Dara Schindelka – Five Questions With

Saskatchewan Femme Folk Artist Dara Schindelka Shares Poignant Single “Love is Free”

Dara Schindelka (she/her) is a Saskatchewan femme folk artist with a touch of the North and the pull of the prairies. Dara is a classically trained pianist, singer, and educator who not only performs but teaches music at the University of Regina Conservatory. Her knowledge and love of music are evident in her compositions and arrangements of both instrumental and vocal works.

Her latest track, “Love is Free,” from her new She Imagined LP mixes folk songwriting with modern digital instrumentation. No matter how hard extremists try to control others, they will never control the human heart that beats within each of us. Love is, and will always be, free from such systems.

First off, care to introduce yourself to our readers?

I’m a fem folk musician based smack dab in the centre of this beautiful country, in sunny Saskatchewan. 

Tell us a bit about your most recent release.

This release is a response to the album I released. She Imagined is filled with traditional folksongs that tell the stories of women. I found themes of misogyny, religious and political extremism, and lack of support for women and marginalized in songs from the 1700’s and beyond. Shockingly, these songs tell stories that are still happening today in the year 2024. My song I wrote in response, Love is Free, is my way of sharing how I feel and what I learned from my project. 

How do you typically go about the songwriting process? Do you have a specific method or creative routine that you follow?

I’m a music teacher as well as a creator of music. I push my students to try new things and grow in their music comfort levels so I try to do the same thing. When I write a song, the theme or idea of the lyrics generates the music. I spend a lot of time in my head letting thoughts percolate until I’m ready to make music that enhances the lyrics. I try to vary keys, time signatures, major and minor modes, as well as instrumentation so that the music serves the words. 

Looking ahead, what are your plans for supporting this new release? Are there any upcoming tours, music videos, or additional content that fans can look forward to in connection with this project?

I’ve had some fabulous album release concerts in Saskatchewan and Ontario and now I’m looking ahead to shows and festivals in 2024. I have some videos in the works and lots more to come! 

Looking back on your musical career, is there a particular moment or accomplishment that you consider a turning point or a highlight?

I don’t know if I have a highlight in particular, every opportunity I have is a gift…every stage I play is an honour. I have received nominations and awards in my province for music which is a great show of affirmation and I’ve been lucky enough to share my stories and sing my songs across western Canada and into Ontario and I look forward to more! 

Last but not least, it’s time to pay it forward, what upcoming band or artist would you recommend your fans check out?

I absolutely love Coco Love Alcorn and her 2019 album Rebirth was phenomenal. I always look forward to seeing her live and am hoping to hear new music from her in the future. She’s definitely worth checking out if you haven’t already followed her musical journey. 

Connect with Dara Schrindelka:
Website
Facebook
Instagram
TikTok