Today we’d like to introduce you to Dana Zulpykhar.
Hi Dana, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Reflecting on how it all began, I can’t help but realize how fortunate I’ve been. I already knew my path when I was just 3 – that is when I received a violin toy for my birthday. Convincing my parents to enroll me in a music school, I began formal studies at 6. Progressing rapidly, by the age of 7, I soloed with the Kazakh State Symphony Orchestra and won my first professional competition. However, after years of intense competition, the toxic nature of that world led me to question my path, so at 13, I started exploring singing, songwriting, music production, and, eventually, film scoring. Looking for a better-quality sound, I spent countless hours recording songs in my closet, as well as filming music videos and sharing those on social media. Through some stroke of luck, they gained popularity, ultimately launching my career as a singer-songwriter/composer in Kazakhstan.
Growing up in Kazakhstan, I’ve always dreamed about America, although just the idea of America seemed utterly unreal. Not knowing anyone who could guide me on how to get there, I started searching for music schools in America and came across Berklee College of Music, where I eventually enrolled with a scholarship. That was my ticket to America. While pursuing my studies, I scored several feature films, which were shown in all the theaters across Kazakhstan, and received recognition for “Best Original Score” at several film festivals.
Following graduation, I relocated to Los Angeles, where I continue to score films, perform on concerts and film/ video game recording sessions as a violinist and traditional instruments player.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I consider myself incredibly fortunate, so I feel grateful for how things have turned out in my life. Of course, being thousands of miles away from my family and home, trying to build a life, establish myself in a foreign country, and barely know anyone has been quite challenging, but it pushed me to work harder and made me appreciate my family and heritage even more.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
As a composer and multi-instrumentalist, I’ve had the privilege of scoring a number feature films, which won awards for “Best Original Score” on several international film festivals, as well as trailers and commercials for esteemed companies like Samsung.
Additionally, I often contribute to video game and film projects as a multi-instrumentalist, proficient in playing a diverse range of instruments, including violin, viola, vocals, guitar, piano, and Kazakh traditional instruments like dombra, kobyz, and shorter. Notably, one of the projects I had the privilege to contribute to is the recently launched video game AFK Journey.
My specialization lies in Kazakh folk music and traditional instruments, which frequently interests composers and producers seeking unique textures and distinctive sounds. Kazakhstan has a rich musical heritage, and it never fails to astonish people when they encounter its melodies, rhythms for the first time and I feel honored to be the person introducing people to my culture.
Is there something surprising that you feel even people who know you might not know about?
It’s often surprising for people when they discover I’m from Kazakhstan. Many mention that I’m the first Kazakhstani they’ve met!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.danazulpykhar.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/dana_zulpykhar/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/danazulpykharova/
- Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dana-zulpykhar-694271256/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCupHe9e1RfYp2HU3b1kjKpg
Image Credits
Matthew Muise
Ryan Nava
Elizabeth Friar
