Take 5 With Blair Djuna

We caught up with Sydney newcomer Blair Djuna after he delivered a dazzling debut single, ‘Diamonds’.

Derrick (A.K.A Blair Djuna) began been playing music in his teens and started out as a founding member of pop duo SEGANA back in 2018. Since then, he’s stepped out on his own to create music distinctly his, releasing under his own name and now entering an exciting new era as Blair Djuna. The 24-year-old’s creations are the perfect balance of unique flavour combined with influences from the tried-and-true sounds of other artists- think Troye Sivan, Harry Styles and The Weeknd. ‘Diamonds’ is a flirty and energetic entrance to the scene, catching listeners’ attention from the first note & proving his skills at blending emotive lyrics with irresistible alternative pop melodies.

To learn more about this rising star we got Blair to outline his five favourite songs- check out his top picks below!

Take On Me – a-ha

This song has always been one of my all-time favourites. 80s music was something I grew up around so it has heavily influenced me in my writing. The way the song just pumps the whole way through and the use of synths is something I love. Also that riff!! It has stuck with me through the years and I have constantly referred to that song for inspiration when producing my own tracks.

Livin on a Prayer – Bon Jovi

I remember when I first heard this track it was on a game called guitar hero. I was playing the game with my cousins and it was a full band type of setup. I think we must’ve played that song and only that song the entire afternoon hah. The way the chorus erupts into chants is something that just doesn’t leave you. It’s like a feeling. That feeling is something I am constantly trying to replicate with my music and sometimes I feel I hit it… Never quite the same in my mind though. It might just be the nostalgia for me but still, it makes my top 5.

Hey Jude – The Beatles

What a track. I used to listen to my dad sing this on karaoke so much as a kid and never realised it was the Beatles till later in life. The lyrics are one of my favourite elements of this song. It’s almost written like a letter… Which I love. The element of storytelling is something I have always taken into consideration writing my lyrics. It is important to me that people can relate to lyrics. Also the Na Na Na’s at the end of the song… Vibe hah.

If You Needed Somebody – Bad Company

This song is a little less known amongst my generation I feel… I can’t even remember when I first heard it and to be honest I probably related to the lyrics back then going through some kind of thing I thought was heartbreak at the time haha. Back when I first started writing and producing I was creating a very different sound to what I am today. Rock/Country and even a bit of punk mixed in there at points. I think this song influenced me a lot more in my early stages of writing. Even though I don’t go to this for inspiration as much anymore it still gets me going whenever it comes on.

Man In The Mirror – Michael Jackson

There had to be a Michael track in the list- I have looked to Michael’s music for inspiration countless times throughout my time writing and producing. He was my favourite artist growing up. This song, in particular, has always had a special place in my heart. The self-realisation that you have to start with yourself before you can make any sort of change around you. I’ve always loved that message because it rings so true even to this day. Also purely from a musical standpoint- It’s an extremely powerful ballad. I will never get tired of it because it’s truly timeless. That’s what we all try to achieve with our music and although I have a long way to go, I still feel inspired by it.

Listen to ‘Diamonds’ out everywhere now!