When Israel native Dorin Yanni walked onto The Voice stage, she admits that she was a bit out of her element. She said, “I had no clue if music was actually what I wanted to do, so I went to the show only for the experience,” adding, “I met new people and realized I have lots of things to learn. At the time I was really nervous, young and a little scared I would end up forgetting the lyrics to the song in the money time but I had fun; no regrets.”
An experience of a lifetime, she left The Voice with a good idea and direction on where to take her sound. Now she’s got her debut with the Band, Through The Magic and a stellar single “Whistle.” Those were both on the table as we talked music, working with the Band of men and a lot more.
Kendra: Described as “whimsical,” has that always been a part of your personality?
Dorin: A lot of people are asking me why do I write only happy songs? Admittedly, there are lots of major chords in my songs, I’m really trying to expand my compositions but somehow I always go back to the sound I feel most familiar with. Maybe, the answer is because I mostly write my songs when I travel and when I’m in nature like a forest or at the beach…nature has always given me hope, happiness, and a different perspective.
Kendra: I only ask because that comes through with your album Through The Magic. Are you the type of person who believes there is some sort of magic in the world?
Dorin: I’m certain that there is magic. You just need to create it. I love being unrealistic in this world when everything is so strict and hard; you need something to lean on. Sometimes I’m taking situations from my life and making it into a story full of magic, like a metaphor.
Kendra: Listening to “Whistle” reminded me of a time in history when magic may be been used. It has this very troubadour feel to it. What kind of music did you grow up listening to and appreciating that gave you this style?
Dorin: I think I have many different influences. Older movies and music are my favourites. Especially the middle ages. I love Irish music and the western bluegrass vibes. When I wrote “Whistle” I imagined myself walking and playing on a flute in the middle of an old village from old times and people are following me to the forest.
Kendra: Your latest single, “Move Your Body,” made me want to know what’s the one song you and the guys in the band can’t help but move your bodies to when it comes on?
Dorin: We are all fans of classic bluegrass songs. So when Amir (the Banjo player) comes to the rehearsal with new songs he learns we get excited and we start to jam, usually forgetting we have a gig to practice for.
Kendra: Speaking of the guys, how do you manage touring and working with a group of dudes? Spending a lot of time with my now fiance and his old roommate made me very weary of the male mind!
Dorin: Working with only guys is really funny and hard both at the same time, I’m the manager of this band and it’s really hard to gather all the band to rehearsals and gigs especially because we are living in different areas. We have good vibes between us, otherwise, we couldn’t get along. On stage, you can tell we have good chemistry and we are having fun, I think this is a must when you have a band.
Kendra: The new album’s out, what else do you all have planned for 2017?
Dorin: We are planning to keep having fun by having gigs where we can and spread our love to everyone. We hope to travel to Europe this year and who knows where else in 2018. These days we have started working on materials for a new album that is planned to be released on 2018 with a slightly more electronic vibe.
Kendra: Lastly, here at ZO we’re really into all aspects of creativity. With that, if you had to compare your sound to a work of art, which would it be and why?
Dorin: I can compare my music to painting. I love painting different views and panoramas on canvas with acrylic, it truly gives me inspiration and inner peace. I put on some music I love and let my painting to take me wherever I want to be. In many ways, the compositions and our interaction as a band is like painting on canvas.
