DANA MONTANA | DE 2024 #05

Dana Montana has carved out a unique space with a blend of sonic intensity and visual flair that’s impossible to ignore—known for their deep connection with the Antwerp queer community and their expressive, boundary-pushing style.

The bonds formed through shared experiences, late-night conversations, and mutual respect have led to this moment—a mega event that celebrates Pride and honors the journey they’ve all taken together. It’s a chance for Dana to reflect on their growth as an artist and give back to the community that has supported them from the beginning.

But beyond the celebration, there is a deeper undercurrent of emotion and reflection for Dana. This year’s Pride comes at a time of personal and collective challenges, and Dana’s set will be a direct reflection of those experiences. Instead of their usual happy and funky vibes, they plan to deliver a darker, more introspective performance that channels the chaos and pain they’ve felt, transforming it into a moment of empowerment and connection. For Dana, this event is not just about looking back—it’s about moving forward with strength, resilience, and a renewed sense of purpose.

In this interview, Dana opens up about their collaboration with Antwerp Pride, their deep ties to the local queer community, their unique approach to gender expression through fashion, and their upcoming tours in Asia and America. We delve into their artistic journey, from their first gig in Antwerp to their ongoing exploration of diverse cultures worldwide. Let’s dive into the vibrant world of Dana Montana, where every performance is a powerful statement of identity and community.

Dana Montana's connection with Antwerp Pride is deeply personal, reflecting 6 years of involvement in the city's vibrant queer nightlife. When asked about their collaboration with Antwerp Pride, Dana lights up, describing this year’s event as particularly significant.

Last year we hosted a Lovegroove event during Pride, but this year is extra special for me. A few of my close friends, whom I have known since day one of living in Antwerp and circulating in nightlife, also organize events now and this year we decided to join forces and create 1 mega event, hosted by 3 party concepts: Shivers, Lovegroove and Insert." They share.

For Dana, this collaboration is not just about the music; it's a celebration of a long friendship filled with artistic growth.

"To me personally, it's the collab of a decade because all of the organizers are well-known figures in the queer underground scene for the past seven years. So many people are going to come.”

The event also holds sentimental value for Dana, as it brings their full circle to where their DJ career began.

"It is also gonna be a sentimental evening for me, as one of the concepts—Shivers—was where I played my very first gig back in 2017."

While the collaboration with Antwerp Pride is a joyous occasion, Dana's performance this year will reflect a more somber and introspective mood.

"For Saturday, I prepared a more dark and sexy set, much less happy and funky than I usually do," Dana reveals.

The shift in tone is a reflection of the challenges they and their friends have faced recently.

"This year's Pride season has been rough on lots of us. There was lots of chaos and pain among my friends and me, so my set is gonna reflect that, but also be an outlet for those emotions and a moment of empowerment, to remind us all that we rock!"

Dana's ability to channel personal and communal experiences into their music is a hallmark of their artistry. It's not just about playing tracks; it's about creating a space where people can feel, heal, and connect. This deep emotional connection to their music is what makes their performances so memorable and impactful.

For Dana, Antwerp's queer community is more than just an audience; it's their family and their home.

"Antwerp’s queer community is my family, my home. That’s where I blossomed as a person and as an artist," they reflect.

The city's vibrant and diverse queer scene has played a crucial role in shaping Dana's music and performances.

"The place where I experienced my craziest memories and the full spectrum of human emotion. Those people mean the world to me."

This deep-rooted connection to their community informs not only their music but also their broader vision for what events like Antwerp Pride can achieve.

Dana Montana's bold visual identity is as much a part of their artistic expression as their music. As a non-binary artist, they use fashion and makeup to explore and express their gender in ways that feel authentic to them.

"To me, it’s all a game of dress-up. As a non-binary person, I do not identify as a man or a woman and I just pick out elements that I personally like and that suit me and implement them into my looks."

Their stage persona is even more flamboyant, embracing a futuristic and funky aesthetic that blurs the lines between human and alien.

"On stage, I go for an intergalactic, funky aesthetic. "WIth my face painted, I feel just like a more extravagant version of myself, it’s not a character”.

Dana credits two major influences for their approach to gender expression: Juno Birch and Lady Miss Kier from Deee-Lite.

"Juno Birch is a drag performer and an alien woman! They were the reason why I painted my face for the first time. It felt so good and natural to me, and I felt so fabulous that I kept doing it ever since”, Dana shares.

Lady Miss Kier, on the other hand, inspires Dana both visually and musically.

"To me, Deee-Lite's visuals and music are the definition of queerness and camp. Their music still sounds so relevant today."

Dana's calendar is packed with exciting performances, including the highly anticipated Doel Festival.

"Besides PRIDE, I'm really looking forward to the Doel Festival, which takes place at the end of this month. It’s a very beautifully curated festival that takes place in an abandoned village. Last year I had an unforgettable time there," They recall.

The festival’s unique setting—an abandoned village filled with graffiti, smoke, and art installations—adds to the magic of the event, making it one of Dana's favorite gigs.

“To be able to play a DJ set and then party with all your friends on the streets covered with smoke, graffiti, and art installations is magical. The music curation is also amazing there, I’m honored to be part of it for the second year in a row! Last year, I was joined by my colleague in mischief - Komkomromotyo, a performance artist with cow horns! We made quite an impression. This year is gonna be no different, so people can expect yet another extravagant appearance from us.”

As they prepare for their upcoming tours in Asia and America, Dana is excited about the new experiences and cultural exchanges that await them.

"This time, I'm gonna discover some new areas in Asia, which I’m excited about. So far, all the places I’ve been there brought me such magical memories," They say.

In America, they look forward to indulging their love of Art Deco and mid-century modern architecture.

"It feels like I’m in a movie every time I walk around there."

Dana Montana’s journey through the world of music and identity is nothing short of inspiring. Their deep-rooted connection to Antwerp’s queer community is a testament to how personal experiences and local influences can shape an artist’s path. Dana's performances are more than just gigs; they are emotional outlets and powerful statements that reflect their struggles and triumphs. The way They channel these experiences into their music not only highlights their resilience but also fosters a sense of empowerment and connection within their audience.

What stands out about Dana is their fearless approach to self-expression, both on and off the stage. Their non-binary identity and eclectic fashion choices are not mere stylistic decisions but integral parts of their artistic expression. Dana’s ability to blend gender fluidity with a bold visual aesthetic creates a captivating persona that resonates deeply with fans and challenges traditional notions of gender and identity. Their inspirations, from Juno Birch to Lady Miss Kier, reflect a commitment to pushing boundaries and celebrating queerness in all its forms.

As Dana embarks on international tours and continues to shape the queer underground scene, their journey offers a powerful reminder of the impact of authenticity and community in the arts. Their story encourages us to embrace our true selves and find strength in our unique identities. In a world often seeking conformity, Dana Montana’s vibrant and unapologetic presence is a beacon of hope and inspiration for all of us.