Dahlia Ray will bounce into your heart
Photo credit She Is Aphrodite
Singer-songwriter Dahlia Ray has released her new single ‘Bonfire’, with the new track blending bouncy indie pop with 90s sentimentality. ‘Bonfire’ is also accompanied by a nostalgic music video, that comes complete with a key childhood must-have: the humble trampoline. We caught up with Dahlia where we asked her about the inspiration for ‘Bonfire’, the fun she had making the video and the future direction she wants to take with her music.
For those that haven’t heard your music before, how do you describe the Dahlia Ray sound?
Thank you for taking the time to talk to me! I would describe it as modern 90’s pop. I think the theme is pop because who knows what my next song will sound like, but I know big vocals will be a theme. I think.
You have just released your latest track ‘Bonfire’, tell us about it, what does the song mean to you?
Yes. Finally, lol. The song is sentimental because it’s about my mum’s best friend. An Australian legend because she is the oldest survivor of Cystic Fibrosis in Australian history. Jan passed away at age 65 and she had such a positive impact on those around her, me being no exception.
“This song was very therapeutic to make for me.”
Do you have a favourite part of ‘Bonfire’? either Lyrically or musically?
For sure. “So, I’ll be having fun, like you’d want me to”. I think whenever we lose someone it’s easy to feel guilty for moving on. Jan made it clear that she wanted us to have as much fun as possible so yeah I think I like that line. And second to that “I’m gonna do my best to get by, and I’m gonna make the most of this life”. Because it’s a struggle again to pick yourself up after losing someone so close to you. You can only do your best. But I have the power to promise myself that I’ll always make the most of what I have and what I can control. This song was very therapeutic to make for me.
Did you face any challenges or difficulties when composing ‘Bonfire’?
Yes. I think deciding on the final sound. Making the final call to go with or without drums and electric guitars because it did sound nice before as well. I think I’ll release the other version as an acoustic version later on maybe, the drums made a difference. It was a gamble but I’m glad I did it now.
‘Bonfire’ has an accompanying video that you made with She Is Aphrodite. Who came up with the concept for the video or was it a collaborative effort?
The concept was all She Is Aphrodite-the girl knows her stuff. All I did was suggest we use stock footage, and I sourced some footage that she didn’t actually use lol. She Is Aphrodite came up with the trampoline idea which I really love more and more every time I see it. It was loads of fun to make, and she’s so easy to work with. Brilliant direction, she made it look like I knew what I was doing haha.
The video clip stars the old backyard classic ‘The Trampoline’. Did using this bouncy wonderland create any drama with the filming of the clip or did it just add to the fun of the process?
No there were no dramas, She Is Aphrodite is a pro. The trampoline only made it so much more fun. It was an adventure moving into random’s backyards haha, and I was just trying NOT to jump off the trampoline really. Lots of laughs, would do it again tomorrow.
Besides the trampoline were there any other memorable moments during its making of it?
Running down the street at the end, that was fun too. I’ve never exercised so much in my life. Lol It was great. Fun.
“I think it’s working better for me to focus solely on the one song, so I can give it all of my love”
Can we expect a Dahlia Ray full-length album or Ep out soon?
At this point, I’m just going single by single. I think it’s working better for me to focus solely on the one song, so I can give it all of my love. That could change for sure but at this point, it’s just single by single.
Can fans see you live anywhere soon or is touring not the priority at the moment?
Not yet I don’t think. Again that could change though. I’m just focused on getting good art out.
How did you get your start in music?
The professional start was when I left my hometown and moved to Melbourne. All of a sudden there were all of these places I could play music at and all of these musicians I could play music with. It’s when I felt truly inspired to work on my writing and make it a thing. I’ve met so much talent on my journey and learnt so much from everyone along the way.
If your occupation wasn’t ‘musician’ what else would you be doing now?
I’d probably be a full-time teacher, because I’ve been a relief teacher a lot. Lol. Or a mum at home with ten kids. I think the latter maybe.
Who in your crew or team deserves a shout out but never gets one? And what is they do that keeps your world turning?
My mother. She is my rock. A very strong woman who definitely made me the woman I am today. Tear lol. Jokes. No, but really. My mum taught me not to give up on things I really want and I’m glad I haven’t.
What can Dahlia Ray fans look forward to in 2023?
MUSIC. Music, music and more music. I hope. Thanks so much for that chat guys, always grateful.
Interview by Michelle Symes
February 2022