Interview with Blair Djuna

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today?

A: I have been singing since I was a kid. I think the passion for writing started as a way to express myself in a way that I didn’t feel comfortable doing normally. From there as I got deeper into writing and producing I realized I didn’t want to do anything else. Honestly, I’ve built my entire identity around music so to think about what I would be if I didn’t have that, is a crazy thought. Most likely something else in the creative field though.

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

A: I like being around friends a lot. Whenever I can I try to organize something with them. Apart from that, I like to hike and rock climb... I’m not great but it’s fun. Going out and experiencing things is one of the biggest ways to gain inspiration. Easier than finding it within four walls of your house that’s for sure.

How long has your band been around?

A: The idea of Blair Djuna has been around for a while but I only started really pushing it and releasing music under that name in the last 6 months basically.

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

A: I’m based out of Sydney, Australia. I search for my influences out of my experiences I suppose more than whatever location I am in. I could be anywhere and I feel my music would be similar. Maybe not though… I’ll let you know what happens if I ever move.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

A: The name Blair Djuna came way before I started using it as my artist name. I was a part of a pop duo called SEGANA a few years back and the DJUNA name was tossed around as one of our options at the time. It always resonated with me and I loved the name. So I later adopted it as my own!

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

A: As yet I haven’t performed any live shows with the “Blair Djuna” brand. I believe that this will come shortly but would prefer to increase my repertoire and release a few more original singles first.

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

A: Following on from the previous question, So far, I have performed with Segana in small, intimate venues.

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

A: Post Malone, The Weeknd and probably Harry Styles. Probably the most ambitious set of names in the industry at the moment but all those guys inspire my music in a different way. I would love to make that happen one day but we’ll see hah…

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

A: I think what I’ve learned so far in this industry is that it is very cutthroat. If you let other people's opinions about your music get to you then it will stunt your growth as an artist. I think the advice I would give others as well as my younger self would be to make the music you want to make. Don’t let someone tell you that what you’re doing is wrong if you feel that it is right. Stay true and firm to what you believe and people will eventually start to listen and care.

If you could go back in time and give yourselves advice, what would it be?

A: As stated above. Stay true to what you want to create and do what makes you happy. If you let music become a chore then your love and passion for it will fade quickly. Establishing a core belief system in yourself is critical before you can truly be happy and unwavering with what you’re doing.

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why?

A: At the moment my song ‘Beautiful’ means the most to me. I wrote it from a very real place and at a time in my life when I was struggling with more than one aspect of my life. I think we all struggle and continue to struggle in this world. I wanted to show people that it’s okay to display moments of vulnerability. It was a bit nerve-wracking to release but I’m glad I have a song out there that is raw and means something to me. Hopefully can relate to everyone else going through tough times also.

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

A: ‘Touch’ is the best for that.

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

A: The process is always so different. Sometimes I start with words and other times I play around with different sounds or drum beats. I even have written full songs in my head before touching the instruments before. It’s hard to explain how I write music and I think it’s something beyond myself in all honesty. Sometimes it feels like you receive it rather than create it yourself. Weird process.

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

A: I don’t tend to try and write about anything in particular. It’s really whatever strikes me at the time. I like the thought of letting people have their own interpretation of what the songs are about. It’s a lot more personal that way.

Do you ever have disagreements in your band, and how do you get past them?

A: I’m afraid, its just me so no disagreements:)

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

A: I want to keep creating music that I love and hopefully continue to reach more and more people with it. That’s what it’s all about after all. I would love to start playing my own shows and interacting with my audience a lot more. I think that’s something to work towards! All I know is I don’t want to slow down. There’s always something to achieve.

A copy of the latest release "Beautiful" is also available for listening on the website: www.BlairDjuna.com.au