Interview: Dina Summer (Iptamenos Discos)

Today we host an interview with Dina Summer, a Berlin-based project fronted by Dina P.. Dina P hailing from Thessaloniki, she made her entry into the music world as a teenager, hosting shows on local radio stations where she quickly gained recognition. Her path led her to Berlin where she met her husband and DJ/Producer partner, Brax Moody, to form Local Suicide. The third member of Dina Summer is Bavarian-born Kalipo, who started his music career as the producer and a band member of the German electro-punk band Frittenbude. The trio began working on music together in 2019, and have since refined their sound into a unique blend of ’90s electro, ’80s disco and new wave.

These days, Dina Summer, the collaborative band project between Kalipo and DJ couple Local Suicide, are back with a sensational new EP – Hide & Seek. Pushing the boundaries once more, Dina Summer are taking their sound to new heights with 4 brand new original tracks. Inviting us into their sonic world again, this time with undeniable heat.

Welcome to the world of Dinna Summer, surrounded by an electro clashy aura and a glamorous yet edgy attitude, transmitted by Dina’s seductive voice.

Tell us a few things about your project Dina Summer and what unites its members…

Dina Summer is a collaborative project featuring Bavarian live act and producer Kalipo from the renowned German band Frittenbude, alongside the Greek-German DJ and producer duo and couple, Local Suicide. What unites us is our shared passion for leftfield and underground music, drawing inspiration from the sounds of the 80s and 90s, as well as our collective outlook on life.

2. What drives your creative process?

Our creative process is driven by a combination of experimentation, spontaneity, and a desire to push boundaries. We thrive on exploring new sonic landscapes and challenging conventional norms.

3. What is your story behind your latest release “Hide and Seek”?

Our latest release “Hide and Seek” features a diverse sonic landscape inspired by various influences. “Hide and Seek” and “Unter Strom” are rich in 80s nostalgia, with pulsating synths and retro vibes. “Excess” channels the spirit of disco, delivering infectious grooves and dancefloor euphoria. Meanwhile, “All or Nothing” takes on an EBM sound, brimming with explosive energy and raw intensity, challenging societal norms. Each track tells its own story: “Unter Strom” explores the realm of love, “Hide & Seek” and “Excess” vividly portray the vibrant ambiance of the club scene, with nods to the glamour and decadence associated with the legendary Studio 54, and “All or Nothing” serves as a rebellious anthem.

4. What do you think are some of the challenges that artists face nowadays?

In the current landscape, artists encounter a multitude of challenges. They must navigate the constantly shifting terrain of the music industry, which presents a complex web of trends, technologies, and platforms. Amidst a crowded market, artists strive to carve out a distinct identity, standing out amidst the noise to capture the attention of listeners. However, this pursuit of uniqueness is often met with obstacles related to financial sustainability, as artists grapple with the costs of production, promotion, and touring. Balancing creative freedom with commercial viability poses another challenge, as artists seek to stay true to their vision while also resonating with their audience. Moreover, amidst the pressures of success and visibility, artists need to prioritize their mental health. This includes finding ways to cope with the demands of the industry while maintaining their well-being, often compounded by the challenges of not getting enough sleep and the rigors of touring.

5. Your influences?

Our influences span across decades and genres, drawing inspiration from the music of the 80s, 90s, and 2000s, as well as contemporary sounds. Beyond the realm of music, our creative wellspring extends to our travels, where we immerse ourselves in the sights, sounds, and rhythms of different cultures and landscapes. Furthermore, our creative journey is fueled by the textures of our everyday lives, uncovering beauty in the simplicity of existence and drawing inspiration from many different sources, like films, literature, and art exhibitions.

6. Any upcoming events or collaborations to announce?

We have several upcoming events and collaborations in the pipeline.

We’ll be performing live at various venues and festivals this spring and summer, including RSO in Berlin, Futur 2 Festival in Hamburg, Wilwarin Festival, Retronouveau in Messina, MOKO Festival in Toulon, Taktraum Festival in Ingolstadt and Thessaloniki Beer Festival. Additionally, we’re in the midst of creating our second album, striving to refine our craft and deliver an authentic musical experience for our audience.

DINA SUMMER:

https://dinasummer.berlin/

https://dinasummer.bandcamp.com

https://soundcloud.com/dinasummer

https://www.instagram.com/dinasummermusic/

https://www.facebook.com/dinasummermusic/

https://twitter.com/dinasummermusic

https://www.tiktok.com/@dinasummermusic

IPTAMENOS DISCOS:

https://iptamenosdiscos.com/

https://iptamenosdiscos.bandcamp.com/

https://www.facebook.com/iptamenosdiscos