Unplugged Lounge Conversations with Dailla

In this heartfelt edition of Unplugged Lounge Conversations, Sonic Sisters Magazine sits down with rising artist Dailla—an introspective voice whose music blends emotional depth with quiet power. From the raw vulnerability of her songwriting to the gentle strength behind her latest single Garden, Dailla opens up about her early setbacks, evolving inspirations, and the quiet triumph of turning softness into strength. With authenticity at the core of her journey, she reflects on the people, emotions, and experiences that shape her sound, offering readers a glimpse into both the music and the meaning behind it.

Continue reading to learn more about Dailla. . .

Thanks for chatting with us at Sonic Sisters Magazine! Can you share a bit about how your journey into music began?

Thank you for having me! Music has always been a part of my life, but I think the first real spark came when I was seven. I entered a singing competition and actually came in dead last — I didn’t win anything. But instead of feeling discouraged, I remember thinking, ‘Okay, I want to get better.’ That moment planted the seed. It showed me how much I cared about music and how determined I was to grow. Later on, especially during my teen years, music became really therapeutic for me. It turned into a safe place to land when things felt overwhelming. Music, writing songs and singing helped me process things I didn’t yet have words for. So what started as a little spark of motivation became something much bigger, personal, and eventually something I knew I couldn’t live without.

Who have been some of the most significant influences on your musical style?

I grew up around a lot of classic rock—those big, emotional songs with soaring guitars and unapologetic energy really left a mark on me. But I also connect deeply with the clarity and storytelling in today’s pop. 

And which female musicians or women in the music industry have inspired your journey?

Artists like Nieve Ella and Olivia Rodrigo strike this beautiful balance: they’re vulnerable and bold, modern yet rooted in something timeless. That blend of old-school grit and contemporary elements is something I’m aiming to bring into my own sound. I feel really lucky to work with such a supportive team—some amazing women behind the scenes like stylists, makeup artists, photographers, and my mom, who helps me so much and is a huge part of everything I do. They all bring so much care and vision to their work. I’m also grateful to be surrounded by incredibly talented and respectful men—videographers, producers, musicians—and of course, my dad, whose support has been just as important. I genuinely wouldn’t be on this path without them.

How do your personal experiences shape your songwriting, and what do you hope listeners take away from those connections?

Almost everything I write comes from personal experience, even if it’s not always obvious. I don’t usually sit down with a plan—it starts with a feeling I can’t really explain yet. Writing helps me figure out what’s actually going on underneath whatever I’m carrying. Sometimes I don’t even realize what a song is really about until it’s done. My teenage years especially shaped that process. Music became a way to let things out—sadness, confusion, anxiety, love—all the things I didn’t know how to say out loud. It still feels that way now. It’s not about creating something perfect, it’s about being honest in the moment. I do hope people hear my songs and feel less alone. If someone’s going through something, and a song of mine makes them feel understood, comforted, or even just able to let go of everyday problems for a few minutes, that’s the best outcome I could ask for. That kind of connection is what keeps me doing this.

Congratulations on your brand-new single 'Garden' - what inspired this particular song?

Thank you! Garden is a really personal one for me. It’s about what it means to love with care—gently, without needing to control anything. I kept coming back to the image of a garden because it felt like the right metaphor: love as something you grow, protect, and nurture, even when it feels fragile. People have often described me as fragile or soft, and for a long time, I didn’t know how to feel about that. I used to think it made me seem weak. But writing Garden helped me lean into that part of myself instead of pushing it away. Musically, we kept it very stripped back—just piano, some light strings, and even bird sounds in the background. I wanted it to feel like you’re stepping into a quiet, emotional space where nothing’s being forced or rushed. 

What song (not your own) has had the biggest influence on you and why?

That’s such a hard question because so many songs have influenced me in different ways, and the music I connect with tends to change as I grow. There isn’t just one that shaped everything, but if I had to choose one that’s really close to my heart, I’d probably say Ordinary Love by U2. I used to listen to it all the time when I was younger. There’s something so bittersweet and nostalgic about it—it’s soft, but still incredibly powerful.

Is there a song in your catalog that holds a special personal meaning for you? We'd love to hear the story or inspiration behind it. 

Hide and Seek definitely means a lot to me. I wrote it during a time when I was trying to figure out how to just be with certain emotions—especially the uncomfortable ones, like anxiety or self-doubt—without trying to push them away or pretend they weren’t there. Shooting the video was actually really cool—it let me explore that side of myself visually too. I think making that song helped me accept parts of myself I used to avoid, which was kind of a big deal, even if I didn’t realize it at the time.

What are some of the aspirations you have for your music moving forward?

I’ve been writing a lot lately and working closely with my producer on new songs that feel a bit braver. I’m leaning into sounds that still feel emotional and melodic but with a bit more edge. I can’t wait to start sharing them—it’s the kind of music that makes me feel something, and I hope it does the same for other people too. I’m also really excited about playing some festivals and shows this summer. Performing live is where it all becomes real for me—getting to connect with people face-to-face and share that moment together. Visually, I’ve been thinking more about how to create a full experience around each release. Not just the song, but the whole world around it. 

What advice would you give to emerging female artists who are just starting out in the music world?

I’d say—don’t be afraid to take music seriously, even if it feels scary at first. I didn’t always see it as a “real” path when I was starting out, but it found its way to the center of my life. The industry can sometimes make you feel like you need to prove something or fit into a certain box, but honestly, the greatest thing you can do is stay close to your voice and what you want to say. That’s what people connect with. And one of the biggest things I’ve learned is how important it is to find the right people—collaborators who really respect you, challenge you in a good way, and understand your vision. That kind of support makes all the difference.

Before we wrap up, is there anything else you’d like to say to our readers?

I’m still at the beginning of this journey, but it already feels like something special is starting to take shape. There’s so much I want to explore—musically, visually—and I’m excited to keep growing, building this world, and connecting with people. There’s a lot more coming soon, and I honestly can’t wait to see what’s out there for me and my music. It feels like the start of something, and I’m ready for whatever comes next.