Hello Daria! It’s a pleasure to have you for a chat on our blog. How have you been doing since we last spoke?
Hello, Enda! Thank you for asking, I am fine and enjoying the studying process. Currently I am leveling up my vocal coaching skills and my techniques. It’s always a pleasure for me to dive deep into my studies and to spend many hours learning musical theory, jazz harmony, composing, unusual progressions and improvisation. Yeah It probably means I am a nerd, but that’s what makes me really happy.
Congratulations on the release of your EP “Danatellicious” We are really enjoying the release! Could you tell us a bit about the creation process and how it originated?
Thank you so much! I am so glad you liked it! This EP was a breath of fresh air, because it’s so unfamiliar to me, being constantly caged within one genre. I wanted this EP to sound retro enough, but to add a certain late 70s touch. Actually, I was not planning to release anything of this kind, but all of a sudden my Italian colleagues and friends - Carlo Demichelis and Claudio Tassitano suggested that I work on some music.
It all started with the song “Ordinary Strangers”. It was ready in February/March, but I didn’t want to release it as a single, it was too good not to find a worthy company for this song. So, Carlo and Claudio produced three more songs for me - including a rearranged version of the “Life Is Party” song. I have no idea why the Universe has blessed me with such talented people, but I am thankful to be understood from the outset vocally, so that every song exceeded my expectations.
How has the pandemic affected the process of making and releasing new music for you?
In my case the pandemic has helped me to spend more time with myself and to reach inner harmony. I have attended jazz music courses online, and have spent more time playing piano. This has helped me to focus on my own music and to compose a lot. Thanks to the internet we have an opportunity to write music from every corner of the Earth and to collaborate without any problems.
I haven’t experienced any troubles in music producing or releasing, quite the opposite in fact. It was a great pleasure to observe how the productivity of musicians worldwide increased. I hope everyone is staying safe.
You describe yourself as a “Girl from the future touched by the 80s”- Did having such an individualistic style musically and fashion wise impact people’s perspective of you where you are from?
Thank you for this question! When I started doing synthpop five years ago it was all for fun to me to be honest. I wasn’t sure I would remain on this scene for long, and I was not sure that my Russian audience would follow my eagerness to experiment.
At first it was pretty offensive when European, American or Australian musicians were taking me seriously, but not my surroundings. I swear, I was full of doubts before organizing my first live show in Russia a year ago. Luckily, I was mistaken. Now I know that genre doesn’t actually matter when the audience hears that you have invested tons of soul and professionalism into your music. I am happy that I can be a “guide” into the 80s and more futuristic styles.
So what advice would you give for a budding female artist trying to break into the electronic music scene?
I do not divide musicians into males or females, to me all of us are either professional or not. If a musician has a certain message to say then it will be heard. I am sure that we all have our ups and downs, but I would advise all my budding artists (female and male) to keep chasing the dreams, to keep learning and not to be afraid of being creative. Every experiment is an experience, and that’s what matters.
Lastly, tell us something about yourself that not many people would know?
Sometimes I can be extremely sentimental. Silent tears come to me when I see nature's beauty, when I watch some deep movie, when I listen to classical music, or when I read a fascinating book. Yes, I am very emotional. Don’t know if it’s good or bad, but it is so.
