Sound Asylum: Dandi

in collaboration with Floating Tower

As part of FreshGrass’ ongoing commitment to supporting refugee and immigrant artists, Studio 9 partnered with Floating Tower—a year-round retreat for displaced musicians based at the historic Chase Hill estate in North Adams

Dandi is a genre-blending singer and songwriter whose music moves between jazz, neo-soul, folk, and world music. Born into a family of musicians, she began playing the flute at age eight, eventually finding her way to singing, piano, and songwriting. Though her foundation is in classical music, she discovered her authentic expression through a rich mix of styles—combining the improvisational freedom of jazz, the colors of soul and R&B, and the folkloric textures of Middle Eastern music.

Her music is both intimate and wide-reaching, rooted in lyrical melodies, personal texts, and sounds that feel grounded and alive. At its core is a quiet power—a softness that draws listeners into a space that feels both deeply personal and universally resonant.

Dandi has performed at renowned venues and festivals across the U.S., Europe, and Israel, including WOMAD Festival (UK), Le Poisson Rouge (NYC), The Troubadour (London), Musig im Pflegidach (Switzerland), The Hamilton (Washington D.C.), the Jerusalem Jazz Festival, Sunset Sunside (Paris), and more. She also worked as a backing vocalist and keyboardist with global pop icon Shakira, performing at album release shows and recording for the El Dorado World Tour.

Now leading her own band, Dandi is preparing to release her debut album in November 2025—a project that brings together the full range of her musical influences and artistic voice.