Meet Dana Rexx

We were lucky to catch up with Dana Rexx recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Dana, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?
For me, being an artist is not a choice. It is a compulsion, a passion I cannot live without. It is the joy and fulfilment I feel when I am creating something that can touch the lives of others, something much more organic and real than anything else, that can truly help people like it helped me overcome when I needed it most. As a singer and creator I can reach out to my fans and help them through hard times, just like music helped me through life’s ups and downs so far. I survived a traumatic loss at a very young age and we moved around a lot in Europe when I was a child, with me having to change schools and environments regularly, so you can imagine I didn’t fit in very well. I turned to music to find somewhere I could belong. From that came the realization that I didn’t want to fit into the norm at all, there’s nothing special about being like everyone else.

Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I make electronic music that explores the boundaries between tribal rhythms and electronic power pop with a dark edge… Dark Pop for short. My goal is to release my fans’ inner warrior and make them strong and motivated to tackle life head-on. That’s also why my fanbase calls themselves Warriors. The Warrior Community is somewhere where we can belong and just be ourselves without anyone judging us for our weirdness.

2023 has been very eventful so far. I went on tour through Europe with the legendary Anastacia last winter and my new song “Beautiful and Broken Down”, that I am super proud of, is out since July. I went to Namibia to film the music video and the reactions have been so amazing from all my Warrior fans. I love making content for them and they’re so appreciative and supportive.

I write my own songs and as an independent artist, I am very involved in all aspects of the creative process from the production of the music, to styling my whole brand on the socials, as well as making all my own visuals from the artwork, to directing and editing the music videos. I also write songs for the Eurovision Song Contest, and I host a feminist podcast called “Unboxing Women” that explores the gender gap in the music and entertainment industry.

Next for me is more writing and more releases. Right now I’m working on two songs that are going to change the game. There’s also a new live show in the making that I will start touring with soon.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?
Unfortunately, there are a lot of people out there taking advantage of ambitious artists and they can take away your energy in a flash. I have had more than my fair share of rip-offs and scams handed to me. It takes resilience to get up every time you get knocked down. When you’re making art and performing, you’re doing it with all your talent, emotions, and your being. It’s a constant thing that you both can’t live without and can’t get away from, which makes things complicated and tiring sometimes.

All hope is not lost though! There are some really great people out there that are super professional and passionate about their job and actually do want to help independent artists break through the noise. Right now, I have a couple of people in my team that I can really get things done with and I’m super grateful to be able to rely on them.

Working as an independent artist also takes a lot of self-discipline and determination, because there is no one but you who will tell you to get on with it. Nowadays there is so much information out there to wade through, but with some good old common sense, you will learn what is needed and how to find your way. The leading factor is the time you invest into it.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?
Any artist will tell you that social media and imposter syndrome are a real problem nowadays. In the end you put so much time into making content around your songs and “marketing” them that you’re not actually writing songs anymore. The struggle is real with regards to keeping yourself mentally stable and strong under the pressure from that perfect online world. I would say try not to overthink it and stop comparing (this one is deadly) but I know that’s hard and I am guilty of these things myself too. Make lists, get organised, chat with a friend, go somewhere, get a different perspective,.. Remember that deadlines are set by you and if you don’t make it, then only you will feel bad about it. Don’t beat yourself up. As harsh as it sounds, nobody else will care, you’re the one putting the pressure on yourself.

I just had something like this happen to me with the video of my latest song “Beautiful and Broken Down”. The audio came out on 7 July and I had planned to release the video two weeks later. I knew it was ambitious when I decided it, but I thought I could make it happen. There was so much material to go through and so many details I wanted to add in the post production of the video, that it took me a full month longer to finish it. I felt bad about myself, like I was letting my fans down, but they didn’t even know about this due date that I had set for myself. So I pulled myself together and kept on working on the video until it was perfect. I learned a bunch of new skills in AfterEffects and Première Pro in the process and the release was a complete success with loads of Warriors enjoying the video and giving great comments.

I believe that as long as you actively work on something to get it to the level that you’re envisioning, then it’s time well spent.

Contact Info:

Image Credits
Image used for Artwork: Jurgen Rogiers Live Show photos: Thomas Gunst

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