If there is one good thing technology has done, it’s connection. Yes, sometimes it can get a bit out of hand, but when one strips away the toxicity, there is true beauty. Even ZO has taken advantage of this by connecting with artists worldwide, and they do the same. Just take Dina & Atrem for example. Stumbling across an Instagram page led to chats on WhatsApp, and today the pair put a dark spin on pop by infusing it with their classic ways. We talked about all of the above and their latest, “Enough,” and what’s to come!
Kendra: Like a lot of famous duos, you each found your own way to music and I’m sure had aspirations as solo artists once upon a time ago – but what about meeting one another made you each take a step back and go – okay, I’ve found my musical person?
Artem: Before meeting Dina, I had written several songs and the idea of writing my own music interested me very much. When I accidentally came across Dina’s Instagram page, I listened to her work and it did not leave me indifferent. The timbre of her voice, depth, subtlety, sensitivity, and skill left a big impression on me. After some time, we started creating the first song, “Call It Love.”
Dina: It was something unexpected. We both were looking for a path forward that we believed in. For me, it was a feeling that was hard to explain — a few times in life caused me to stop and feel something with 100% certainty.
I came across Artem’s page and I genuinely believed in his talent and artistry. Something called me back to it and shortly we started a conversation. We then started writing our first song as a ‘trial run’ and everything flowed easily from the first moments. The first time I stood to sing and record a demo of it – I remember stopping after recording and just standing in silence a few minutes after…Because I felt the beauty of what we had created and not only that – I felt the potential of what could be.
Kendra: Writing in two different places would have taken years in the past, but thankfully with the likes of things like WhatsApp – you two got to work instantaneously with one another. However, how has being in the same place benefitted the songwriting process?
Dina: We had a system while writing separately – but if we could demonstrate this most people would open their eyes wide and shake their heads in disbelief that we were able to write across continents with the conditions we were faced with. It was possible – but it wasn’t easy. We did make the best of it though and worked tirelessly.
When we began writing in person we understood nothing can replace being in the same room together. We found thousands of nuances and possibilities that were at our disposal that in no way shape or form could be available while being apart. There are moments and details that only can happen and be captured while in the same space. When we began performing together – this also completely changed the dynamic of our writing. We were able to bring to life our creations and see what had to be added and what had to be taken away. There truly is so much that a one-on-one collaboration brings to the table that could never be copied continents apart.
Artem: I really liked working remotely too. It had a special unique charm. And surprisingly we quickly acquired our own repertoire. Once we started performing on the same continent, we were able to realize many things – such as that it was necessary to go beyond the ballad style we began in and add songs with more dynamic tempos and other contrasting characteristics.
Kendra: Especially with your latest, “Enough.” It’s quite theatrical, which comes from both of your classical training. With that, if you could take your music to Broadway, what actors would you each love to see in the show?
Dina & Artem: We never really pictured our music on Broadway so that’s hard to say. We aim for the songs to convey a message to the listener and for individual roles to be left to one’s imagination. We ultimately see these songs with an orchestral backing. There is a whole intricate vision that we are working on bringing to life!
Kendra: “Enough” is just the latest, but are there plans for a full-length LP this year?
Dina & Artem: For now we are planning on releasing individual songs. The landscape of music changed a bit – so for now that is what is in our best interest and of most benefit to our audience.
Kendra: Going back to your classical training, how has it been sort of transitioning into a more dark pop realm as far as performing goes because I know classical artists are pretty buttoned up, so are you able to let loose more so than before?
Dina & Artem: It came naturally to us because we were both immersed in different musical styles growing up. Our base was always classical, but we have listened and worked in a wide variety of music types. In general, composition allows one to really open up – even if it is composing classical pieces – because you are essentially creating that which was not there before, and rarely if ever do you want that to be a copy of anything that was there before. Working in a Dark Pop style does allow for a freer landscape of course. In a way we are writing the rules as we go along – but all of it has to be done with a clear vision, tact, and belief in what we are creating.
Kendra: Time for a little side note…With it being summertime, what is your go-to backyard, Summer get-together song that you feel really helps bring everyone together?
Dina & Artem: This question really made us sit down and think and realize we have to make some time to enjoy the small things in life and listen to happy music. We both kind of drew a blank on this one.
Kendra: Lastly, with “Enough” out now, what else can the people expect as we start to roll into summer?
Dina & Artem: We have a few songs in the works now. Each has a different feel to it. We are trying to show all the different colors of our duet in our music and express different emotions while still tying it all into the Dina & Artem sound. We are excited to share these and are excited for people to hear them.
