Interview: Get to Know DARLAH
What first got you into music?
My ultimate love for Buffy the Vampire Slayer!! Every track used throughout the show encapsulated the emotions so perfectly; I wanted to be able to do something like that myself. There's a funny story on how I decided to pursue music early on without even knowing if I could sing; I just knew I enjoyed it and the way it made me feel.
How would you describe your music to someone who hasn’t heard it before?
Like walking straight into multiple movies all at once. One room you're in Resident Evil, trying to escape The Hive and then you open a door and find yourself in The Blood Rave from Blade. Energy. Emotion. Rage.
Was there a defining moment when you realized music was your calling?
I was a stubborn teenager. I would have Kerrang magazine posters plastered all over my bedroom walls and I would look at them with this knowing that "that will be me one day." I haven't stopped trying since and I always remember that firey desire I held. I think the main moment for me was either the first time I stepped onto stage to perform, it felt like I belonged there. Or, when I was around 17 years old and got pulled up onto stage by Pierce the Veil. That moment was pure magic for me, not only was I sharing a stage with my favourite band; I was in awe by the sheer size of the audience and just knew that this is what I wanted for myself and nothing else would ever compare. I have been chasing that feeling ever since.
Where do you find inspiration for your lyrics or melodies?
I used to write a lot about other people's situations, as I struggled to tap into my own emotions. I recently finished therapy and it gave me a new insight and unlocked parts of myself that I had deemed unreachable. I am now able to convey those thoughts, feelings and experiences into writing and that's healing for me.
How do you balance personal expression and creating something your audience will love?
I intertwine them. If you're honest with yourself and what you love, the people that do enjoy it will find you organically. I can't create something that isn't real for me. As a band, sure we will see what songs perform better and resonate with audiences more so we can steer in the right direction going forward; but I would never release something I wasn't sure on.
What has been the most rewarding moment of your career so far?
Back in 2024 we were lucky enough for our first tour to be with As Everything Unfolds, such an impressive first tour to get and we're forever grateful for the opportunity to introduce ourselves to a wider audience so early on in our career. (We formed in 2023). But also, the dedication of fans that have stuck around and waited for this new chapter of DARLAH. It's our most exciting, mature and authentic one yet.
Are there any specific milestones you’re working toward in your career?
We're hoping to sell out our debut headline show in Birmingham - October 16th!! We took a huge leap with this one but it felt like the right time to really show what the world of DARLAH has become.
How do you prepare for a show or tour?
Lots of sleep!! I'm also a chronic organiser, you will find me with spreadsheets, checklists etc. coming out of my ears. Also, I will be carrying a bag straight out of Mary Poppin's, all the remedies, tapes, straws, mouth spray, first aid. Anything you can think of, it'll probably be in Danni's bag.
What’s the most unusual or memorable thing that’s happened to you on stage?
Playing our first show as DARLAH and seeing people at the front sing along to our songs. It was wild to me that people so far down the country already knew our songs, we hadn't even been around a year at this point!
Can you tell us about your latest project or release?
The Paradox of Intimacy, our second EP drops September 24th, 2026, and gets announced September 14th. This really unleashes the true world of DARLAH and allows audiences to unlock the story behind every character. Who is the man in the mask? Who is Darlah? And what do they want from Danni?
Are there any collaborations in the works you’re excited about?
There might be a chance that I'm featuring on an upcoming ZAYLA REN song, who will be opening up our headline show!
What message or emotion do you hope people take away from your music?
"The more exposed you are, the more invisible you become" I want people to take away the emotion that comes naturally to them when listening to our music.
Who are you listening to right now?
This current second? Kylie Minogue. I don't think I can go a day without a little Kylie. But I'm really enjoying artists like Zayla Ren, High Regard, Northlane and anything from the 80's recently.
How do you see your music evolving in the next few years?
Lilith on steroids. We want to push the boundaries, expect the unexpected. I want the music to resonate live as much as it does on track.
How do you handle the balance between commercial success and artistic integrity?
Artistic integrity first over anything else, always. I love writing music, poetry, I love real art. I love people with passion. I believe that people connect to art when it's real and not chasing trends that get washed away with the next scroll. Of course, I want the music to reach as many people as it can and we have to accept that social platforms are the way forward to benefit this happening, but I'd never want commercial success to come at the expense of creating something that doesn't feel true to who I am or the world of DARLAH.
What’s next for you? Any upcoming projects, tours, or surprises?
Brand new EP, The Paradox of Intimacy, September 24th. Shows: Brighton, Sept 25th. Birmingham (headline show) Oct 16th. Newcastle Oct 17th. Much more music and hopefully shows!
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