Start Listening To: Dana Gavanski
Dana Gavanski share’s new video for single I Kiss The Night ahead of her captivating sophomore album “When It Comes”
Dana Gavanski is an artist who’s sound is coming into it’s own. With her sophomore LP “When It Comes” the listener is reminded of strong female song writers that struggled with their sound on their debut (Weyes Blood, Aldous Harding). Similar to those artists, she isn’t finding her feet anymore. What you get on “When It Comes” is a level of sophistication that you don’t often find in music. There’s intimacy and simplicity in the music that make it incredibly rewarding. We spoke with Gavanski and got to know a little more about the artists and what goes into her music.
Can you tell us who you are, where you’re from and about the music you make?
My name is Dana Gavanski, I’m currently based in London, and I make music for cats.
How did it all start?
It’s been starting (and stopping) since I was a child and I didn’t have the peace of mind to take it anywhere until I was about 25 years old. I’ve always loved music and singing, but what I call my ‘shyness’ was always preventing me from thinking about it any further. Eventually I started dating a jazz musician and was surrounded by lots of musicians and then I got a bit jealous. Playing music and the community around it was so beautiful to me, so I picked up a guitar for the 2nd time and learnt some folk songs.
Can you tell us a bit about your new album ‘When It Comes’?
It’s an exploration of worlds and words, and trying on different hats.
What are the themes that you’ve explored there?
A bit of everything that may go through the mind in multiple lockdowns: death, love, friendship and memory, uncertainty, nature and acceptance.
Is there any song on the record that’s particularly special for you?
Hard to choose, so I’ll list three: Letting Go, The Day Unfolds or The Reaper.
If you were to describe your sound to someone who’d never heard you before what would you say?
It’s half cocker spaniel half coyote with a hint of Pomeranian.
What inspires your music?
Tuning in.
What advice would you give for anyone trying to achieve a similar sound to your band?
Imitate the birds.
If your music were a film or TV show which would it be?
A film in four parts.
Name an album you’re still listening to from when you were younger and why it’s important to you?
Hmmm! The first thing that comes to mind is Brandy’s Never Say Never. I haven’t listened to it for a few years but I rediscovered it in my 20s and thought, wow, this is a touching album and I still love it.
What do you hate right now?
Headless and heedless anxiety.
What do you love right now?
My baka (grandma in Serbian).
What comes next in the Dana Gavanski’s story?
More touring and playing shows!
What upcoming 2022 music releases are you most excited about?
James Howards’ upcoming LP.
