UNBOTHERED. UNSTOPPABLE. DJANABA

MUSIC

Aug 19

Electronic pop vocalist, songwriter and producer Djanaba has unveiled her highly anticipated debut album Did I Stutter?, out now via etcetc music. Beyond her fierce flow and crystalline soundscapes lies a depth of introspection, as she redefines what it means to be a pop artist on her own terms as a proud Queer Bundjalung woman. The record captures the restorative power of harnessing confidence through adversity, resulting in a creative feat that even surpassed her own expectations.

Opening with the vibrant Times Like SIS and moving through anthems like fuckitup, Way We Move and Asikee, the album balances dancefloor euphoria with reflective moments, all anchored in Djanaba’s sharp craft. It’s a body of work that cements her as a bold new voice in music — fearless, unapologetic and ready to light up stages and beyond.

Outside of your art form, where do you draw inspiration from?

I definitely draw inspiration from people I love, and people who influence my life greatly through their experiences. I'm kinda like a sponge in the way that I'm learning alongside them. My ancestors definitely inspire me, my experiences are so different from theirs, but they inspire me to be confident in my art, and be proud that l can be vulnerable enough to share my experiences, cause they didn’t get to.

Where do you think your personal power comes from?

I think personal power is something you believe and create for yourself, it is definitely not something that is given, but learnt. It’s the process of relearning yourself and your personal power. So many women in my life, and throughout my family history have been victims of abuse wether it would be physical, emotional, or financial, knowing the trauma they experienced and still experience will always push me to be powerful in myself it’s a staunch stance that l promised my younger self that l would try and break the cycle of disempowered women and l think the only way we could make this change societal is through being vulnerable and empowering those around us.

What’s your favourite “third space”?

I’d have to say my mum's farm. She lives on 110 acres in Worimi country right near the karuah river. It's one of the most beautiful places in the world, l love taking my friends, sitting round the fire, and just being.

Is there something you learned or believed early in your career that you’ve since outgrown or disproved?

I think a lot of artists will probably relate to this or just every bitch with ADHD, but when we’re starting out doing what we love we hope and pray there will be this moment that we’ll figure it all out, whether it’d be financial, emotional, spiritually. I know now that as a human being l thrive in the moments of the inbetween and as a type B girlie l will more than likely ‘never figure it out’, my journey is going to look different and messy, but my destination is no less valuable.

Within your immediate circle — friends, family, chosen family — who inspires you the most, and why?

My mum inspires me the most, on my journey of learning myself over my lifetime there have definitely been moments of detachment, but when you learn to love yourself in a whole you learn to have more time, and love for others. I would not be in the situation l am today if it was not for my mumma, she grew up in housing commission in Woolloomooloo, and when l was growing up she had two jobs, finished a degree, and raised four children COMPLETELY INDEPENDENTLY. To survive it meant she had to sacrifice her entire being just so she could put food on the table when l was a baby. I didn’t see a lot of the struggles she had to deal will growing up and l don’t think l will ever truly comprehend how those sacrifices changed her life and mine life. Because of those sacrifices, she inspires me to be strong to push for better, and ll want her to know how her sacrifices were not done in vain, and they push me to do better in everything l do.

What’s something you return to again and again — a book, a place, a habit, a memory?

The country l grew up on, Wonerua country it’s the place where l learnt to sing in language, dance corroboree, and built the person l am. Without that connection, l would not have survived. Revisiting that country always reminds me of those lessons, and relines my being.

When do you feel most yourself?

When l’m unmasked, hahaha. I feel like being around people who allow me to be myself, l can just be weird, flippant, loved, and empowered.

What’s the best advice you’ve ignored?

There was a really important story I grew up hearing, and I never truly understood it until recently. (FYI I’m changing it so it makes sense in writing lel.)

It’s the story of an abuser who tries to steal a woman’s power. But no matter how cruel or loud the abuser becomes, the woman doesn’t engage. And it’s only then—when she refuses to give them her energy—that she stays staunch in her power.

I used to think that if I were the woman, I’d have every right to react, to defend myself. And maybe I would. But now I understand: when we engage with people who want to take from us—our spirit, our strength, our peace—we always lose.

When we don’t engage, we prove that we were never theirs to conquer in the first place.

How has your understanding of success changed over time?

I think success looks different for everyone. Over time, I’ve broadened my understanding of what success can be, especially as I’ve come to value sustainability and balance more deeply.

Now, my idea of success aligns with those values — it’s not just about achieving something big, but about creating something that I can maintain, something that supports my well-being and growth.

I also don’t see success as a single destination or moment in time anymore. I see it as a journey made up of many small wins — little moments of progress, learning, and alignment that build something meaningful and sustainable over time.

What’s a recent moment that surprised you?

A lot of things still surprise me — especially the response to my album. It’s been overwhelming in the most beautiful way.

The love, the kindness, the messages from people who genuinely connect with my music — it means everything. The fact that someone who owes me nothing would take the time to listen, to share their thoughts, or to send love… it catches me off guard in the best way.

It reminds me that music really can create connections. And I’ll try to never take that for granted.

How much of a role do other artists play in inspiring your work ? (& who are they / how ?)

The chicks(The Dixie Chicks), l grew up on their earlier albums with mum and sisters, we literally memorised every word so we could scream and sing it around the house. The way they created these stories in the songs, it was like this world they created when we listen to this music we all can not help but sing along. I used to tell myself i wanted to create something similar, l wanted my music to tell a story, and connect people, and l still very much believe in creating that.

How instrumental is collaboration for you?

I think without Collaboration l would not be making music today, collaboration teaches you so much about music, and it was instrumental in pushing me into the electronic space, before collaborating with Pnau, l would have never even thought it possible. It allows you to create such unique pieces of art, and community, and it also connects you with new listeners, and other collaborators.

Is there a specific vibe, genre or instrument that moves you?

I honestly feel like there are so many for all very different reasons, but l love a singer songwritter moment, with folk music. I love how chill, and almost calming, Folk music is, there’s something about the way it takes you to quieter times.

What is the one thing you hope people take away from your music?

I want every single person to walk away from my music feeling themselves.

What is your favourite song to cover? (or sing at karaoke?)

I honestly don’t go to Karaoke to sing myself l love watching other people do the karaoke. If l’m doing it l want it to be impromptu and in the car with my sisters and mum Singing Top of the World by The Chicks.

What is your most prized possession?

I’m gonna say my laptop, cause l wouldn’t be able to create without it.