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Every Monday we will be bringing you interviews with unsigned UK or Ireland artists for Independent Music Monday. Recently we caught up with unsigned Bristol based singer Dora Lachaise to find out more…

Where are you from and how did you first get into music?
I live in Bristol, but I’m originally from the continent. I wrote my first song for an elementary school play, and I also loved singing in our final year’s musical for parents and other students. In high school, I started my first band with a group of friends, covering songs by Hole and The Cardigans. I wouldn’t say we were good, but as Dave Grohl says, it’s the only way to start!

Who were your musical influences when you were growing up and who are your influences now?
As a teenager, I was really into gothic metal. I particularly loved the voices of Sharon den Adel of Within Temptation and Tarja of Nightwish! They inspired me to take classical singing lessons. Classical singing in turn got me into listening to opera as well, especially Puccini – the drama!

These days, while it’s not possible to perform and record with other musicians in the room, I’ve started exploring production more. I get a lot of ideas while listening to FKA twigs and Sevdaliza, and Madonna’s Ray of Light and older Sheryl Crow albums. I used to be a purely acoustic singer-songwriter, but I’m now experimenting with MIDI, electronic percussion and effects.

I’ve also been part of an online songwriting group for the past year; the other independent artists there have been really inspiring in terms of lyrics, production and energy. Becci Wallace, Rosie Bans and Jigsawtiger are a few of the artists who have influenced my writing recently!

How would you describe your sound?
Beautiful, but a bit creepy.

What is your latest release called and what was the influence behind it?
My latest single is called ‘I Confess.’ The song was inspired by a statue of Mary Magdalene; her life has generally been misrepresented, as a warning to girls and women, telling them to listen to their fathers and husbands. ‘I Confess’ tells the story from Mary’s perspective, and sets the record straight; it’s got a feminist message.I produced it myself, inspired by the electronic sounds of FKA twigs, Sevdaliza and Massive Attack.

What’s your local music scene like?
In normal times, there are lots of gigs in Bristol, and fun, colourful festivals in the summer. The people here are nice and supportive, very different from London, which felt way more competitive. Local radio stations in Bristol and the South West also really champion local music, so it’s a great place to be!

What do you have planned for the next 12 months?
I’m working on a joint EP with Jonni Slater, another Bristol-based artist who has a lush voice and produces really cinematic music. We’re developing a multimedia show as well, with live music and original video projections, which we can take on the road once that’s possible again. On the side, I’m also working on a new space-themed solo EP.

Is there anyone you’d love to collaborate with?
Aside from Jonni Slater? I’m working on a collab with a fabulous songwriter but it’s early days and I don’t want to put pressure on it by telling the world just yet.

In a hypothetical world, if I could choose anyone at all to work with, I’d love to write with Bjork, to learn from her approach and process. While also making something out of the ordinary, of course!

Any funny stories surrounding your live performances?
I’ve only started this project after lockdown started, so I haven’t performed these songs live yet!

What is the one thing that you want readers to know about you?
Everything I want them to know is in the music! It’s not about me; it’s about the songs. They are little worlds in themselves, with their own atmospheres, melodies and messages. I’m just doing everything I can to help the songs get heard.

You can find out more about Dora on her website or via Bandcamp, Facebook, Instagram, SoundCloud, Spotify, Twitter or YouTube.