liu, ACM Graduate

Since the release of ‘Cry’ Dom has continued working with Sigma and will be joining him in the studio again soon.

Whilst at ACM, Dom cited his education about contracts, and sampling law as the most vital subjects for surviving in the music business. Dom also shared his advice to current students.

“I met with the ACM Industry Link team in my first week at the College, and said I wanted to try get some work experience in the pop industry. A few weeks later they found me some with Metrophonic. I worked hard there, learned how the company worked and made myself as useful as possible. Because of this they took me on full time, so I suppose the advice I would give is try to put your all into any opportunities you have.”

If you think you’ve got what it takes to write for the stars, book onto a campus tour now: http://www.acm.ac.uk/open-days/