Q&A: dréa szn

Getting to know Essex-based newcomer dréa szn

Hailing from Essex, alternative artist dréa szn has been quietly building momentum since January, sharing a string of raw demos that showcase both her captivating vocals and her natural gift for songwriting.

Though still early in her journey, she’s already drawn in a loyal fanbase that’s growing with each release. In recent months, she has begun to experiment with her sound, hinting at a stylistic shift that has sparked curiosity about the direction she’ll take next.

There’s a sense of excitement around what kind of artist she might evolve into and the audiences she could resonate with. Her upcoming acoustic set on 13th September promises to be a key moment, offering a closer look at her artistry and giving us a glimpse of how she might carve out her place in a competitive music industry.

DNü: How has growing up in Essex shaped your music or perspective?

D. Okay so, I can’t really say that growing up in Essex has affected my experience in a positive way. It’s a chill place because it’s not densely populated in most areas so I like how slow paced it is, but my God the racism here is insane.

DNü: What’s the first album or artist that made you fall in love with music?

D: Queen! I feel like I used to listen to music casually but I listened to ‘A Night At the Opera’ by Queen when I was 12 and I felt enlightened.

DNü: How would you describe your music to someone who’s never heard it before?

D: I would describe my musical journey thus far as: a little bit of everything from jazz to bedroom pop, but more rock these days.

DNü: What’s one thing you’ve learned this year about the music industry?

D: I learned that talent doesn’t matter as much as connections and that some of the best musicians remain unknown purely due to a lack of opportunity. Also that it’s way more competitive than I thought.

DNü: If your life had a movie soundtrack, what three songs (by anyone) would definitely be on it?

D: Hmmmm, I’d have to say ‘Worth The Wait’ by Kali Uchis, ‘Norton Commander’ by Men I Trust and ‘We Are the Champions’ by Queen!

Catch dréa szn performing at our debut indoor festival this September. Tickets are on sale here.

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