ironhead sits down with My Writes vocalist, Dhaniah fresh from opening for Indonesian indie pop sensation, Mocca and releasing their full fledge album earlier in 2009.  With such an eventful year, ironhead finds out more about the sultry voice behind My Writes.

ironhead: How has the album launch affected you personally?

Dhaniah: I feel like the album was something we were always working towards because we’ve been writing a lot of songs. It’s just a way for us to show something for it, like on record.

ironhead: So how long did it take to do the whole album?

Dhaniah: Well, the guys went to NS around the same time. We thought at least we keep the band going so we’ll have this recording for the period of 2 years that they are in NS. So we recorded over the 2 years.

ironhead: Being the only girl in the band, what are the dynamics
in the band like?

Dhaniah: At first it didn’t matter at all because I was just like one of the guys. Especially in poly, like most of my friends are guys and I sort of changed but it was fine. Until I started becoming “girly-er” and now I feel we’re not so “same-same” anymore. It’s more about perception from people. When people come up to the band, they tend to be chummier with the rest of the band. They look at me and they are like scared to shake my hand or something!

ironhead: How do you feel about that?

Dhaniah: I feel the biasness! Hahaha! Okay fine, I’m a girl but I’m also part of the band!

ironhead: Maybe they’re just shy.

Dhaniah: Yeah I think so too!

ironhead: Have you had any obsessed fans? Like a stalker?

Dhaniah: So far the fans are all very nice people! There are people that just disturb me on Facebook like “Hey!” and I would be like “Who is this?!”. Other than that it’s quite alright.

ironhead: My Writes recently opened for Mocca. What was that like?

Dhaniah: It was great playing with Mocca again. When we first started out, it was our first gig when we opened for Mocca the first time they played here. It’s like a full circle kind of thing. We’re back here again.

ironhead: Right now the trend is that a lot of bands are fronted by female vocals. It’s like the whole “Paramore” thingy that most bands are having. I’d like to know what are your thoughts on that.

Dhaniah: Well, I think it doesn’t matter what band you’re in and what kind of music you play. To me, just don’t make it too much about the image. Whatever it is, music should be your focus. It’s fine to have girl singers and kind of get inspired by things that you hear but it’s just don’t try to conform to what you hear on the radio.

ironhead: If someone would make a comparison with you and another female lead, how would you feel about it? Reason being you’re female and she’s female and all that jazz.

Dhaniah: It’s a funny thing. I would love to see a male lead and everybody else are girls, like the musicians will be all girls.
That will be cool!

Text >> ironhead
Pictures >> Danial Haris