Dahlia Ray

Evoking endless summer days and bubbling warmth, the new single Bonfire out today from singer-songwriter Dahlia Ray blends buoyant indie pop with 90s sentimentality. Driven by optimism and demure effervescence, Bonfire is also accompanied by a nostalgic music video, complete with a key childhood staple: the humble trampoline.

Billowing with soft textures, creamy vocals and propulsive beats, Bonfire is a raw bundle of gloss and confessional lyricism, with Dahlia Ray equally drawing to mind the likes of Amy Shark mixed with soft flourishes from her current musical crushes Sia and Portishead. Teaming up with Michael Paynter and Michael Delorenzis at MSquared Productions, as well as her uni pal from JMC Academy, Johnny Grant, to ultimately bring Bonfire to life, Dahlia Ray also drew on a deeply personal memory to heighten the track's rose-coloured sonic soul, as she explains, "Bonfire is about being optimistic about the future. It's also about my mum's best friend, Jan, who was a friend that became family. Jan is the oldest survivor of cystic fibrosis in Australian history. Her funeral was a big party because she outlived all expectations of her and fought right through until she was 65. Her attitude is something that has inspired us all and inspired this song."

Fittingly accompanying the bouncy nostalgia lying in wait on Bonfire, the track's accompanying music video saw Dahlia Ray team up with Aria Award-winning photographer, stylist and videographer She Is Aphrodite, conjuring a sparse yet sharp aesthetic that perfectly echoes Bonfire's playful charm. "The concept was that I'd be having as much fun as possible while having memory flashbacks which we just used stock films for," explains Dahlia Ray of the Bonfire music video. "I came up with the stock film idea but that's definitely all I did. She Is Aphrodite came up with the idea of me jumping up and down on the trampoline. We used her neighbour's back yard, so nice of him, lol. But yes, She Is Aphrodite is definitely the brains behind this clip."

A self-confessed geek obsessed with chess as well as sharing and creating good times in a live setting, Dahlia Ray has been steadily weaving sonic magic over the years, culminating in this stunning new addition to kick off the new year. And while the release of Bonfire has been a long time in the making, the track is a seamless extension to Dahlia Ray's ever-growing repertoire and her ultimate passion for her craft. "I love that music unites people by the shared experience of the songwriter. I've sung since I can remember and so it's always been my only real outlet."

Bonfire is out now.

Listen: BONFIRE

Watch: BONFIRE

Stream: BONFIRE

Dahlia Ray Interview

How would you describe your music?

Pop-py. Honest. Uplifting? Lol

Can you tell us about your new song Bonfire?

Yes. It was Co-Produced by MsQuared Productions and my uni friend Johnny Grant. 

It was co-written by myself and by MsQuared Productions as well.

What inspired Bonfire?

Yes. Bonfire is about my mum's best friend who passed away as the oldest survivor of Cystic Fibrosis in Australian history. Jan lived until 65.

Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?

I just hope they feel happy after listening to it. Optimistic. 

Do you prefer performing live or recording?

These days recording, I used to be all about live. I guess it changes. I can't say that I DON'T enjoy any of it though. :)

Which is your favourite song to perform live and why?

I used to perform "Blowing In The Wind" a lot.  Probably my favourite to perform because EVERYONE knows it, and it sounds good on any instrument. I also love an original song I had under a different name called "Seen You Before" - people always seemed to like it. 

I'm super excited to perform "Bonfire" though - I think this will by my favourite by far.

If you could have anyone, in the world, attend a show, who would it be?

Sia. Or Kylie Minogue. I think they'd both have a lot to teach me. 

What motivates you most when writing music?

The therapy that it brings. I always feel like I release so much, it's a huge part of what balances my mental health. It's like my mindfulness exercise.

Which music/artists are you currently listening to?

Sia. Just a lot of Sia.

What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?

Dolly Parton. She's always so happy and uplifting to watch and listen to. I love what a strong woman she is, how unapologetic she is, how talented she is. I also love how private she is and how everything is all about her craft only. I really think she's a very smart lady. My biggest inspiration in music for sure.

If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?

Vance Joy? I love his tone.

What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?

The amount of peace that it brings. It calms me down a lot, work doesn't ALWAYS feel like work.

What's a typical day like?

Get up go to my day job. Come home write a couple song ideas. Hang out with partner or friends. Dinner cooked by me, and sleep. Repeat. It's all about balance I've learnt. I used to be ALL about music. I still am, but I definitely strive for more balance now.

What advice do you have for aspiring songwriters or artists?

Write as much as you can. There'll be a gem in there. Work as hard as you can as well. 

What's next, for you?

More music for sure. 

Can you share your socials? (links please)

Atm I only instagram to be followed on. 

Instagram is : DahlilaRayMusic

linktr.ee/dahliaray is my linkedtree account which will take you to my spotify, youtube and instagram accounts. It's all I have atm. 🙂

Thanks heeeaapppppps for your time. Have a nice day.

PHOTO CREDIT: SHE IS APHRODITE