Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Dilana Ismailova. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Dilana, appreciate you joining us today. Let’s jump back to the first dollar you earned as a creative? What can you share with us about how it happened?

Reflecting on my first dollar earned from music brings me back to winter 2016. I was playing bass in one of my first bands, and we were hired for a corporate event. It was a unique gig, to say the least!

The venue was quite far from my hometown, and let’s just say the hospitality left much to be desired. We had to bring all our gear since they didn’t provide any equipment, and their MC ended up borrowing our microphones after the show. It was a bit chaotic!

One of the wildest moments in my early days was when I was playing in another band, and our drummer decided we absolutely needed a 15-minute version of “Hotel California” or a breakneck 170 BPM rendition of “Sharp Dressed Man.” Thank goodness I wasn’t the singer at that time! I can only imagine the look on the audience’s faces as we stretched those classics to the limit.

Those kinds of experiences taught me how unpredictable live music can be. Each gig has its own flavor, and you never know what to expect.

Despite the challenges, we got paid, even if we didn’t have any food or drinks at that corporate event. That gig marked the beginning of my journey in music, leading me to make money as a gigging bass player and eventually transitioning to a vocalist in 2019.

You can never predict how a show will go, and anything can happen. But that’s what makes it all thrilling! I’m ready for anything—after all, I’ve seen a lot, and this chaotic story was just the opening act.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

For those who may not know me, I’m Dilana, the frontwoman of Snifters, a band that dives deep into the world of neoclassical metal. My journey into this vibrant industry started with a love for music that has been a part of me since childhood. I began playing bass in various bands and eventually found my voice as a lead vocalist. It was in 2016 that I took my first steps into the professional scene, playing gigs and honing my craft.

At Snifters, we create music that blends powerful vocals with intricate guitar work, tapping into the rich traditions of neoclassical metal while adding our unique flair. Our songs are not just about sound; they tell stories and evoke emotions, making every performance an immersive experience. I believe that music is a message that deserves to be delivered with passion and authenticity.

What sets us apart is our commitment to reviving the neoclassical genre and making it accessible to a new generation of listeners. We embrace the complexity and depth of the music while ensuring it resonates with everyone. As the band leader, I’m dedicated to creating an inclusive space where fans and fellow musicians can connect over our shared love for this art form.

I’m also still playing bass on the side and trying to shred whenever I can. It keeps me grounded in my roots while allowing me to explore new musical avenues.

I’m most proud of our upcoming EP, which features a four-piece medieval story. This project represents a culmination of our artistic vision and showcases our growth as a band. The test release, “Creatures of the Night,” serves as a sneak peek into this journey, and I can’t wait to share the full experience with our audience.

For potential clients, followers, and fans, I want you to know that Snifters is about more than just music; it’s about community, creativity, and passion. We’re here to inspire and entertain, and I’m excited to continue this journey with all of you. With each performance, I aim to leave a lasting impression, and I’m ready to take on whatever challenges come our way—because at the end of the day, it’s all about the music and the connections we build along the way.

Can you share a story from your journey that illustrates your resilience?

One of the most pivotal moments in my journey happened in one of my early bands. I realized that I was in an environment where some members didn’t share the same level of commitment to the music. It became clear that while I was ready to grow, the others were more interested in jamming on old-school tunes without any ambition to progress.

After some reflection, I decided it was time to move on. It wasn’t easy to say goodbye, especially to friends, but I learned that sometimes, stepping away from familiar faces is necessary for personal growth. True friends should support each other’s ambitions and encourage one another to reach new heights.

Initially, I felt a bit sad about the decision. I worried that maybe I was being too pushy. But I also recognized that I wanted to be part of a group that practiced and prepared for gigs, rather than just going through the motions.

I had some great mentors and supportive family members who reminded me that I could always find a better fit for my artistic journey. My sister pointed out that dedicated musicians can be hard to come by, and she was right!

Now, I’m thrilled to be part of an amazing band where everyone shares the same passion and dedication. We treat our craft like it’s our calling, and it feels incredible to be surrounded by people who genuinely love what they do.

Looking back, I see that my experiences shaped me into a stronger leader and musician. Every step of the way taught me valuable lessons about the importance of surrounding myself with the right people and staying true to my artistic vision.

Learning and unlearning are both critical parts of growth – can you share a story of a time when you had to unlearn a lesson?

As a classically trained musician, I always thought my solid foundation in music theory and performance would seamlessly translate into my career. Studying bass performance for my bachelor’s degree equipped me with the essential skills, but my journey at Musicians Institute revealed a wealth of new insights and complexities within the industry.

At MI, I quickly discovered that concepts like music publishing and rights management were areas I hadn’t fully grasped before. It was enlightening to learn about the various ways artists can monetize their work and protect their creative output. While it was initially daunting to relearn certain theories and practices, I embraced it as a crucial part of my evolution as a musician.

My real-world gigging experiences prior to enrolling in the Music Business Program (MBP) equipped me with practical knowledge about navigating challenges like riders and venue logistics. These experiences helped me understand the behind-the-scenes workings of the industry, complementing my formal education.

I’m incredibly thankful for my teachers, Al Shaw, Karl Louis, and many others who have played a pivotal role in my journey. Each lesson is a treasure trove of knowledge that deepens my understanding of the industry. Their passion for teaching inspires me to keep pushing forward, fueling my ambition to make an impact in the music world.

Every step in this journey has shaped me, and I’m excited about what lies ahead. With each lesson learned, I feel more empowered to navigate the complexities of the industry and create music that resonates.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://snifters.info
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swiss.knife_/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dilana.ismailova?mibextid=LQQJ4d
• Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dilana-ismailova-6a354a313
• Twitter: https://x.com/swissknife01
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@s.n.i.f.t.e.r.s
• Other: Snifters Instagram:
  https://www.instagram.com/s.n.i.f.t.e.r.s?igsh=MzRlODBiNWFlZA==

Image Credits

Katie Lewellyn Photography
Kevin Eggert Photography