Debut for the talented Danai on the Bulgarian music scene

The young singer Emilia Toncheva has prepared an intriguing debut in collaboration with the composer and music producer Kurt Kolev. In addition to China, she studied dance theatre at New Bulgarian University, which gave impetus to her work combining different genres and means of expression. In her musical debut, she and Kurt Kolev explore both obsessive emotions and the boundary between idealized notions and the reality of falling in love. In addition to original lyrics and alternative pop music reminiscent of the hits of the 2000s in a contemporary interpretation, the collaborative work of Emilia and Kurt gave birth to the pseudonym Danai, in which the artist appropriates herself to give voice to her innermost stories.

An intriguing and insightful glimpse into the message she carries is revealed through the three original singles on the debut EP – ‘Steamflower’, ‘On Paper’ and ‘Out’ – in which lived and dreamed intertwine into an indivisible whole. The director who cleverly and unconventionally dresses the video realization into a short film is the talented Kosta Karakashian. Together with cinematographer Ivan Tsutsumanov and producer Todor Berganov, they bring Danai’s stories to life in a landmark location, namely the park-gallery “The Originals” by the world-renowned Bulgarian sculptor Pavel Koychev, near the village of Osikovitsa. Almost the entire oeuvre of the sculptor is exhibited there, including over 50 sculptural models created between 1967 and 2014. Here is also the house-sculpture “The Building”, which plays a key role in the short film with a strong presence and surreal feeling. Danai’s relationship to acting, dance and music intertwine in the film, where choreography is also at the forefront in a compelling musical project about the thirst for unattainable perfection.

The debut EP and music video will be premiering on June 20 at the capital’s art club The Steps at 7pm – free entry.

The project has been made possible with the financial support of the National Culture Fund under the Debuts 2022 programme and the support of Park Gallery Originals, The Steps and Vault – The Next Level.