Interview: Blair Djuna - Don't Tell Me

Replete with many an engaging melody and boasting both a truly energizing and polished production, Blair Djuna's very well-crafted "Don't Tell Me" is a fantastically rousing funk-infused modern pop track that combines thoroughly catchy hooks with an attention-grabbing and undeniably confident sense of personality. Fronted by Blair's charismatic vocal prowess, "Don't Tell Me" is the type of track that you simply can't help but move to and whether it's the truly catchy melody lines, foot-stomping grooves, or absorbing sonic textures, this is one of those songs that will satisfy many a pop enthusiast.

By Kamil Bobin

Discovered via Musosoup

Hi Blair Djuna. Nice to be able to interview you. How is life in Sydney for you? Would you recommend the city for people from outside Australia?

Sydney is a great place to live as long as you can afford to buy a place. It is an expensive city but I guess that’s what happens when everyone wants to live in this beautiful and fun loving space

Are there any musicians who inspire you? What qualities do you admire about them?

My favourite Musicans are

Michael Jackson, The Weeknd and The BeeGees. That’s off the top of my head.. Again there are so many contenders it’s way too hard to pick.. we’d be here all year. I just admire their talent!

Your latest track is 'Don't Tell Me'. Can you share with us the background of its creation and did any unusual things happen during its creation?

Every song comes differently to me when I’m writing. I think for Don’t Tell Me I wanted to write something fun and upbeat. Something you would listen to and be inspired to do something fun.

I think writing a song is crazy in itself and I can’t always explain where it comes from. It’s something bigger than me I think.

How can you describe the music you make?

I want to say that my sound has developed and continues to develop the more I listen to different genres that influence my creativity. It’s a mixture of all types of music.

Throughout my career, I have written all types of music ranging from country to rock and roll all the way to hip hop/R&B. I think having experience with all these genres has given me the confidence to be experimental with my sound and push the boundaries of what we perceive as popular music.

Do you have common hobbies beyond music?

I would say dancing and fitness activities rock wall climbing, bush walking that sort of this

What got you started in the music industry?

I got my first guitar ten years ago for my 15th birthday. Ever since then I have been writing and creating my songs. I went to study at JMC Academy where I met some amazing people who have influenced me musically and are still with me today!

What is the biggest decision you’ve had to make?

I guess one of the biggest decisions was what I should study after my schooling. I settled on studying Music. I guess other decisions in my life so far have been a bit mundane like what car to buy, where to live within Sydney that sort of thing

What are your achievements to the moment?

Hearing my songs over the radio in shopping centres is always cool hah. There have been a lot of scattered cool moments through the years but I’m excited to see what this new venture under a new artist name and brand can bring. I’m optimistic moving forward that a lot of my highlights are still to come.

How do you feel the Internet has impacted the music business?

The internet has really impacted the business allowing instant contact with people who like your music through social media, I guess directly reaching people who are interested in you music is the main thing. Also in producing songs the internet has provided huge benefits allowing a home studio production giving direct access to heaps of different tools and resources. Marketing song s direct to the fan base is an area that is developing quickly and hopefully will challenge the current main marketing avenues that seem to have a strong grip on things at the moment.

What are your plans for the future?

To write good pop songs in my own style and gig around enjoying the vibes and the local music scenes. Sharing my music with those who want to hear.