DOHA: Qatari composer and songwriter Dana Al Fardan has launched her new record label and the first Qatari record label, DNA Records.
“DNA Records is a platform for something long term and sustainable to support local and international artists and provide them with tools to see their dreams into reality,” she said.
DNA Records operates over an international space working with recording studios in London as well as a private recording studio in Qatar. Artists benefit from a cultural exchange as International artists are brought to Qatar.
DNA Records’ debut artist is Irish group The Ryan O’Reilly Band, and according to Dana, this is where their efforts will focus on for the time being.
“It’s important to me, as someone who has been an artist, that the artist is looked after and not exploited, which is something that is becoming more common practice with some large management firms,” she said.
“DNA Records offers a 50-50 joint venture with the artist as opposed to the industry norm of 80-20 that benefits the label, not the artist.” On February 21, Qatar Philharmonic Orchestra, in association with DNA Records, will perform a show, Layla, the title of one of Dana’s songs and her daughter’s namesake.
Layla comprises a collection of music composed by Dana and performed by the orchestra, and will feature favourites such as Paint, Pride of a Nation and Layla.
The Peninsula
