Domino Kirke is a multifaceted individual whose career spans across music, advocacy, and birth work. Known for her soulful music and commitment to empowering women, Kirke has emerged as an influential figure in both the entertainment industry and the world of birth support. As of 2025, she has successfully blended her passion for music with her advocacy for maternal health, and continues to impact many people through her work as a doula and community leader. This article will delve into the various facets of Domino Kirke’s life, her evolution as an artist, and her deep commitment to personal and social causes.
Early Life and Background
Family Influence and Early Exposure to Music
Born in London on December 17, 1983, Domino Kirke was raised in a family steeped in the arts. Her father, Simon Kirke, is a prominent drummer best known for his work with the legendary rock bands Free and Bad Company. Her mother, Lorraine Dellal, is a well-established figure in the fashion world, managing the boutique Geminola in New York. Growing up in such a creatively rich environment, it’s no surprise that Domino developed a deep interest in music and the arts from a young age.
Kirke’s family connections also extended to the world of film and acting. Her sisters, Jemima and Lola Kirke, are also prominent figures in the entertainment industry. Jemima is an actress known for her work on Girls, while Lola is a singer-songwriter and has had her own musical success. With this kind of artistic influence surrounding her, Domino was naturally inclined to pursue a career that allowed her to explore her creative potential.
Early Musical Career
Domino’s musical journey began in her teenage years, with her first musical project being the band “Domino” in the early 2000s. During this time, she performed with notable artists like Lily Allen and Gang of Four, gaining valuable experience in the music industry. Her music was an eclectic mix of indie, pop, and folk, with lyrics that were both introspective and relatable.
In 2006, Domino Kirke released her debut EP, Everyone Else Is Boring, followed by her full-length album The Guard in 2012. Her first album, The Guard, was well received for its raw emotion and self-reflective lyrics. The album explored themes of love, loss, and personal growth, drawing from Domino’s own experiences and emotions. Her 2017 album, Beyond Waves, garnered even more praise for its introspective lyrics and musical depth, marking a significant evolution in her sound.
Transition to Birth Work and Advocacy
Becoming a Doula and Carriage House Birth
In addition to her music career, Domino Kirke has become deeply involved in birth work. Her journey into this field began after she experienced her own birthing challenges and realized there was a need for more compassionate and comprehensive support for women during childbirth. She began training as a full-spectrum doula, offering her services to women before, during, and after childbirth.
In 2009, Kirke co-founded Carriage House Birth, a collective of doulas and childbirth educators based in Brooklyn, New York. The organization aims to support women and families through their birth journeys, offering holistic care that includes emotional, physical, and educational support. The mission of Carriage House Birth is to empower individuals by providing personalized birth experiences and educating them about their options, whether they choose hospital births, home births, or other alternatives.
Through her work as a doula, Kirke has supported hundreds of women in their birthing experiences, ensuring they feel empowered, informed, and respected throughout the process. She is an advocate for informed consent and reproductive rights, and her approach to birth work emphasizes the importance of making women feel seen, heard, and in control during
A Passion for Maternal Health
Kirke’s work extends beyond just providing birth services. She has become an outspoken advocate for maternal health and the well-being of women throughout pregnancy and the postpartum period. In 2021, she co-authored the book Life After Birth: Portraits of Love and the Beauty of Parenthood alongside entrepreneur Joanna Griffiths. The book shares the stories of mothers and the realities of postpartum life, challenging traditional narratives and highlighting the complexities of the new motherhood experience. The book was widely praised for its honesty, depth, and empathy, becoming a valuable resource for mothers and families navigating the postpartum journey.
Through her writing, public speaking, and advocacy work, Kirke has contributed to a broader conversation about maternal health, mental health, and the need for more comprehensive and compassionate care for mothers. She frequently speaks about the need to address the emotional and psychological aspects of childbirth and motherhood, topics that are often overlooked in mainstream discussions.
Personal Life and Family
Relationship with Penn Badgley
Domino Kirke’s personal life has also garnered public attention, particularly her relationship with actor and musician Penn Badgley. The couple began dating in 2014 and, after a few years of dating, married in a quiet ceremony at a New York City courthouse in 2017. Their relationship has been characterized by their shared values, including a commitment to their Baha’i faith, which emphasizes unity, peace, and the importance of service to others.
In 2020, Domino and Penn welcomed their first child, a son named James. The couple has been open about their experiences with parenthood, including the challenges and joys of raising a child together. They have also been candid about their struggles with fertility, including Domino’s two miscarriages before the birth of James. By sharing these personal experiences, the couple has helped to normalize conversations about pregnancy loss, an issue that is often stigmatized in public discourse.
Expecting Twins
This exciting news has been widely shared across social media, with fans and followers sending their congratulations and support. The announcement of the twins came as a joyful moment for the couple, who had already shared their experience of becoming parents together. Their growing family continues to be a source of happiness and inspiration for many of their followers.
Domino Kirke’s Musical Evolution and New Projects
The Most Familiar Star – A New Album
Despite her growing focus on her work as a doula, Domino Kirke has never abandoned her music career. In 2025, she is set to release her second full-length album, The Most Familiar Star, which explores themes of motherhood, personal growth, and the shifting dynamics of family life. The album promises to showcase Kirke’s unique blend of indie folk, pop, and introspective lyricism, with a deeper emphasis on vulnerability and self-discovery.
The lead single from the album, “It’s Not There,” features guest vocals from Angel Olsen and is a haunting, melancholic track that explores the complexities of relationships and the longing for connection. The song’s raw honesty and emotional depth have already generated excitement among her fans, who are eager to hear more from the upcoming album. The music video for “It’s Not There” is set to feature a poignant dance performance that visually captures the song’s themes of longing and self-reflection.
Embracing Blended Families: “Stepchild”
Another notable track from The Most Familiar Star is “Stepchild,” which deals with the experiences of blended families and the challenges of navigating complex family structures. Inspired by Kirke’s own experience of blending families with her husband Penn Badgley, the song explores themes of acceptance, love, and the beauty of chosen family. The accompanying video will feature real blended families sharing their stories, making it a powerful visual representation of the song’s themes of unity and love.
Advocacy and Community Involvement
Supporting Women’s Health and Social Justice
Beyond her professional achievements, Domino Kirke remains deeply committed to advocating for women’s health, social justice, and reproductive rights. She has been an active supporter of the Black Lives Matter movement, as well as various initiatives aimed at improving healthcare access and equity for marginalized communities.
Through her platform as an artist and doula, Kirke continues to amplify voices that are often overlooked in mainstream conversations. Her work with Carriage House Birth and her public advocacy have made her a leading voice in discussions about the rights of women and families in the context of childbirth and beyond.
Educational Outreach and Doula Training
In addition to her advocacy, Kirke has made it a priority to educate and mentor aspiring birth workers. Through Carriage House Birth, she offers training programs and resources for doulas and midwives, helping to foster a supportive community for those working in the field. She is passionate about empowering the next generation of birth workers to provide compassionate and holistic care to families in need.
Final Thoughts
As of 2025, Domino Kirke continues to evolve both personally and professionally, combining her musical talents with her deep commitment to advocating for women’s health and well-being. Her journey from an indie artist to a full-spectrum doula and maternal health advocate showcases her dedication to supporting families and empowering individuals in their most transformative moments. With a growing family of her own and an album set for release, Domino Kirke’s multifaceted career and personal life are a testament to her resilience, creativity, and passion for making a difference in the world.
FAQs
Who is Domino Kirke?
Domino Kirke is a British-American singer, songwriter, doula, and advocate for maternal health. She is known for her work in both the music industry and the world of childbirth advocacy. As of 2025, Kirke continues to make a significant impact through her music, as well as her commitment to empowering women as a full-spectrum doula and co-founder of Carriage House Birth.
What is Domino Kirke’s musical background?
Domino Kirke began her musical career as part of a band and later transitioned to a solo career. She released her debut EP, Everyone Else Is Boring, in 2006, and followed it up with The Guard in 2012. Her 2017 album Beyond Waves received positive reviews, showcasing her introspective lyrics and emotional depth. Her upcoming album, The Most Familiar Star, is expected to be released in 2025.
What is Domino Kirke’s book about?
In 2021, Domino Kirke co-authored the book Life After Birth: Portraits of Love and the Beauty of Parenthood with entrepreneur Joanna Griffiths. The book explores the realities of postpartum life through stories from various mothers, shedding light on the challenges and joys of new parenthood. It offers a compassionate and candid perspective on motherhood, highlighting the emotional complexities of the postpartum experience.
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