D E N A is Denitza Todorova, a Berlin-based songwriter and vocalist hailing from Bulgaria – the southeastern corner of the Balkans. Since moving to Berlin in 2005, sheʼs been seriously honing her self-composed beats and observant-yet-positive lyrical style. D E N Aʼ s been praised internationally for her unique and fresh flavor, making her an up-and-comer worthy of her recent attention.
D E N Aʼ style is influenced by 90ʼs pop/hip-hop and RnB via the tunes of Destinyʼs Child, Salt N Pepa, J Dilla and A Tribe Called Quest mixed with an appreciation for electronic/dance/house such as Moody Man, Crystal Waters and Theo Parish.
The phenomenon of Bulgarian Chalga music also plays a role in D E N A' s experimentation. Rooted in folklore, but remaining a large part of modern Balkan pop, Chalga has been a ubiquitous and controversial presence in Bulgaria for decades. D E N A turns the genre on its head by creating contemporary remixes with age-old Balkan beats and melodies.
By combining her own-world investigations with her firm stance on the importance of keeping it real, sheʼs asserted herself as a unique member of Berlin's creative scene. D E N A continues to be inspired by and connect to the creative vibes of the city without forgetting where sheʼs come from and who she is.
TUNES
Since 2006, sheʼs been cutting and recording samples on her MPC and creating live visuals for various musicians. After giving a thorough go of it with different bands, ranging from DIY electro punk to pop (meanwhile continuing to program her own beats) she eventually committed developing her own compositions – especially after being headlined as one of the first SoundClouders of The Day.
After being featured on two The Whitest Boy Alive records, sheʼs stepped out and into the spotlight with her juicy hip-hop, old school RnB and house inspired tracks,
although her uncommon accent, laissez-faire attitude and 90s get-ups deserve recognition when it comes to her credibility.
Since the summer of 2011, sheʼs been performing for Europe's club scene, including support gigs for the likes of Das Racist, Icona Pop, The Whitest Boy Alive and LCMDF, before stirring things up at the most recent SXSW Festival in Austin, Texas.
NOW
D E N A is currently putting the final touches on her debut album, together with Finnish producer Jonas Verwijnen (Kaiku Studios) and is most famously known for her YouTube sensation “Cash, Diamond Rings, Swimming Pools”, which continues to climb in hits – now up to over 350,000.
D E N A has been widely recognized in Germany and continues to gain international buzz, after wowing her audiences at gigs and festivals throughout Europe.
In addition, Denitza Todorova co-writes and composes for other musicians. Recent collaborations have included acts such as Charli XCX, LCMDF and Robot Koch – all to be released Fall 2012.
Future plans have been laid, an EP is expected for early 2013 including:
Her single "Cash, Diamond Rings, Swimming Pools"
New singles "Thin Rope" and "Guestlist"
A remix by reputable beat-maker Robot Koch
A special Chalga influenced version of her single by Berlin house producer, Stefan Goldmann.
Collaborations with designers for merchandise are also in the works, as well as initial drafts and filming for the video of her new single, Thin Rope.
