DZANA is back with a new single: “Secret Skies.”

DZANA is a Bosniak artist with a truly dynamic approach to music, notable for blending R&B with neo-soul and a touch of alternative. The artist has released a new single titled “Secret Skies,” which feels like a great insight into such a diverse range of styles, not to mention the introspection of the songwriting. The track is very easy to relate to, as it delves into themes of love, longing, and vulnerability. The song features dreamy layers of synthesizers and a beat with a very hypnotic, yet dynamic quality. DZANA’s emotive vocals accompany the atmospheric production beautifully, allowing the overall concept to really stand out. The song clocks in at 2 minutes and 40 seconds, packing a lot of punch in the process. DZANA’s vocal style is soothing and emotional. Her beautiful voice matches the dreamy mood of the instrumental, and the overall aesthetic of this production stands out. Overall, the arrangement is rich and very immersive, yet somewhat minimalist, in a very elegant way. In other words, there are no unnecessary frills, and the song “says more with less,” allowing all the elements within enough room to fully shine. For the charming vocals, to the haunting keys and the cinematic drums, everything fits seamlessly, creating a remarkably entrancing listening experience.

We also had the opportunity to ask the artist a few questions: keep reading to learn more and check out our interview below!

• “Secret Skies” blends R&B, neo-soul, and alternative elements. How do you approach combining such diverse genres in your music, and what inspired you to create this particular sound for the track?

I don’t think I intentionally set out to blend R&B with alternative elements. I think it’s more the result of my musical influences coming together and overlapping in my head. What I am intentional about is avoiding the predictable structure of a song, whether it’s in the arrangement, lyrics, or sound effects. I like subtle, little surprises, and that’s where the alternative elements come in.

• The song touches on themes of love, longing, and vulnerability. Can you tell us more about the emotions and personal experiences that influenced your songwriting?

I first came up with the melody, and it immediately made me envision a whole story. It felt mysterious and full of longing. Although the narrative is fictional, I immersed myself in this idea of a person frustrated by their love interest’s quiet obsession, someone who can’t come to terms with their feelings. Also, no matter how hard you try, as a songwriter, you’ll always bring in pieces of your own experiences, even if it’s fictional.

• The production has a dreamy, atmospheric feel. How involved were you in shaping the sound design, and what was your vision for the song’s overall aesthetic?

I was heavily involved in shaping the entire sound. I had a clear vision for every part of it. The song started because I really wanted to write over synthesized strings—this was the most important element, and I was adamant about it. I knew exactly how I wanted it to sound and how prominent it should be. I built everything around that. I purposely chose sounds that would transport the listener somewhere mystical for those two-plus minutes. I didn’t want overpowering drums, as the focus was on the subtle parts that give the song the atmosphere I envisioned.

• How do you prepare yourself vocally and emotionally when delivering such an intimate performance?

What I find powerful about music and singing is that it can make you feel things you’ve never felt before or make you experience something entirely new. When I sing songs that I didn’t write, I can still completely feel them as if I were living the story. It comes very naturally to me. So, when performing my own songs, it doesn’t take much preparation, but the pressure is higher.

• How do you find the balance between keeping a song simple and making sure it remains immersive and engaging for listeners?

I actually faced that issue while working on this song because I tried collaborating with different producers, and some suggested adding a bridge or making the song longer. When I create my music, I listen to what the song ‘wants.’ I don’t feel the need to follow a specific structure or rule because once the song is created, it has a life of its own. I can clearly see how long it should last and if I’ve said enough. Once I feel the story has been told, I don’t force or drag out anything. Some stories need to be told lyrically, and others sonically. From there, I balance which part needs to shine through.

Find out more about DZANA and listen to “Secret Skies,” which is currently available on some of the best digital streaming services.