In conversation with Mississauga’s singer-songwriter, Dani Kristina, on the release of her new album, Aura, and her journey.

1. Describe your new album, Aura, in six words:
A collection of my life’s experiences

2. What inspired the collection of new songs?
These new songs were inspired by various influences and experiences at play during my writing process. I really wanted to showcase the various ways I express myself as an artist, and I think “Aura” does a good job of showcasing that. 

3. How long have you actively been an artist/musician?
I’ve been playing piano and writing music since the age of five and gigging since the age of 12 but I began releasing music in 2019. 

4. What were some of the struggles you experienced during creating this album?
Creating this album, I found it the hardest to choose the songs that would make the cut for the tracklisting. I had a specific mutli-genre concept for this EP when I started, and because I have a lot of songs I’ve written, choosing ones that would best demonstrate that was definitely the most difficult.

5. How did you overcome them?
I gathered my family around the piano and I played some songs that are of different genres. We all voted for our favourite tracks, and then we chose the ones that would be on the EP. 

6. Who inspires you and why?
I’m inspired by a lot of people lately. Musically speaking, one of my biggest inspirations remains Regina Spektor. I adore the way she crafts her stories and melodies, and I’m always looking forward to her new releases. To me, her and Taylor Swift are some of the best modern storytellers in the industry.

7. How did you get involved in the music industry?
It was a bit impulsively.
I’d been writing for years, and performing for as long as I could remember, and often people would ask me where they could hear more from me. After years of considering it, in early 2019 I decided to go to a recording studio and put together some of my songs for the world to hear. 

8. What's your approach to songwriting?
Songwriting is an extremely organic process for me, and I try to write even when I’m not feeling inspired. This way, I’m constantly developing my skills and learning. Sometimes, some of my best work comes about when I’m not actively trying to write “well”. 

9. How has COVID impacted you personally and professionally?
This whole pandemic situation has taught me a lot of things. Namely, that it’s okay to not be inspired or creating all the time, and also how much I need live music in my everyday life.

10. What advice do you have for up and coming artists/musicians?
Jump right in, there’s never going to be a perfect time to do anything.

11. What are you listening to lately?
I’ve been listening to a lot of fall, acoustic music. A lot of Bon Iver, Fleet Foxes, and City and Colour.

12. Of the 600 songs you've previously written, are there plans to release them in the future?
Yes! 2021 is going to be a really fun year of new music.

13. How do you want to be remembered?
As a personal artist who tells authentic stories.

To connect with Dani, listen to her music and support a remarkable artist, visit her website:
danikristina.com