Dilana Ismailova Interview

1. What is your name and your profession(s)?

My name is Dilana Ismailova, and I perform under my real name. I am a professional vocalist, songwriter, bass player, producer, and performer. Originally from Kazakhstan, I’m currently based in Los Angeles, where I’m studying Music Business at Musicians Institute. I lead a solo project, collaborate with a variety of other musicians, and was the founder of the neoclassical metal band Snifters. Alongside performing, I also work as a session vocalist and stay active in the creative and business sides of the music industry.

2. What is your ethnic background and what is your citizenship?

I’m half Kazakh and half Russian, born and raised in Almaty, Kazakhstan — a place full of cultural contrast, history, and creativity. I moved to Los Angeles in 2021 to study at Musicians Institute, but I had been to the U.S. multiple times before that since part of my family lives in Lubbock, Texas. That blend of cultures — East and West, traditional and modern — plays a big part in who I am and how I express myself musically.

3. Are either/both of your parents musicians or somehow involved in the music industry?

Neither of my parents work in the music industry professionally, but music was definitely present in our home. My mom used to play piano and dombra when she was a kid, and my dad has a great voice and knows how to sing, though he never sang opera professionally. Even though they didn’t pursue music as a career, their musicality definitely influenced and inspired me

growing up.

4. Please tell us a little bit about your experience, either growing up as an AAPI in America, or as a person of Asian descent who immigrated to America, whichever applies.

Moving to the U.S. from Kazakhstan in 2021 was like stepping into a whole new world — full of opportunity, but also full of challenges I wasn’t entirely prepared for. At first, I struggled with the cultural differences, the pace of life, and the way people communicated. But I knew why I came here: to grow as an artist, to learn from the best, and to push my limits. Over time, I started finding people I connect with, building community, and adapting without losing who I am. It’s still a journey, but I’m proud of how far I’ve come since making that leap.

5. How connected do you feel to your heritage/culture(s)?

I feel deeply connected to my heritage — my roots trace back to Turkic ancestors, and music has always been a huge part of Kazakh culture. In Kazakhstan, music is more than just sound; it’s a way of life, a way to express emotions, and a way to connect with nature. The dombra, our

national instrument, has always held a sacred place in our homes. My grandfather used to play dombra for me when I was little, and those moments are some of my earliest and most powerful musical memories. I like to say my bond with music started before I was even born — my mom

played kyuis (Kazakh traditional tunes) while I was still in her belly. We are a singing nation, and I truly feel like an heir of the Steppe and the spirit of Kyu. Music isn’t just something I do — it’s something I carry.

6. 6a.) How did you get into music? Did you major in music in college? Where did you attend college/university (and grad school(s), if applicable) and in what subjects did you get your degree(s)?

My first instrument was actually the dombra — I started taking lessons at age 4, but my mom quickly realized I was too small for it, so I stopped. I still remember how to play a little though!

When I was around 9, I started piano lessons while attending a Russian school (Gymnasium 105), after previously being at American and British international schools (AIS and Haileybury). That’s also when I joined the choir. Things really changed when I was around 13 or 14. A friend of mine, who was a guitar player and needed money, brought me to a rock school because they had this promo where you get paid for every new student. So technically, he sold me to the school — and I still tease him about it. That’s where I saw a bass guitar for the first time and said, “What is that broken guitar?! Where are the rest of the strings?” The guitar teacher, who also taught bass, looked at me like I was crazy and then started shredding — slapping, tapping, sweeping with his thumb. I was speechless and just said,

“Okay… I need to learn how to do THAT.” From that moment, I fell in love with the bass. Two months later, I was already gigging in multiple bands.

Later, I also took guitar and drum lessons. I even played drums in a metal band for a couple of years. (And for the record — I still wear a pick necklace around my neck as a reminder that I have no idea how to use one properly. I told myself I’d take it off when I mastered picking… and as you can see, it’s still with me, haha.) Eventually, I started vocal lessons with my mentor and close friend, Ali Batyrkhanov — a phenomenal pop/R&B singer who somehow believed in me even when I wanted to scream heavy metal and no one else did. He helped me overcome my fear of singing on stage. I never

had stage fright as a musician, but singing in front of people used to terrify me. Thanks to him, now I tear up the stage.

At 16, I graduated from 9th grade and enrolled in the Republican College of Circus and Variety Arts in Almaty for a four-year bachelor’s degree in bass performance. After graduating, I decided to follow my dream of forming a neoclassical metal band — which brought me to Los Angeles and Musicians Institute. I earned an AA in Vocal Performance and I’m currently

studying in the Music Business Program.

6b.) When and how did you decide you were going to pursue music professionally? What were your parents’ reactions to you deciding to pursue music? Do they support your music career now?

My dad always wanted me to become a tennis player — I started training when I was 7. But in my teenage years, my mom became concerned about the toll it was taking on my health, so tennis slowly faded out of my life… and then music stepped in. Ironically, I used to dream of becoming a lawyer — but I guess teenage identity crisis hit me hard, and everything shifted.

When I decided to apply to college for music, I already knew there was no turning back. Over the years, I built my own studio, started forming bands, booking gigs, and managing projects on my own.

And yes, I will absolutely bring up the lockdown — because that was a turning point for me. While everything was on pause, I locked myself in the studio and started producing EDM tracksand selling them online. Wild, right? Dilana… making EDM?! But that season taught me that if I’m going to be in this industry, I’ll be in it all the way — creatively and professionally. As for my parents, I think at first it was hard for them to fully understand my path, especially since it wasn’t the most conventional. But now they’re proud of what I’ve accomplished and support me.

7. What are a few of your (music) projects of which you are the proudest? What were your roles on those projects? Beyond those projects, please feel free to name some of your other credits as well as any brands/companies you officially endorse.

One of the projects I’m most proud of is Snifters, a neoclassical metal band I founded in Los Angeles. Although the band no longer exists, it played a huge part in shaping who I am as an artist and creative leader. I wrote lyrics, co-produced music, performed as the lead vocalist, and handled everything from rehearsal coordination to booking. It taught me how to build something real from scratch and lead it with purpose.

I’m now focused on my solo project, where I blend modern metal with fusion and shred elements. It’s a space where I can freely express myself and evolve as a vocalist and producer.

Another highlight is the single “Frostbite” by shred guitarist Michael Garrett, where I’m featured as the lead vocalist. The track was produced by Rob Kleiner, who helped refine the vocal arrangement and sound, and features Kyle Brian on drums — who was also the drummer in Snifters. We’re currently working on two more songs together, and it’s been one of the most

exciting collaborations I’ve done.

Aside from performing and recording, I also dove deep into the DIY side of merch. Before I even took a merch development class, I bought all the equipment myself, sold my bed to make storage space, and literally started sleeping on my couch just to have room to build my home merch station. I printed, packed, and shipped everything by hand for Snifters — without knowing that print-on-demand even existed, haha. It was exhausting but really empowering.

Beyond that, I’ve done session vocal work, produced and sold EDM tracks during lockdown, and built my own home studio where I create across genres. I’ve also connected with several gear brands through NAMM and am now focused on building long-term partnerships that align with my direction and values.

8. What are some obstacles you have encountered (if any) being an AAPI in the music world? What are some obstacles you have encountered (if any) as an AAPI in general (non-music)? Conversely, has being an AAPI ever helped you in the music industry or in general?

To be honest, I haven’t really faced any major obstacles specifically because of my background — either in the music industry or in general. Of course, every artist goes through challenges, but nothing that I would directly connect to being AAPI. So far, everything’s been cool. I’ve met a lot of people who are open-minded and excited about unique perspectives, and I feel like my cultural background is just one more layer that adds depth to who I am as an artist.

9. 9a.) Who are some AAPI musicians/composers/producers who have previously inspired and currently inspire you (if any)? Why?

Ronnie James Dio will forever be my biggest inspiration. I’m a lifelong fan of his — everything from his tone to his storytelling shaped my view of what a true frontperson can be. For vocals, I’m also deeply influenced by Miljenko Matijević, Graham Bonnet, Sebastian Bach, Messiah Marcolin, David Coverdale, and Klaus Meine. Each of them brought something powerful andunique to the table. Messiah and Klaus helped shape my vibrato technique, while Dio and Sebastian Bach had a major influence on my gravel and grit.

Right now, I’m developing my extreme vocals, and Maria Brink has been a huge source of inspiration. I’m also taking vocal lessons with Maria Zema and Galen Abts, two incredible coaches who are currently pushing my technique to a whole new level.

For guitar, I’ve always admired Yngwie Malmsteen. I'm also lucky to be friends with a number of talented shred guitarists, and I’m working on a solo project where each new track will feature a different guitarist. That collaboration with my guitar shred friends is something I’m really proud of.

As for bass, my first love was Pascal Mulot — his video lessons were my first introduction to the art of slap and shred. I’m also a big fan of Billy Sheehan. And when it comes to band influences, I love prog and experimental music — groups like Haken, Dream Theater, Meshuggah, Primus, and Igorrr. Their sound makes me feel understood. It’s bold, complex, and unapologetically weird — and I love that.

9b.) What are your hopes for the AAPI music community and your hopes for AAPIs in general?

I hope the AAPI music community continues to grow in visibility, power, and diversity — not just in representation, but in artistic freedom. I’d love to see more AAPI artists feel like they don’t need to fit into a box or stereotype. Whether it’s metal, experimental, classical, or pop — we should be free to explore every sound, every idea, every influence. My hope is that AAPI creatives continue to break expectations and take up more space, not only on stage but also behind the scenes as producers, engineers, and leaders.

10. Name one or two non-music-related things/subjects about which you are also passionate.

I’m absolutely passionate about cooking. I used to host networking dinners where I’d gather musicians and creatives over home-cooked meals — people still say my food deserves a Michelin star (who knows, maybe they’re right!). For me, it’s more than just food — it’s about

connection, presentation, and creating a vibe.

I also love drawing, especially using feather and ink. There’s something about not being able to erase that really makes you focus — it’s high-stakes creativity, and I live for it.

I’ve always been a bit of a nerd. I was deep into Counter-Strike back in the day — total gamer mode. I used to study dog, cat, and horse breeds just for fun. I can sew, knit, and I know how to make bomb cocktails (literal bar-level mixology, not the other kind, I promise 😂).

Physically, I’ve tried everything from Pump It Up to volleyball, longboarding, and I can ski, snowboard, and ice skate at a pro level. I’m just one of those people who has to learn fast and go all in.That’s why my Instagram is @swiss.knife_ — I see myself like a Swiss army knife: versatile, creative, and ready for anything. If I pick something up, I’m gonna master it — giving up isn’t really in my system.

11. Any final thoughts? Alternatively, do you have any questions for me and/or the greater AAPI music community?

I just want to say thank you for creating space for voices like mine. It means a lot to be part of a community that uplifts artists from all backgrounds and genres. I hope more of us keep showing the world that there’s no one way to look, sound, or succeed as an artist. Just keep doing your thing — loud, proud, and unapologetically you.

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Support Dilana online :)

Instagram - @swiss.knife_

YouTube - Snifters

Spotify - Dilana Ismailova

SoundCloud - Dilana Ismailova

Official Website - https://snifters.info/

Images courtesy of Dilana

Post sponsored by PickUp Music