The three original productions available to download at Dasha Britan's Soundcloud page have one common factor; they all feature a guest vocalist. Not so her latest release Thursday, which finds the Ukrainian-born Malta-based DJ and producer stepping up to the microphone herself to take over vocal duties. As with her previous releases, the new single is lifted off her forthcoming debut album Faces, currently a work-in-progress at Tobymusic studios, which should see the light of day later this year. MikeBugeja.com spoke to Dasha Britan about her musical background and her latest release.
When did you first realise you were drawn to music?
I've had a passion for art and dance since childhood, eventually also taking up lessons in drama and singing. I used to play bass and sing in a school band, later switching to keyboards but when I finished school I stopped playing. I started DJing for fun when I was 18, since I was into clubbing and always dreamt of playing my own set. In time I got into production, because playing someone else's music became too easy and I wanted a new challenge.
When did you write your first song?
Quite some time ago actually. I was in Ukraine with my friends and we used free computer software to do it. We needed to master it so when I came back to Malta I got in touch with Toby and basically we have been working together ever since...and before you ask no, that first song never got released because I didn't think it was good enough.
But it didn't hold you back from writing more songs....
No, of course not. After getting to know Toby, who has a very good production studio, I decided it was time to get things done, so I signed up to write an album with him. The whole project has taken a long time because my tastes are quite varied and I haven't been able to decide on a particular direction. As a result, I've been experimenting with different possibilities, and to make it worse I'm not too familiar with the computer software but luckily, Toby has helped me to bring my ideas to life.
The new single Thursday has more of a chilled groove than an all-out club feel. How indicative of the whole album is this song?
Thursday is very important and special to me. Of course, I love all the songs on the album but this one has a particular meaning to me, as there is a lot of soul in the lyrics.
What convinced you to sing this song yourself?
Well, because the song is so special to me, and without wanting to offend anyone, I felt that no other singer could capture the expression I was after better than I could. Of course, I am aware that I'm not the strongest vocalist, which is why I have involved several guest singers on the rest of the album, among them Sandrina (Scarlet), Lyndsay, Raquela and Enya, who sings with Australian band Pluvio.
Was this a one-off then, or do you see yourself singing on more songs?
As I said earlier, I do like a challenge so I wouldn't exclude taking a shot at singing some of the other tracks. I assure you this was not a one-off and that you will hear me singing again, but perhaps only as a hobby.
Is there anything else you would like to add?
I'm looking forward to finishing the album. It's taken a bit longer than expected, but I'm working hard to have it ready soon. I just wanted to add that the only reason I won't be giving away the album for free is because most of the proceeds will be donated to a number of animal sanctuaries.
Click here to listen to Thursday.