#dzana

[jalabrat]

IG: dzana.yil

[thebandcampdiaries]

DZANA is back with a new single: “Secret Skies.”

DZANA is a Bosniak artist with a truly dynamic approach to music, notable for blending R&B with neo-soul and a touch of alternative. The artist has released a new single titled “Secret Skies,” which feels like a great insight into such a diverse range of styles, not to mention the introspection of the songwriting. The track is very easy to relate to, as it delves into themes of love, longing, and vulnerability. The song features dreamy layers of synthesizers and a beat with a very hypnotic, yet dynamic quality. DZANA’s emotive vocals accompany the atmospheric production beautifully, allowing the overall concept to really stand out. The song clocks in at 2 minutes and 40 seconds, packing a lot of punch in the process. DZANA’s vocal style is soothing and emotional. Her beautiful voice matches the dreamy mood of the instrumental, and the overall aesthetic of this production stands out. Overall, the arrangement is rich and very immersive, yet somewhat minimalist, in a very elegant way. In other words, there are no unnecessary frills, and the song “says more with less,” allowing all the elements within enough room to fully shine. For the charming vocals, to the haunting keys and the cinematic drums, everything fits seamlessly, creating a remarkably entrancing listening experience.

We also had the opportunity to ask the artist a few questions: keep reading to learn more and check out our interview below!

• “Secret Skies” blends R&B, neo-soul, and alternative elements. How do you approach combining such diverse genres in your music, and what inspired you to create this particular sound for the track?

I don’t think I intentionally set out to blend R&B with alternative elements. I think it’s more the result of my musical influences coming together and overlapping in my head. What I am intentional about is avoiding the predictable structure of a song, whether it’s in the arrangement, lyrics, or sound effects. I like subtle, little surprises, and that’s where the alternative elements come in.

• The song touches on themes of love, longing, and vulnerability. Can you tell us more about the emotions and personal experiences that influenced your songwriting?

I first came up with the melody, and it immediately made me envision a whole story. It felt mysterious and full of longing. Although the narrative is fictional, I immersed myself in this idea of a person frustrated by their love interest’s quiet obsession, someone who can’t come to terms with their feelings. Also, no matter how hard you try, as a songwriter, you’ll always bring in pieces of your own experiences, even if it’s fictional.

• The production has a dreamy, atmospheric feel. How involved were you in shaping the sound design, and what was your vision for the song’s overall aesthetic?

I was heavily involved in shaping the entire sound. I had a clear vision for every part of it. The song started because I really wanted to write over synthesized strings—this was the most important element, and I was adamant about it. I knew exactly how I wanted it to sound and how prominent it should be. I built everything around that. I purposely chose sounds that would transport the listener somewhere mystical for those two-plus minutes. I didn’t want overpowering drums, as the focus was on the subtle parts that give the song the atmosphere I envisioned.

• How do you prepare yourself vocally and emotionally when delivering such an intimate performance?

What I find powerful about music and singing is that it can make you feel things you’ve never felt before or make you experience something entirely new. When I sing songs that I didn’t write, I can still completely feel them as if I were living the story. It comes very naturally to me. So, when performing my own songs, it doesn’t take much preparation, but the pressure is higher.

• How do you find the balance between keeping a song simple and making sure it remains immersive and engaging for listeners?

I actually faced that issue while working on this song because I tried collaborating with different producers, and some suggested adding a bridge or making the song longer. When I create my music, I listen to what the song ‘wants.’ I don’t feel the need to follow a specific structure or rule because once the song is created, it has a life of its own. I can clearly see how long it should last and if I’ve said enough. Once I feel the story has been told, I don’t force or drag out anything. Some stories need to be told lyrically, and others sonically. From there, I balance which part needs to shine through.

Find out more about DZANA and listen to “Secret Skies,” which is currently available on some of the best digital streaming services.

[phierie]

in every fandom there comes a time when you have to ask yourself, ok but what classes would these characters be if they were in D&D

overlong headcanons/design notes under the cut:

I based this AU off my rudimentary knowledge of D&D and it’s classes, but I’m taking creative liberties and it can be thought of as just a general fantasy rpg-style thing. Ended up being a mix match of comics and MCU but it’s an AU so hey it’s fine right lol

KAMALA - Sorcerer/Monk

Arguably one of the hardest to actually decide a class for?? I’m imagining her powers here as more akin to those she has in the MCU show; they’re something innate to her, passed down through her bloodline (and possibly unlocked by some event or heirloom as in the case of the TV show). I think the way she fights would be something closer to a monk, though? After awakening her powers, she journeys around helping people in the same way as she becomes Ms Marvel, both on her own and with the party. 

Kamala’s design is based pretty much entirely off the Mystic Marvel design (originally I believe from Champions, also in the Avengers game)! I saw this design and my brain instantly went brrrr because it basically combines my two fave marvel heroes (Dr Strange and Kamala)!! I changed a few parts of the design, and simplified the shirt a bit. I think it suits Kamala well for a fantasy AU - even in the main comics she wears an outfit that’s comfy and easy to move in!

NAKIA- Sorcerer/Cleric

Since Nakia is the only sensible one here, it made sense for her to be the (begrudging, probably) healer. I think it suits her personality well too though! I’m imagining here that her powers are innate (like a sorcerer), but she just uses healing magic the most (like a cleric). More similar perhaps to something like the cleric class in Fire Emblem Awakening, where clerics are often religious but their powers aren’t something directly conferred by the gods. 

Nakia’s design is based entirely off of her Storm Sage look in Ms Marvel (2015) #38 (aka the one where the gang gets isekai’d) Once again simplified it a little and softened some of the shapes (since it’s more of a villain look in the comic, but she’s obvs a good guy here) 

BRUNO - Wizard/Artificer

Bruno’s outfit is also partly inspired by #38 (esp for colour scheme), but I mainly just did my own thing for what I thought he should look like in a fantasy AU ahahah. Gave him a long coat because if there’s one thing I love more than wizards, it’s wizards with long coats lmao

To me the D&D wizard class is much more the ‘study and research’ side of magic so it think it works well for the scientifically inclined Bruno. The thirst for knowledge and hubris (all the benchmarks of a good wizard character, really) are also very fitting for him, I think..!!

He’s a natural prodigy of magic and manages to get accepted to a prestigious and exclusive magic school but is kicked out after The Accident. Leaves to find somewhere else that’s willing to teach him since he can’t accept the idea of not learning magic. Meets Kwezi and the rest plays out much as it does in the comics

His prosthetics are powered with some kind of Magical Rock (call it a magic substitute for vibranium), and made by Kwezi. I’m undecided whether they’re grafted onto his arm/leg or it’s a whole Full Metal Alchemist situation but maybe a bit of both? The arm also acts as a conduit of sorts for casting his own magic (hence where the artificer class comes in). As he makes all sorts of stuff for Kamala in the comics/show I think him having the ability to craft magical items also fits well. Probably learns that magic from Kwezi. Which brings us to...

KWEZI - Artificer

Another magical prodigy, but I see Kwezi as more of a support type to Bruno’s spellcaster. The embodiment of chaotic good. I think he’d be mainly a crafter of magical items (sort of like Olruggio in Witch Hat Atelier?) 

His background in this AU is the same as in the comics, and him and Bruno go adventuring a bit themselves before joining up with Kamala and co eventually. I think he’d be pretty sheltered when it comes to travelling outside fantasy-Wakanda, especially compared to Bruno, so hijinks ensue. (Side note, but I absolutely adore that contrast when it comes to Kwezi & Bruno’s dynamic, I’m so in love with them both)

The green cloak-wrap is inspired by his formal outfit in Ms Marvel (2015) #30, and the harem pants are from #29. I think comfy, practical clothes suit Kwezi, and I like that the colour scheme for him is a nice contrast with Bruno! 

KAREEM - Rogue

Probably the easiest class to decide on because really what else could it be?? I’m undecided on whether Kareem should have his origin from the MCU show or the comics for this AU - personally I prefer comics but I do think a secret society sort of thing would work well for a fantasy AU so I’m leaning a bit more towards that perhaps.

His design is a mix of MCU, comics and my own take on it to make it a little more fantasy/rogue-like.  

KAMRAN - Sorcerer

Probably the only one here (except maybe Kareem) who’s primarily based off his MCU appearance rather than the comics. I see him as being initially a bit more of a bad guy than in the show though, a sort of misguided villain who eventually ends up joining the party (see: Zuko in ATLA)

He’s grown up with the Clandestines (probably some kind of cult here) and he generally believes in their mission, so it takes a little more for him to turn on them. As a sorcerer his powers manifest suddenly and he doesn’t understand how to control them at first. The Clandestines probably want him to use his powers to their ends, and that, along with run-ins with Kamala gets him questioning whether he should continue to follow them or turn away from the only family he’s ever known...

Kamran’s design was probably the hardest to figure out, since he only really has appearances in regular clothes, and no canon alternate designs to work off of (like Nakia/Bruno/Zoe). In the end I was thinking of the Clandestines and what they might wear in such a setting? The blue colour scheme is based off the jacket he wears in ep 6 (probably his most iconic MCU look) and also his coat/scarf look in Ms Marvel (2014) #13. I don’t think I captured Kamran’s likeness very well here but his outfit actually turned out to be one of my faves, so swings and roundabouts hahah

ZOE - Fighter

I’m imagining Zoe in this AU is the daughter of some lowly noble family (a big shot in the town that her and the gang are from, not so much elsewhere). After a run in with some bandits where she’s saved by Kamala, she resolves that she needs to get stronger. Not the strongest nor the most skillful fighter, but she’s trying her best!!

Zoe’s design is inspired by her fantasy look in #38 (the pink tunic in particular), but I changed and added some details to it. Her cloak I swapped out for the pink scarf, as inspired by her stint as Ms Marvel!

BECKY - Paladin-->Warlock & JOSH - ???

The actual bad guys of this AU ahahah. I’m imagining here that the events of Civil War II play out pretty much the same in this AU as in the comics. Becky starts out as a paladin with generally good intentions, but when she crosses a line she gets disowned (is that the right word?? probably not) by her god. Unable to deal with it, she turns instead to darker powers, making a pact and becoming a warlock. 

I haven’t really thought about what class Josh would be... maybe a fighter as well (to match Zoe?), but I’m imagining him as a sort of mysterious Black Knight type figure, hence the you haven’t unlocked this character yet question marks lmao

Their designs are based entirely off their lockdown/discord appearances, just adapted into fantasy-armour style. I think the designs carried over really well, actually (definitely helped by the excellent colour schemes!)

And there you have it LOL I have no idea if I’m gonna do anything more with this AU but just wanted to share the brainrot, so if you got this far THANKS..... any thoughts/suggestions for other characters I should add are always welcome!!

[luegootravez]

Džana Valjevac by © Tereza Marie Valtova

[mascotamanias]

🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌 . . . Reposted from @heroesde4patas (@get_regrann) - EN ADOPCIÓN: Esta cosita guapa de nombre #Dzana y perteneciente a @guardiacivil062 es una Pastor Belga Malinois de 9 años de edad. Se jubila por edad pero está perfecta de salud. Su relación con machos es normal, con hembras se muestra dominante, con personas adultas es muy cariñosa y con niños y gatos no está probada. No le gusta estar en espacios pequeños y es algo nerviosa. #adoptanocompres #adopta #miperromifamilia #perrospolicias #adopt #adopta #adoptaunjubilado #adoptaunhéroe @kiwoko @terraneaseguros @zooplus_es @zooplus_official @bayerespanaoficial @policianacional #enadopción #enadopción #malinois #belgamalinois #hogar #buscandohogar #adopt #adoptme. . . @MascotaManias #mascotamanias #adoptaNOcompres #adopta - #regrann https://www.instagram.com/p/B3kOV_NIyUo/?igshid=1us3auhq8se9y

[doesithavetobeaspider]

Ms. Marvel (V4) #18 by G. Willow Wilson and Francesco Gaston

[why-i-love-comics]

Ms. Marvel #30 - "Something New II" (2018)

written by G. Willow Wilson art by Nico Leon & Ian Herring

[comicwaren]

From Ms. Marvel Vol. 4 #029, “Something New: Part One”

Art by Nico León and Ian Herring

Written by G. Willow Wilson

[hufmagazine]

90s Beauty, photography by Lucie Desmond for HUF Magazinehttp://hufmagazine.com/90s-beauty-photography-by-lucie-desmond-for-huf-magazine/

[ozu-teapot]

11'09’‘01 September 11 | Various | 2002

Bosnia-Herzegovina | Danis Tanovic

[eccentriclovemag]

Dzana Valjevac by Marco Leonardi

[bnkr1010]

Dzana Valjevac

[barksmachina]

THESE ARE SO CUTE!

Saw these on Twitter and i am OBSESSED 😍

And! she has super soothing timelapse videos of her painting some of these!

AND! she makes custom pet portraits! 

Check out Dzana on Instagram , Twitter and Etsy!

[phierie]

wind down doodles of the ms marvel gang

[luegootravez]

Džana Valjevac by © Snaema

[kaempfermaedchenx3]

Du hast gesagt bitte geh‘ nicht.. es tut mir leid und das für ewig. - Dzana, Monet192