Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Dan Aura

You only get one chance to make a first impression, and Dan Aura has mastered it. With his debut single, “Changes,” the rising singer-songwriter has emerged as one of music’s most exciting new voices, showing off his vulnerability and strength. In the song, the powerhouse vocalist tackles the ups and downs of a relationship and finding honesty with yourself and your partner. Pop Culturalist spoke with Dan to talk about “Changes” and what’s ahead for 2020.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Dan: I discovered my passion for music at a very young age, which was when I first started taking piano lessons at school. Growing up, I was bombarded with my father’s incredible vinyl collection, introducing me to so many incredible artists.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Dan: I’d definitely say that my parents have had the biggest influence on my career in the most incredible way. They’ve supported me in everything I’ve done and pushed me to continue even when I’d lost hope.

PC: As you set out on your career, what are some of your aspirations/goals?
Dan: One of my main goals as a musician is to be happy with the work I’m producing. I think it’s easy to get lost in fame or get caught up in the industry and to forget what the music is really about. Headlining major festivals, collaborating with my favorite artists, and creating songs that I can be proud of have all been things that I’ve aspired to achieve from a very young age.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Changes.” What inspired the track?
Dan: I wrote “Changes” to convey the difficulty of telling someone you love that they’re being destructive and taking you down with them in the process. I wanted to create something that people could relate to in their own way and for everyone to be able to take something different from the lyrics.

PC: “Changes” is your debut single. What was the process like selecting which song would be your musical introduction?
Dan: I always knew that I wanted to start my musical journey with a huge song, and writing “Changes” was one of the most rewarding experiences. The fundamental components of the song are fairly simple, but the level and standard of production was something that I was very keen to work on—we ended up spending a very long time on it! The lyrics were fairly easy to write, as they seemed to roll off of the tongue when we wrote the first draft in the studio, as my emotions were so fresh.

PC: As we look ahead to the rest of 2020, what does the year hold for you?
Dan: I’m hoping to release a lot of material this year, and I can’t wait to share what I’ve been working on! I’ll be writing all year long, so definitely keep an eye out.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Dan: Doja Cat. That girl is everything.

PC: First album you bought?
Dan: Taller In More Ways—Sugababes.

PC: First concert you attended?
Dan: Sugababes. I was slightly obsessed, okay?! [laughs]

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Dan: Only When We’re Naked—Zak Abel. This album definitely spoke to me on a very personal level and told me things that I needed to hear. “Beautiful Life” is one of the most beautifully written songs I’ve ever heard, and the message behind the song helped me to appreciate life in every aspect.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Dan: O2 Shepherd’s Bush Empire has always been one for me.

PC: A must-have on the road?
Dan: Definitely Doritos

To keep up with Dan, follow him on Twitter and Instagram. Pick up or stream “Changes” on Amazon Music, iTunes, or Spotify.