To the beat with Dom Chung
Every moment invites its own rhythm: to excite, decompress, inspire, or unite. Few music insiders can read it like Dom Chung. From the turntables to the talent roster, the WME agent has built a career on knowing the exact note to play next, whether for Solange, Jimmy Butler, or an underground act you haven’t heard yet (but will soon). The ex–Global Head of Music at Soho House, Chung was instrumental in repositioning the members’ club as a tastemaker channel and incubator for emerging talent. From the late-night sets to sunlit soundchecks, we tune in with the trusted ear for brands and artists alike.
The first lyric or track that made you see music differently?
I think back to the first time I heard The Prodigy’s ‘Music for the Jilted Generation.’ As a young teenager I had no context of dance music and this album felt like the key to cracking open a portal to a different part of my brain.
You’ve gone from DJing behind the decks to touring the world as an agent and curator. How much of your music education was formal — and how much comes from doing?
You get to know music by building your circle, connecting with artists and PR and by putting in the time to be in the room, listen, and feel the energy. From there it is a matter of having the right number on speed dial and building a reputation of someone for whom it’s worth to pick up the other line.
Your preferred way to listen: vinyl crackle, AirPods, old-school Marshals, or the car radio?
It depends on the moment. A good vinyl, done properly: the right decks, the right speakers. On the move, It's my Beats Fit Pro. They allow me to keep consuming, keep discovering.
You’ve been in a position to book everyone from icons to unknowns. How do you balance celebrating the greats with giving real stage time to emerging voices?
As a curator, you are a cultural programmer. It comes down to understanding the event, the space and navigating that with the brand or client. Heritage icons are great but I find equal enjoyment in giving a platform to stars of the future, the ones that keep the culture alive.
You’re known for a global outlook. Who or where do you turn to keep tapped into the music scene from Tokyo to Glastonbury?
It’s the people you surround yourself with that keep you informed, my relationships are my radar. Nowadays, algorithms will supply us with trends but I’ve always trusted my gut and connections to stay one step ahead. It's important to share what’s on your radar, it always makes me laugh when people gatekeep – they didn’t make the track!
Longstanding relationships seem central to your work. Which collaborators and artists have shaped your journey — and vice versa?
Early on, it was the promoters and programmers who gave me a shot when I had more energy than credentials. Later, it was brands, artists and those like Soho House’s Nick Jones who trusted me to help them build something long-term. The trust didn’t come overnight, and I hope I’ve helped shape a few stories by creating the space, opening the door, or acting as a sounding board along the way.
Brands are increasingly building their own sonic identities. Who’s getting it right — and what missteps make you cringe?
I have a deep respect for Benji B, as whenever he gets involved with a brand he just gets it right. Whether that be his work with Virgil for Louis Vuitton or under his current role as music curator for Burberry, it’s always intentional. It’s always well thought out.
On the flip side, you can tell when a brand is moving into a music trend to jump on the bandwagon and it’s not authentic. No need to name names.
Finally, what’s next on your radar — artists, scenes, gigs?
West London - based DJ, Tommy Gold is starting to come through as a DJ and will be an important voice in the fashion and culture space.
