Formula Indie Sessions _ Interview with Dayazell

What is your earliest memory connected to music?

I have a fairly clear memory of my first musical emotion: a folk song I learned in kindergarten during an introductory English class. It was “Oh My Darling, Clementine.” The emotion of the song completely overwhelmed me.

How did your passion for creating music begin?

As far as I can remember, I’ve always listened to music; it’s an essential need for me. And I’ve always loved to create. I’m not very good at creating things with my hands… so I created music 😊

What’s the story behind your current music project?

I’ve been playing with the three other members of Dayazell (Isao, Nnay, and Yann) for almost 15 years now. Initially, it was a project meant to be played during medieval shows with a theater company called Armutan. Dayazell became a project of its own, but we still work with Armutan!

How would you describe your sound to someone who has never heard your music before?

Well, it took us some time to summarize our music. Now we say: “Music from the ancient worlds.”
It’s ancient and traditional music, freely rearranged through our own sensibilities. It almost always has a mystical vibe, something sacred—whether it is actual sacred music, pagan, or secular. It’s music that invites you on a journey through ancient worlds, and also on an inner journey.

What is one thing you’ve learned that completely changed the way you make music?

Tough one! I would say: aim for simplicity. Don’t try to demonstrate anything, ever. Just play what sounds good, even if it’s really simple.

What tools, instruments, or software are essential in your creative process?

We dig into ancient songs… and then we create together. As far as I’m concerned, I always get my best ideas in the shower!

Which indie artist or song are you loving right now?

Right now, I’m completely in love with “Lux” by Rosalía. This album is magnificent.

How have your personal experiences influenced your music and artistic vision?

I guess life in general, especially its darker sides (violence, injustice…), has amplified a need for peace and beauty. To create beautiful things and share them with others. To bring some calm.

What emotions or messages do you hope listeners take from your work?

People often say that our music, our energy, is very peaceful—that it makes them feel good. They often say, “We needed that, thank you.” It’s always very emotional for us, and such an honor to receive this kind of feedback.

What’s the most important lesson music has taught you so far?

We are one people, from Earth. Boundaries have no importance. Music unifies everything. Anyone can feel joy listening to any song from any culture in the world. That’s the beauty of it.

What is a dream venue or festival you would love to perform at?

Oh… there are a few. I’ve always dreamed that one day I would play in Petra, Jordan.

If you could collaborate with any artist, past or present, who would it be and why?

I would be very interested in spending a few days creating music with Hildegard von Bingen, a 12th-century abbess who wrote wonderful music.

Where can our listeners follow and support your music?

First, our website:
www.dayazell.com

You can order our three albums (digital, CD, and vinyl) on Bandcamp:
https://dayazell.bandcamp.com

As far as social media is concerned, you can follow us on Instagram and Facebook.
We also created a new YouTube channel a few months ago, with the official music videos from our new album:
https://youtube.com/@dayazell

And of course, you can listen to our music everywhere: Spotify, Deezer, Qobuz, etc.

Looking toward the future, what’s your dream for the next chapter of your musical journey?

I’d love to create a visual show for Dayazell—a complete, immersive experience with lights, video projections… and more.

What do you hope listeners will discover about you along the way?

That we are just musicians, playing music… and that anybody can do the same 😊