F  L  A  U  N  T

 Photographed by [Shane McCauley](https://www.instagram.com/shanemccauley/?hl=en). [Dana Williams](https://www.instagram.com/iamdanawilliams/?hl=en) has been popping up in our periphery over the last couple years. We had heard Dana’s vocals featured on notable releases from today’s other top emerging talent, but it is obvious that Dana is presently riding the momentum of a buzz that is all her own.  Dana’s early singles such as “There You Go” and “Do No Harm” spoke towards the nuances of love’s comings and goings, be they for better or for worse, and showcased uniquely vulnerable and candid (dare we say caustic?) songwriting.  The unexpected contrast of such frank lyrics over beautifully ethereal melodies not only has set Dana apart, but also inevitably hearkens back to celebrated soulful blues and jazz musicians of decades past. Dana’s songwriting was perfected in 2016/17 when she committed to writing and releasing 1x single each month for over a year .. a lofty ambition at best.  This caught the attention of Alex da Kid who signed Dana to his KIDinaKORNER label last year. Since then, Dana has maintained consistency, releasing “Hard” this fall, and the plot-twist video for “Holiday” (seemingly in itself a visual metaphor for the gentile-giant nature of Dana’s sound). We caught up with Dana as she prepares to headline The Moroccan Lounge in LA on Monday night, supported by [Miki Ratsula](https://www.instagram.com/mikiratsula/?hl=en) and [Phé](https://www.instagram.com/phemusic/?hl=en).  We wanted to know more about the person behind the music, and in the midst of unmistakable kindness and humility, discovered another thing Monday’s audience can look forward to in spades; the most perfectly off-kilter sense of humor. **First things - I loved the video for “Holiday” - it’s aesthetically beautiful, but with the most cheeky, unexpected twist at the end.  Who came up with the concept, how did you decide on it?** Thank you!  I love the video so much. It was a lot of  fun to shoot. Naomi Christie \[the director\] found this beautiful empty pink pool that she was dying to shoot a video in.  I’ve worked with her in the past and love her aesthetic and style. Alex Da Kid \[label head & co-producer\] suggested balancing the pink aesthetic with a darker element to reflect the  concept of the song so Naomi came up with the dark twist at the end.   **How did you decide on Phé and Miki Ratsula as openers for your performance at The Moroccan next week?**   I have written with both Phé and Miki in the past and became an instant fan of their music.  They both have the most stunning voices and style. I am so inspired by their talent and passion. The Moroccan is such a cool venue to showcase their talent.  I’m excited to share the stage with them.  **How would you say you discover new artists, and who are some of your other favorites at the moment?** I still discover new artists like the olden days… word of mouth!  I have a bunch of friends tell me about artists I should check out so I keep a list. I have also discovered a lot of new artists through streaming services like Spotify, Apple and Tidal.  I love all the playlists that introduce me to new artists and possible collaborators. Lately, I’ve been listening to a lot of Diana Gordon, Jessie Reyez, Jorja Smith, and Frank Ocean. **We’ve heard great things about your show from people who have seen you in NY - what would you say is your favorite thing about performing?** When I was younger, I never felt like I could be a performer because I was really shy. But when I moved back to LA my sister started signing me up for open mics and booking me local gigs and I realized how much I love performing. I just love being able to connect with the audience.  My shows are really personal, I like to tell the stories that goes along with the song and ask the audience questions.  **What was it like doing shows with Rejjie Snow last year - what was the energy like?** Initially, I was worried to open for him because our music is so different, but his audience is so warm and attentive. It was a really great experience. I really admire Rejjie and think he cultivates openness.  **You grew up between the East and West Coast, but your home base is here in LA.  How would you say the geography of your upbringing has influenced your sound?** I moved so often that I had to develop a strong sense of self, since my life was always changing. I was able to write a lot of poetry about whatever was going on in my life and that’s still a constant for me. In New York I was able to see a lot of live jazz and even perform at the Lenox Lounge. I was really influenced by jazz while I was growing up in NYC. In LA,  I have been quite influenced by more modern music, so I think my songwriting is a nice marriage of the two.  **We’ve heard that you wrote and released one track a month for over a year in 2016/17.  What is your songwriting process like?** Yes, I did! Songwriting is kind of like therapy for me. I have always been better at expressing myself in lyrics. I write a lot. I normally start by writing some chords on the guitar, melody comes second and words are last, but I often start with a concept or an idea.  **The release of your most recent single “Hard” seems like an evolution just in terms of more complex instrumentation, but maintains the transparency that’s becoming the signature of your songwriting.  What was the inspiration behind “Hard”?** I tend to be really hard on myself. I wrote “Hard” when I was experiencing a lot of self doubt. “Hard” is a lesson in self awareness and my own struggle for self acceptance. Understanding that it is important for me to practice self-compassion and self love and that my hypercritical, judgmental, thoughts get in the way of personal growth and happiness, and also understanding that perfection does not exist.  **The response to “Hard” has been really positive right out of the gate - did you foresee that it would be?** It’s hard to anticipate how successful a piece of art will be. But the song’s message is authentic to my experience with anxiety and self doubt and I think that is a topic that resonates with people. I am so appreciative and happy that it is receiving a positive response.   **What is keeping you motivated and inspired in this moment?** I feel inspired that my music has listeners and fans who relate to my music. I think that as an artist there is always an apprehension that nobody will care.  But I am really grateful for all the support and getting to do what I do.   **What are you most looking forward to about next week’s show?** I love connecting with the audience mainly. I’m excited about that. Also, a lot of my newer music has more production than my previous music, so I’ve built out my band and I’m incorporating some elements of the tracks as well as live elements for the first time. My set will be a combination of stripped down acoustic songs, as well as, bigger productions. I’m really excited to experiment with and combine the two elements.    You can grab tickets to [Dana's show at The Moroccan Lounge on Monday November 4](https://www.ticketfly.com/event/1882749-dana-williams-los-angeles/)!