Dorottya “Dora” Szőllősi is the drummer of the Hungarian band Auraleak who lately released their first two singles. Learn more about Dora, her inspirations, her thoughts and her experience so far in this interview.
Hello, Dora. I’m happy to chat with you. How are you doing today?
Thank you, I am really glad to chat with you. I’m happy and so excited about this interview. I’ve never done anything like this before.
Well, I hope it will be fun! How would you describe Auraleak’s music to our readers who are yet to check you out?
If I have to say one word, then it’s complex. The music is so powerful and unpredictable (even for me too sometimes) but the lyrics have a deep emotional meaning. We put some electronic sound effects next to the clean and rough vocal parts, sugar, spice and everything nice.
Beautiful. You released your first single “Indigo” last month. How are you feeling about the way people reacted to this song?
First I was shocked.. and still.. ‘cause we got a lot of kind and encouraging words from random unknown people (also from our friends too) in a short time. Our followers’ numbers are getting higher and higher.
Great. In order to get to know you better, and to have some fun, also because I’m a nerd, how about we play a nerdy game? I will set up some alternative universes and give you a scenario and a question about it. Are you ready?
I have never been so ready!
In a universe where you find yourself the queen of a kingdom, what would be the first legislation you’d make?
Loud live concerts after 10 pm with no limits.
In a universe where you can choose a superpower to possess, would you rather have the ability to teleport from one place to another, or the ability to read minds?
Uhh.. Such a difficult question. Maybe I would choose the teleportation ability, because – what a surprise – I love to travel, but not a fan of flight, but the most important reason is that I can go to any concerts anywhere for free. On the other hand, mind-reading would destroy all of my relationships so I choose peace and teleportation.
In a universe where you’re the statue of liberty, what object would you be holding instead of a torch?
Maybe a kitty. They’re so pure and cute, with lots of unconditional love and trust. They do not care who you are, but If you treat them properly and give them enough food.
How rich would you be considered in a universe where you pay for things you purchase by telling jokes?
If horrible and unpleasant jokes matter, then I would be Elon Musk. Yepp. Seriously. My sense of humor is awful, I have to pay taxes in our rehearsal room If I say something inadequate.
In a universe where the sense of taste and sense of hearing got somehow mixed up in the human body, what food would you imagine Auraleak’s music would taste like?
Hmmm… Maybe broccoli cream soup. When you were a kid you hated vegetables, especially broccoli, but after you could grow hair everywhere on your body and discount products made you happy, you are mature enough to appreciate things you hated in your childhood. Due to the complexity, for some people, Auraleak might be difficult to listen to.
That’s one hell of an analogy! Loved it! In a universe where aliens invaded Earth and it has been found that their only weakness is the sound of heavy drums in songs, what Metal song would you lead the counter-attack against the aliens with?
St. Anger from Metallica. I think this doesn’t need to be explained. (I loved that snare btw).
Thank you for playing along, Dora. Hope you have enjoyed this game.
Are you planning any other releases soon that you’d like to tell us about?
These questions made me use my brain again. We released our second video a couple of days ago called Boolean Heart. A little bit different from Indigo, its mood is so much darker, the music is heavier, and the meaning of the song is deeper.
Oh great! I’ll check it out right now.
Have you ever faced any kind of sexism in your professional or personal life? How would you deal with sexist behaviour and what advice would you give young people around the world who face any kind of discrimination?
It’s a cliche but ‘Do not give up, girls!’ Yeah, seriously. Just a short story: When I was 15, I decided to learn to play the drums. My family was not so happy and said “It is just a phase”. But my father found me not a professional but an experienced (mean old) drummer. OMG, I was soooooo excited and happy I can’t tell you how much. So I called him and these were exactly the words he said: “What? Why do you wanna play the drums? You are a GIRL, you DO NOT have the muscle for that, you DO NOT have the physique for drumming. But… you can try, but do not live yourself into it…” After 1 month he could not teach me anything new or difficult so I had to find another teacher.
That’s a brilliant story, Dora! Thanks for sharing and thank you for the interview. Is there anything else you’d like to add?
Thank you for these amazing questions! Check out our latest music video Boolean Heart and remember you are not alone (and have enough muscles to hit those drums like a crazy motherf**** lady)!
