Dana Gavanski - Finding Meaning in the Music
The realities of life as a modern artist were hardly wasted on me when I recently connected with Dana Gavanski late one midweek evening. I found her, after a long day at work, preparing a large pot of chicken soup. She was getting sick, hardly ideal with an eleven date tour quickly approaching. Out on the road she will traverse the length and breadth of the UK, playing across some of the best independent venues in the country and, with her lining-up alongside the hotly tipped Bingo Fury, this is a run of shows not to be missed. Ahead of the tour, we caught up with Dana to find out a little bit more about the realities of taking a show on the road, navigating the treacherous landscape of the music industry and what, in the end, makes it all worthwhile.
For the uninitiated, Dana Gavanski is an indie pop musician originally hailing from Canada and now residing in London. Her most recent record Late Slap, released earlier this year, was her third album and perhaps her most artistically cohesive and confessional to date. Channelling stylistic cues from the likes of Cate Le Bon, Gavanski’s music is as profound as it is playful and her keen observations on modern living make her one of the most vital lyricists currently plying their trade on the grassroots scene.
In the days preceding our chat, an article featured in The Guardian entitled “‘The working class can’t afford it’: the shocking truth about the money bands make on tour” by Daniel Dylan Wray had been doing the rounds on social media. The piece provided an unflinching look at the financial realities of touring in the midst of the cost of living crisis and was one that had strongly resonated with Dana, contemplating the weeks that lay ahead, she explained, “It's pretty daunting, but It's more about what future touring looks like”.
Dana Gavanski. Credit: Jack Tennant
For now, touring remains just about viable for Dana and her band however, the increasing burden of “fees from venues and everything being so expensive including rentals and where you're going to stay”, means that budgets are being squeezed, pulling into question the long-term viability of a career within the industry for anybody from a modest background. Dana of course, isn’t alone in this and the wider picture in the UK makes for fairly bleak reading.
Amid the myriad anxieties that come with taking a show on the road, one of the biggest concerns is whether anyone will even show up. As attendances remain down from pre-pandemic levels, this is a worry that is felt far and wide, “What I'm most apprehensive about is whether people will come out, these days it’s really hard to sell tickets to small shows”. The reality of this sluggish recovery has led to dire consequences for both artists and venues alike.
According to the Music Venue Trust and reported by Sky News, In total the number of grassroots music venues declined from 960 to 835 last year, representing a loss of as many as 30,000 shows and 4,000 jobs. Despite this harsh reality, Dana remains largely undeterred and with a smirk admits, “I’d be happy to play to ten people”. While this might be true, the pressure to sell tickets and fill out venues sits heavy on the shoulders of artists who, in reality, represent some of the biggest employers in the industry and need to ensure the financial viability of their tours for the sake of their income and that of their team.
From the outside looking in, considering all the difficulties intrinsic in the life of a modern artist, it raises a simple question, why bother? “It's just this hope that you'll maybe eventually be able to live off your music”. There is a stoicism or, perhaps even a hint of masochism present in Dana’s outlook, a willingness to continue in the face of repeated setbacks and adversity, without the promise of return on both the financial investment and the time employed. Yet, many artists choose to continue even with this understanding, “It's an endurance game but that doesn't always mean that because you stick around, you'll ever make money from it”.
Despite the negatives, there is cause for cautious optimism as MPs recently recognised the problems rife within the industry and have called for a cut in VAT and a new levy on arena and stadium tickets to stop grassroots music venues from closing. If these things come to fruition, it will hopefully breathe new life into the scene, helping the likes of Dana continue their journey.
Dana Gavanski. Credit: Jack Tennant
Releasing her debut record back in 2020, her career to date has been forged throughout an ongoing cycle of crisis. Defiant in the face of this, her most recent project Late Slap is her best work to date and a beautiful meditation on some of the most prescient issues of our times, issues she takes on with refreshing clarity as she manages to find beauty in the most unexpected of places. On the record she takes on the dulling effects of modern living, love and also the passing of a close personal friend with tracks such as ‘Ribbon’ and ‘Song For Rachel’.
Through the process of putting together Late Slap, Dana was given the opportunity to navigate some of these feelings and it is often in this deliverance from pain that the toil of touring and the struggle of being an artist pays off, “I know this sounds dark, but I’ve been at a loss for what creates meaning in life. What makes me struggle to be a musician and not have any money and worry and worry and worry and I think it just comes down to being committed to something even when it feels boring or it feels like it's going nowhere or it feels like you just don't want to do it”. Contemplating further, she continues to explain “I think it's the stability of believing in something that you do, that creates meaning, and that, I think, eventually leads to a feeling of belonging”.
Dana Gavanski. Credit: Jack Tennant
As we explore the world of Dana Gavanski and the broader landscape of modern music, it is evident that her journey embodies both the struggles and the resilience of countless artists trying to navigate the complexities of the music industry. Through her candid reflections and unwavering commitment to her craft, Dana reveals the stark realities of being an artist in today's world, where financial challenges and uncertain futures loom large. Yet, amidst these hardships, there remains a profound sense of purpose and passion, driving artists like Dana to persevere in spite of the odds that are stacked against them.
In contemplating the significance of music in our lives, particularly during times of turmoil, Dana's insights resonate deeply. Beyond mere entertainment, music serves as a conduit for shared experiences, a source of solace, and a catalyst for connection. In her words, it's the unwavering belief in something greater than oneself, even in the face of adversity, that ultimately imbues life with meaning and belonging.
As we navigate an increasingly turbulent world, the importance of supporting grassroots artists like Dana Gavanski cannot be overstated. Their voices, their stories, and their artistry enrich our collective tapestry, offering glimpses of humanity's resilience and creativity. In advocating for meaningful change within the music industry, we not only safeguard its future but also uphold the transformative power of music to inspire, unite, and uplift us all.
Late Slap is out now and tickets for Dana Gavanski’s upcoming tour that kicks of in Brighton on the 22nd May can be found via the following link - Shows | Full Time Hobby
