Dana Montana’s Global Groove Odyssey

Ukraine-born DJ Dana Montana is living the dream that many artists can only imagine—a dual life living in the calm streets of Antwerp, Belgium while igniting stages across the globe with her magnetic beats. Last weekend marked her second voyage to India as part of Budweiser’s BudX Uncovered, propelling artists onto stages far from their roots. Montana was on our shores, performing at the electronic music festival DGTL in Mumbai and Bengaluru.

On returning to India, the artist says, “I was very excited to be invited by DGTL; I’ve heard so much about the festival. It was an honor to be invited for the first time.” The DJ adds, “In every country, or depending on the club, you notice the difference in how people move and how they behave. What I love about it here is that everyone is always jumping, hands in the air, bouncing back and forth, and really enjoying themselves to the music. The techno scene is very much on the rise.”

Diving into her musical origins, Montana attributes her passion for tunes to her upbringing. The artist says, “I think when it comes to my journey as an artist, music has always been a very big part of my life. I come from a family where both my grandma and my mother are music teachers so I’ve always been surrounded by music.” Her journey into electronic music began in her late teens, discovering the vibrant scene in Antwerp. 

As an artist, Montana’s primary goal is to spread joy, a mission she approaches with relentless dedication. “It’s something I try to keep in mind when I choose tracks for my sets, and with my stage presence. I try to incorporate happiness visually, alongside just enjoying my own music on stage. To me, the way I look on stage is a creative outlet,” she says.  

Delving into her creative process, Montana draws inspiration from the past, particularly the beginnings of rave culture in the Nineties. Her sets seamlessly blend timeless classics with contemporary beats, creating an immersive experience for her audience. 

Reflecting on the privilege of performing internationally, Montana expresses gratitude to platforms like Budweiser for her to showcase her talents. “I’m definitely grateful to Budweiser for giving us the platform to be able to perform on the other side of the world.” 

In a positive manner, Montana describes her experience in India as a true joy. “To see so many happy faces in the crowd [and] to see people finding so much joy in music, my message was delivered successfully because the goal is to deliver joy, and I could definitely see a lot of joy in the crowd.”