Dorina has her new Album Make Believe just out and we had a chat to her about how she became a singer / writer and her thoughts on influences and current artists – Spoiler – Cat Story Below……
Tell us about the moment you decided to become a singer? What did your family have to say about it?
I’ve been singing and dancing since I was 4 years old. Music was all I ever wanted to do. It was in the blood as my father played piano accordion in bands. I trained and performed to perfect my craft until I finally landed a gig that changed my life at age 21. My family could not understand my drive to become as singer and did not exactly encourage me but I did it anyway, and then they became my biggest fans.
What inspired you to become and artist and who are your early influences?
Early influences were obviously ABBA as a child. I had the pillow and socks! I also grew up with the Young Talent Time, and wanted nothing more than to be on that show. I got close as I attended their school. As a teenager I started to appreciate a great variety of singer songwriters from Rickie Lee Jones to Karen Carpenter, Sara Vaughan.
Tell us a little about your writing process, how does a song come along? What gets you going creatively?
I get so easily inspired to write when I hear a piece of music that stirs something in me, I cannot help but burst into song with a melody that I feel fits. Throw some matching lyrics in it and suddenly there is a song. On the other hand, words come to me from my own current situation as a form of expression. Then I’ll hear a tune in my head and bring to a great musician to flesh out the chords.
What current Australian acts inspire you and why? What international acts?
Locally, I’m a big fan of Meg Mac. I love her style and sentiment and expression. A great talent that I hope goes a long way. Internationally, I cannot go past Sheryl Crow. From her humble beginnings as a backing vocalist for Michael Jackson to becoming a prolific songwriter and not afraid to speak out, she is a true artist with amazing talent.
Tell us a little about your music and what a crowd can expect at a live show?
My music is basically feel-good music. As I age, I tend to write songs with uplifting and inspiring messages and I make my live shows much the same. Being a veteran on stage, I can sing anywhere, anytime without fear and give it my all. I love involving the audience to ensure that everybody has a good time. I also love to laugh so I make sure it’s fun for all.
Fave film? Fave Book? Fave place? Fave animal or pet?. And story if there is one
Film: Cinema Paradiso
Book: Anything by Dr. John Demartini
Place: Italy
Pet: Spooky (my cat) -Photo by Ron Lamoureux
Spooky is Canadian; I brought her back with me when I moved back home after 6 years in Winnipeg. Spooky is very relaxed and likes to travel. I built a little case for her to sit on the back of my bike so that she could come with me to work. People often stared and pointed in amazement with huge smiles on their faces. It was a sight to see. She would also follow me to work when I walked and again passer-by’s were amazed. But then it would take an hour of searching to get her to come home as she didn’t like the place I was living, especially the unruly dog!
What is the one thing you want/need that you think will make you a successful artist? Why?
I want and need YouTube subscribers and likes and people to listen and buy my music and visit my site and come to my shows and book me for house-gigs. I just want to get out there more and fully be who I was meant to be on this earth and entertain as only I know how. I want and need love from all of you!
What are your future plans for 2017/2018?
Future plans for the forthcoming year is to become a full time musician again. To record my next album, release it to a growing fan base, keep touring and doing what I love. I spent too long away from music and now I want embrace it all again totally! I hope you help me to do that and through the process I inspire you to do something you love! Thank you!
