On the first day of the Seaside Festival 2024, we were able to celebrate the start of the festival on the main stage with singer-songwriter Dana in bright sunshine and summer temperatures. After I only caught the end of the concert at the Etziken Openair, I was now able to see Dana’s entire show here. For the singer from Biel, it was the penultimate festival concert of this summer, and you could feel that she enjoyed every minute of it.
Dana’s ability
When Dana is on stage, she seems to completely captivate the audience. From the very first second, she radiated pure energy and joie de vivre in Spiez. She danced across the stage with such ease that it seemed almost impossible not to be infected by her positive charisma. Between the songs, she repeatedly found calming and motivating words that she addressed to the audience, as if she wanted to speak directly to the heart of each and every one of them. It’s a pleasure to listen to Dana telling her stories. She has this ability to embrace her listeners – not physically, but through her words and her music.
Dana’s songs are a mixture of personal experiences, highs and lows of her life, which she processes honestly and bluntly in her lyrics. Sometimes you actually wonder how she manages to exude so much positivity and hope despite all the difficult topics she addresses.
Melodies that shine
The performance began with one of my favorites, the energetic song “Forever Heartbreaker,” which immediately created a charged atmosphere. Her festival setlists are above all cheerful and exciting. Nevertheless, Dana took the audience on a musical journey that alternated between cheerful uptempo songs and profound ballads. In addition to guitarist TImon Kellenberger, keyboardist Kenny Niggli and drummer Mattia Ferrari, she was also supported by her brother Joel on bass.
During her set, Dana sat at the edge of the stage and told the audience about the content of the next song. She talked about how friends and family always made her feel like everything would be okay, even in the most difficult moments. She put this feeling into the song – a kind of musical consolation for herself and for all those who need to hear something like this when they are not feeling well. This intimate moment made the transition to “Alright” all the more powerful.
Particularly impressive was the song “Whole”, in which she combined all her facets – both the beautiful and the painful experiences of her life. The honesty in her voice was palpable. With “Best I Can Do,” Dana also gave the audience another taste of her new album “Teary Eyed,” which was released two weeks after the show. The anticipation for the release of their new album was clearly palpable this Friday afternoon.
Another emotional highlight was “Mama Ain’t You Angry,” in which Dana addressed the challenges of her mother raising her and her brother as a single mother. She emphasised how difficult her mother had been and expressed her wish that other mothers in similar situations would be better supported in the future so that they would have an easier time and would not have to go through the same difficulties.
Particularly exciting for the fans was the premiere of the new, previously unplayed song called “Kale Juice”. The audience’s reaction showed that Dana will continue to inspire and touch hearts with her new material.
More than just music
Aside from her musical performance, Dana impresses with her personal story and the openness with which she shares her struggles and successes. She grew up in a musical family in Biel and Ins and continued her education at renowned schools in Zurich and London. Her music is a reflection of her life, in which she processes profound and often painful experiences in poetic and powerful songs. Topics such as abuse, bullying, eating disorders, mental health and her relationship with her father run like a common thread through her lyrics. But despite these difficult issues, Dana remains optimistic and sends a message of hope and healing. Her ballads and pop songs are not only melancholic, but also full of power and honesty. She manages to show both vulnerability and strength in a single song, thereby building a deep connection with her listeners.
Complete photo gallery: Dana at the Seaside Festival Spiez 2024
After the songs from her first two EPs were often played on the radio, Dana’s debut album “Future Daughters” was released in 2022. With the release, she was named “Best Talent” by Radio SRF3, which led to her being nominated for a Swiss Music Award. Even Rolling Stone India took notice of Dana. The sequel was released in September.
A concert that lasts
On 30 October 2024, Dana will also perform at the legendary Mühle Hunziken in Rubigen – just a short 20-minute drive from Spiez It is a wonderful opportunity to experience Dana in an intimate location and to be enchanted once again by her stage presence. Overall, Dana will be on the road for her “Teary Eyed Tour” between October 16 and 31, 2024, presenting the songs from her new album live in various national locations. A visit is definitely worth it.
Further information and concert dates can be found on Dana’s website.
