Behind the music - Dora Gola

Emerging dance-folk artist Dora Gola has released her new single, Flying Tree. We asked her the BIG questions . . .

Originally from Poland and now living in Lahinch in Clare, Dora Gola is influenced by 90s African Dance, Peruvian Folk and 80s pop.

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Flying Tree is inspired by the Noa Rao aka Flying Tree, a tree found in the Amazon basin and sacred among the native Shipibo peoples. The Noya Rao represents "The True Path" or finding ones higher purpose in life. Dora sings from the point of view of the Flying Tree itself, urging the listener to follow the music of nature and rediscover the light within themselves.

Tell us three things about yourself?

My favourite colour is turquoise, I adore animals (I've got two cats and two dogs), I love sharing what I know and inspiring others.

How would you describe your music?

It’s very hybrid, crosses many genres and cultures. It’s very visual and it can bring you to quite a mystical world. It has elements of folk and world music from around the globe with strong electronic 80s vibes and brooding synths. You will also hear my eastern roots and many of the songs are bilingual where I sing in both English and Polish.

Who are your musical inspirations?

My number one is Hans Zimmer, followed by Kate Bush, Prince, Mark Knopfler and Phil Collins. My song writing muses are Alexz Johnson and Paul Simon.

What was the first gig you ever went to and the first record you ever bought/downloaded?

My first ever gig was a philharmonic orchestra concert in Poland. I was six years old and I was absolutely blown away by the greatness of the sound and the amount of people and instruments on stage! It's been my dream since then to sing with a full orchestra. The first ever album I bought was Nelly Furtado’s first ever record back in 2000. I spent all my savings to get it, learned every song from that record and pretended that I was in music videos every time I sang it. I still come back to this album from time to time.

What’s your favourite song right now?

That’s a tough one. I’ve never had favourite songs because I listen to so many different types of music, although I absolutely adore Christmas so you’ll find some jolly tracks on my playlist. One of my favourites is River by Joni Mitchell.

Favourite lyric of all time?

Colours of the Wind from the film Pocahontas. I adore this song and I think it's so well written with a lovely message. Both children and adults can take some much from it. I love that about Disney songs.

"How high does the sycamore grow? If you cut it down, then you'll never know, And you'll never hear the wolf cry to the blue corn moon, For whether we are white or copper-skinned, We need to sing with all the voices of the mountain, We need to paint with all the colours of the wind, You can own the Earth and still, All you'll own is Earth until, You can paint with all the colours of the wind"

If you could only listen to one song for the rest of your life what would it be?

It would definitely be Shadowland by Hans Zimmer. It’s just epic and it brings me to such a happy place.

Where can people find your music/more information?

You can find me everywhere online under Dora Gola. I keep in touch with my fans on Instagram @doragola. I think it’s a great platform to connect to my listeners and other artists. My music is also available on Bandcamp and all the streaming platforms such as Spotify and Apple music.

Behind the music - Dora Gola

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