Sayana
CDA Mag: Welcome to this exclusive interview with Dino Mrkalj, known as Sayana! Today, we delve into the depths of his musical journey, inspirations, and unique approach to crafting organic electronica that captivates audiences worldwide. In association with CDA Records and Cafe De Anatolia, join us as we uncover the soul of this talented artist.
Sayana: Thank you for having me! I’m excited to share my story and passion for music with everyone, alongside CDA Records and Cafe De Anatolia.
CDA Mag: Let’s start by getting to know the artist behind the name. Tell us more about yourself and your music career.
Sayana: My name is Dino Mrkalj, and I perform under the stage name Sayana. I’m from Bosnia and Hercegovina. I’ve been playing music since I was a child, and my journey began with a deep interest in the guitar. This sparked my passion for music, leading me to explore the realms of heavy metal and founding the band “Seansa” with my friends. Subsequently, I ventured into the electro-rock scene with the band “Dbau.” Eventually, “Sayana” emerged in 2016 as a project to express all our musical ideas. Since then, we have recorded about 30 songs, and our band revolves around an organic sound, using live instruments like guitars, bass, and synths.
CDA Mag: Your musical journey is intertwined with various genres, and your unique style shines through. How would you describe your style of music?
Sayana: My style of music is electronica with various admixtures. It can range from chillout, ambient, and slow tracks to up-tempo, danceable tunes. I call it organic electronica because we extensively use live instruments such as guitars, bass, and synths, which we play and record ourselves. I believe incorporating organic elements brings a human touch and dynamic ambience to our productions.
CDA Mag: Embracing organic elements in electronic music indeed adds a distinct character to your sound. Your upcoming release, “Double Dose,” is highly anticipated. Can you share a brief insight into its inspiration and creative process?
Sayana: “Double Dose” is a dark atmosphere track with groovy bass, dub guitar motives, and mystical vocals. The song’s essence embodies the exploration of personal experiences and emotions translated into melodies and themes. We enjoy experimenting with different musical styles and instruments, often leading to creative fusions. It’s been a pleasure working on this release, and we’re eager to share it with the world.
CDA Mag: Your collaboration with Cafe De Anatolia marks an exciting milestone in your music career. Can you tell us about your connection with Cafe De Anatolia and what it means to have your music released on their platform?
Sayana: This is our first music release for Cafe De Anatolia, and we are thrilled to be a part of it. Collaborating with their team has been an enriching experience. Cafe De Anatolia is a well-respected platform known for promoting unique and talented artists like us. It’s an honor to have our music recognized and released through their label, and we look forward to reaching new audiences and sharing our music with the world.
CDA PRESS TEAM: Your musical journey has been filled with significant moments. Can you share a memorable experience that left a lasting impact on your artistic journey?
Sayana: The tours and concerts with the bands I’ve played in have been truly memorable. Each new stage, city, and connection with the audience added new dimensions to my music career. The interaction with the crowd and the emotional connection during live performances are the most beautiful and gratifying experiences one can have in music.
CDA Mag: Live performances indeed create an unforgettable connection with the audience. As an artist, how do you approach the creative process? Are there any rituals or methods you follow to get into the creative mindset?
Sayana: Most of my ideas are born on the guitar or the synth. I immerse myself in the atmosphere of the song and decide its direction. Collaboration with my bandmates is essential, as they suggest ideas and give feedback, adding depth to the composition. The creative process is often a solitary journey, allowing ideas to be born naturally without any specific rituals.
CDA Mag: Embracing collaboration can indeed lead to innovative and enriched musical compositions. Your music is unique, but what do you believe sets your sound apart from others in the industry?
Sayana: The fact that we are a band and that everything is composed, including drums, guitars, synths, sets our music apart. We embrace an organic sound due to our use of live instruments, giving our compositions a distinctive character. This fusion of live elements creates a unique and soulful atmosphere, setting us apart from other artists.
CDA Mag: As with any artistic journey, challenges may arise. How do you handle setbacks in your music career, and is there a particular experience that taught you valuable lessons?
Sayana: As musicians, we understand that setbacks are common in our journey, and the steps forward in a musical career can be slow. The music industry can be unpredictable, and we face financial instability, but our love for music keeps us motivated and resilient. We’ve learned that staying true to our passion and remaining dedicated to our craft ultimately leads to growth and success.
**Sayana