With ‘Come Alive @ the Y’, award-winning artists Ed Gar and Dominik The Storyteller have crafted far more than a catchy new single—they have created the soundtrack to a global movement. Written and produced in collaboration with YMCA Malta, the track celebrates over 175 years of the YMCA's commitment to empowering young people, while inviting a brand-new generation to embrace community, friendship, and positive change.
Inspired by the timeless impact of the legendary ‘YMCA’ by Village People, ‘Come Alive @ the Y’ seeks to capture that same spirit of joyful participation for today’s world. Rather than looking back with nostalgia, however, the song confidently moves forward, delivering a modern anthem built around inclusion, connection, and shared experiences. Driven by vibrant rhythms, an uplifting arrangement, and memorable melodies, every musical element is designed to transform the listening experience into an invitation to sing, dance, and celebrate together.
In our interview, we sit down with Dominik to discuss his journey from a Catholic school in Poland to running Overtone Records in Cyprus, his first foray into electronic dance music, the innovative songwriting process behind the anthem, and what it truly means to give back on a global scale.
Thank you so much for joining us today, Dominik! When did you first start making music? Where did it all begin, and what inspired you?
“In middle school. I went to an all-boys Catholic school where we would have obligatory masses in which I would sing and later on play guitar as well. Had a few guitar lessons and it just shook my world. I fell in love with the instrument and the ability to make music. Never looked back; devoted my life to music to this day and forever.”
Can you tell us a bit about your latest release and what it means to you?
“My latest release, ‘Come Alive at the Y’, is an uplifting, high-energy track created to celebrate community, positivity, and bringing people together through music. The song combines an anthemic sound with an inspiring message, encouraging listeners to embrace unity, confidence, and connection. It's a feel-good record that reflects my passion for creating music that resonates with people and leaves them feeling empowered and motivated.”
Were there any specific moments, experiences, or underlying motivations that influenced you when writing the song?
“The most inspiring was the whole idea behind it—being a part of a movement. Being a part of the YMCA, a global organisation helping others around the world. Many successful people say that after you reach a certain level of success in your field, you should start giving back to the community, and that's what I always wanted to do. I am blessed with a life that I always dreamed of; now I'm in a position where I can give back. And what better way than promoting one of the biggest charitable organisations in the world, like the YMCA?”
What was your actual songwriting and production process for the track? How did the project come together behind the scenes?
“After the huge success of The Village People's ‘YMCA’, we wanted to make sure that this will be a modernised take on the song. We used AI to make a structure of the song, then edited it to our liking and made sure all needs were met. Then started the recording process. A huge help here was my band's drummer, Jason Clavey, who played all the drums and percussion instruments on the record. I played down all the rest with backing vocals. And of course, the main vocals were recorded by Ed Gar, who has cooperated with the YMCA for years now and was the perfect match for the song. Mix and mastering was a simple pleasure.”
How would you describe the sound on this track, and does it mark an evolution in your style compared to your previous work?
“Oh, to be honest, this was my first ever fully electronic dance track. There are of course live instruments there, but I never had the pleasure to work on so many synth sounds and effects, which was amazing because I love challenges. I am predominantly a rock musician, but I listen to literally all kinds of music, and that helps a lot in the recording process.”
Is there a central message or overarching theme you were trying to convey, and is there a particular moment in the lyrics that captures that?
“Unity, energy, and lifting your head from the phone screen sometimes to look around you, as the world is so interesting and life so short not to waste time. We have that in the lyrics, and hopefully the message will come through to our listeners.”
Looking ahead, what are your ultimate aspirations as an artist, and where do you see yourself in the next few years?
“To be honest, I always aspired to be the biggest music star in the whole wide world. But the older I get, the more I understand that fame and money are not why I do music. My music is my legacy; I aspire to leave something in the world behind me for people to listen to, to feel.”
What is next for you following this project? Are there any live shows or new releases coming up soon?
“I play in one of the most popular bands in Cyprus, No Rules. We have a residency in Protaras at Jokers Square, but we play all over the island, so we are constantly playing shows. We are planning to release an album soon after the YMCA hit, so keep up with our social media!”
What sort of reception have you had to ‘Come Alive @ the Y’ so far? Have there been any standout moments?
“The song will be released on all platforms very soon, but so far it already has been played at a World General YMCA assembly in Toronto, Canada in front of loads of people. There's a video of it on my socials—everyone dancing and singing, it was great to see!”
Finally, is there anything you would like to say directly to our readers and your fans?
“Follow me on my social media; that helps any artist a lot. And check out if your city has a YMCA and sign up as a volunteer. If one person does this, I will feel like I've done my job.”
It is rare to see an artist balance commercial polish, musical versatility, and genuine philanthropy as seamlessly as Dominik The Storyteller. Whether he is running Overtone Records, performing live across Cyprus with No Rules, or crafting modern anthems for global institutions, his dedication to creating meaningful soundscapes remains at the absolute core of everything he does.
As "Come Alive @ the Y" prepares for its official wider release, Dominik continues to prove that music is far more than just sound—it is a lasting legacy and a force for positive change. Be sure to keep an eye out for his upcoming album with No Rules, and follow his creative journey across all platforms.
Be sure to follow Dominik The Storyteller on Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube.
