Interview – Dana Ben David

By: Amanda Hather
Photo Credit: ten80media.ca

Dana Ben David is an emerging singer from Montreal. She’s been working in recording studios since the age of twelve and has recently released her debut single, “Voices”. We had the chance to ask Dana a few questions about her music, and what she’s working on now. Be sure to check out her single on iTunes and all her social media.

You’ve said that you’ve been in recording studios since you were twelve, have you always known you wanted to do something with music?

Music has always been a prominent part of my life. I started taking piano lessons at the age of 4, and continued to take weekly theory/practice lessons for 8 years. It was at the age of 11 (through a school play) that I discovered my love for singing and performing on stage. Since then, I have explored this passion for music through many different opportunities, projects and events — and can’t picture my life without its musical component.

You also have a Bachelor of Architecture and Science degree, how did you fit the schooling for that in with your music?

For the past 3 years, it was more like “how did I fit music in with my schooling?”. Getting that degree was the most intense, challenging and demanding experience I’ve ever gone through. Incorporating my passion for music throughout each semester is what helped me make it through this chapter; it was the light at the end of the tunnel. And in fact, it was throughout those 3 years that the most exciting musical opportunities presented themselves. I took weekly vocal lessons, participated in fundraiser shows, and took part in Season II of ‘La Voix’ – the Quebec version of “The Voice”. Sure, there were times where I felt I might have been taking on more than I could chew, but I never let that stop me. This balanced yet busy “double-life” is what got me through McGill Architecture.

You’ve recently released a single called “Voices”, can we expect any more new music from you any time soon?

Yes, I definitely intend to release more original music. I plan on releasing an EP in the near future, but haven’t given myself a target date. Coming from a 3-year program that revolved heavily around weekly deadlines, I am really enjoying and appreciating the luxury of time when it comes to creative work and self-discovery. The plan is to write, write, and write some more, gathering a collection of songs that can best represent who I am as a person, all the while finding the sound that suits me most.

Would you say “Voices” is a good indication of the sound your music usually has?

Not particularly. “Voices” is my first original song (produced and co-written with The Lost Boys Productions) and it was a learning experience: about the professional production process, about myself and how I can convey that through music. As much as “Voices” expresses a part of who I am, and was at the time that I co-wrote it, I am still on the journey of finding my sound.

What is your writing process like?

I write whenever or wherever ideas come to me, but it’s a process that can’t be forced. I’ve noticed that I get my best work done late at night. Songwriting for me usually consists of sitting down with a guitar, piano, or instrumental tracks that my friends send me, and jotting down thoughts, emotions or ideas that resonated with me that day, or at that very moment.

What has been the best piece of advice you’ve received about the music industry?

One of the most important pieces of advice that I carry with me every day is to always keep moving forward, stay driven and most importantly, do YOU. Focus on what makes you happy, on your sound, your style and go with it. There are plenty of fish in this musical sea, but you can’t let that intimidate you. You can accomplish anything you set your mind to, unless you’re too busy worrying about everyone else’s next move and opinions…

What’s your favourite thing about the music scene in Montreal?

That it’s like a community. In general, I find that there’s a strong and connected network of upcoming Montreal artists that collaborate, perform together and support each other.

What’s coming up next for you?

Who knows, really! I will go wherever the music takes me. I am thinking about expanding my horizons in this industry and studying music production so I can learn to make music independently and professionally. As far as location goes, I would love to be developing this passion in either Toronto or New York.

Here at Canadian Beats we like to ask a few fun questions so your fans can get to know you a bit better:

What are the top three places you would love to tour?

I’ve got the travel bug, and it’s a dream of mine to be able to perform all over the globe, and especially in Europe.

What do you think the most played song on your iPod is?

That’s a tough one…I’ve had many phases where I would listen to one song over and over again. Off the top of my head, “Love Me Like You Do” by Ellie Goulding is definitely up there, along with Hozier’s “Take me to Church”, OneRepublic’s “Preacher”, or Birdy’s “Skinny Love”.

What has been the best concert you’ve been to?

Maroon 5. (See my Huffington Post article: “An Eve With Adam” and you will understand why!)

If you could interview any band/artist, who would it be?

I would have loved to interview Amy Winehouse…but since that’s no longer possible, I would definitely want to sit down with Ryan Tedder. And Sia Furler. Or Adam Levine. Ah, the list goes on and on; there are so many talented artists I dream of meeting…

Are there any Canadian bands/artists you would recommend to your fans?

Off the top of my head, definitely check out Alessia Cara, Sara Diamond and Nikki Yanofsky – three very different but very talented Canadian artists.

And finally, is there anything you’d like to say to your fans?

To those of you who have been following, encouraging and supporting me along my unconventional, exciting journey, THANK YOU! It means more to me than you can imagine and I look forward to including you on the next part of my adventure, wherever it takes me!

Voices: https://itunes.apple.com/ca/album/voices-single/id1025042971

Connect with Dana Ben David:
Website: http://www.danabendavid.com
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DanaBenDavid
Instagram: https://instagram.com/dbdmtl
Twitter: https://twitter.com/danabd20
ReverbNation: www.reverbnation.com/dana36