DVNA Interview - Velvety Electronica
Meet rising Gold Coast producer, vocalist and songwriter, DVNA. With only two tracks to her name and a feature the rising star has become one watch intently as her soothing electro RnB surges through the scene. We caught up with DVNA ahead of ARCADIA music festival to talk about her project, music, the festival, and of course cocktails!
Futuremag Music: Hey DVNA, what's good in the hood?
DVNA: Hey Futuremag, just surviving off good times and coffee right now!
Futuremag Music: Could you give us some background to your music career? How did you get to where you are today?
DVNA: I remember first falling in love with music production when Nutri Grain included a music making program in their boxes. I was about 7-8 at the time and made backing tracks for my neighbourhood band. None of which were any good but we thought it was great.
At about 11 years old I turned my cap backwards, slapped on a studded wrist band, got up on stage and sung ‘Sk8r boi’ for my school idol. I knew it then and I know it now, my career was going to be in music.
Fresh out of high school, I was singing, songwriting and uploading covers to YouTube. I was fortunate enough to work with some amazing producers in New York for about 6 months. This is when I realised I didn’t just want to sing and song-write, I wanted full control of the track itself. When I returned home I knew that teaching myself how to produce was something I was determined to do. After a uni degree and hours worth of YouTube tutorials later, I began forming a sound, and started playing live gigs. The rest is history.
Futuremag Music: Your new release, 'Looking Like A Snack' is a complete groover! Could you talk us through the production and writing process?
DVNA: Thank you! This was written in my little studio not long after ‘Girl On The Move’. I wanted to take it down a few notches and make it a bit more of a slower jam. The initial beat, bass line and chords took a little bit of adjusting but once I had them locked in I began on the lyrics. From then on, I added little points of interest throughout the track, like the tennis game and little spoken samples that I recorded through my laptop mic. I think it’s important to keep your listener engaged with twists and turns in every section. My inspirations were all over the shop, from Lilly Allen to Daniel Caeser, Travis Scott, Snakehips and E^ST. This is the love child of them all.
Futuremag Music: How do you translate your studio recordings into a live setting?
DVNA: Sometimes I’ll play my guitar along with the backing track, or I’ll completely strip the backing track and do a guitar version alone. I’m currently in the process of getting a band together for some bigger gigs that I have coming up. Very excited for that!
Futuremag Music: What are you bringing to the table for your appearance at ARCADIA festival?
DVNA: A damn good time! I feel as though there are a lot of DJ’s and housey electronic acts playing ARCADIA, so my music will be a little slower and more relaxed. Just good vibes all round.
Futuremag Music: A funny one to wrap it up, if DVNA was a cocktail, what would be in it to best describe yourself and your music?
DVNA: Ooo, maybe something low key, nothing too extravagant but super velvety and tasty. Served in a fancy, sophisticated glass. Baileys would definitely be in there and coffee for buzz. I guess that sounds like an Espresso Martini.