Soul pleasing, mind-clearing – ‘Neukölln Nights’ is the latest debut EP from BIMM Institute Berlin’s D’aria. Listen now and discover more about the EP below.
What was your inspiration when you began writing the EP?
“A Berlin summer love lived right at the heart of chaos” – Neukölln.
I started writing this EP as a means of navigation through the blurry lines of love and infatuation. Then, slowly through the writing process, I noticed how every month of this exciting and exhausting relationship represented a different point of my own learning curve.
Are there any artists that inspire you when writing?
My writing is constantly inspired by the storytelling and seemingly soft sharpness of Taylor Swift’s songwriting. I’m also a big fan of Banks and the way she uses her own voice as a production element.
What is key to your sound and how do you make your music stand out?
I try to keep the song itself as the centre point of the track so that every part of the production mirrors the lyrics. This way, each song gets to live in its personal sound bubble while being connected to one another through the red thread of the story.
How does your songwriting process work?
Most of my songwriting is found on the Notes app on my phone or on random notes scattered around my apartment. Lyrics are my favourite thing to write and oftentimes melodies already start forming in my head through the rhythm of the written words. From there on (how Taylor Swift would say), it turns into a crossword puzzle and I try to find the best chord, instrument, harmony or anything that works to connect it all.
Describe your sound in 3 words…
Dramatic, layered, raw.
How has studying at BIMM helped you develop as an artist?
Studying at BIMM has given me the time and space to fully commit to my music. I really do believe I was able to organise, record and release my debut EP this year because I was supported by students and lecturers every step of the way.
I think the combination of learning at BIMM, while simultaneously being able to turn theory into practice within my own projects, is what made me develop in a variety of areas as an artist and even businesswoman.
What’s next for you?
Right now I’m planning some additional content to introduce a visual element to the EP! And then, I’m just getting excited about writing new music that reflects on who I am becoming as a writer, artist and lover. I’ve got a lot to say still!
