Interview with
MIRA ZOFF
Dans Tes Yeux
1. Can you give us a description of the inspiration that led to the lyrics of your song « dans tes yeux »?
The inspiration for “Dans tes yeux” came from a personal experience, a moment of intense emotional connection between two people.
2. What sets this song apart from your other songs in terms of what it says or how it sounds?
2. What sets this song apart from your other songs in terms of what it says or how it sounds?
The lyrics are more personal and intimate than in my other songs, and the sound more organic and acoustic, mirroring the raw emotions felt during this special moment.
3. What was the main idea or theme that inspired its writing?
3. What was the main idea or theme that inspired its writing?
The main theme is the overwhelming sensation of being lost in someone else’s presence, in someone else’s eyes, where their soul resonates deeply with yours.
4. Is there any line or verse in the music whose content seems more significant for you and why is it so?
4. Is there any line or verse in the music whose content seems more significant for you and why is it so?
The line “Quand je me noie en toi, je ne vois que toi” is particularly significant to me. It highlights the essence of the song—the idea of being so deeply immersed in someone that nothing else seems to matter.
5. How did you come up with the story line for this song’s lyrics?
5. How did you come up with the story line for this song’s lyrics?
The storyline emerged naturally from my personal experience. I recalled the feelings and moments from that time, letting the emotions guide the lyrics and the melody. The imagery of “drowning” in someone’s eyes and the recurring motif of “Melody Nelson”, referring to the album of French singer-songwriter Serge Gainsbourg, were central to expressing this experience.
6. What do you expect listeners to take away from these words when they hear them being sung by someone else?
6. What do you expect listeners to take away from these words when they hear them being sung by someone else?
I hope listeners can feel the intensity and the sincerity of the emotions described and perhaps relate to their own experiences of intense connection and longing.
7. Elaborate on how this differs from your typical songwriting process.
7. Elaborate on how this differs from your typical songwriting process.
The creation of “Dans tes yeux,” was much more spontaneous and driven by emotion compared to my other songs.
8. Did any creative blocks occur when you wrote this? How did you overcome them?
8. Did any creative blocks occur when you wrote this? How did you overcome them?
I often experience creative blocks, but I have to say that it didn‘t happen with „Dans tes yeux“. I wrote the song very quickly, in one flow. Also, I created the lyrics and melody at the same time, which I often do, but not always.
9. How well does the production match what is said in the song?
9. How well does the production match what is said in the song?
Perfectly in my eyes! I was so happy when I received the arrangement from the French musician I’m working with, Pierre Guillot. The only direction I gave him was to include elements reminiscent of Gainsbourg’s album “Histoire de Melody Nelson”. I find he did this in a very subtle way, especially with the bass‘s motif.
10. In what ways have your lyrics shown growth as an artist over time?
10. In what ways have your lyrics shown growth as an artist over time?
My lyrics have become more personal and introspective over time. I’ve learned to use more of my own experiences and emotions, which I believe adds authenticity and depth to my songs.
11. Do any lines or verses stand out to yourself? What are their backgrounds?
11. Do any lines or verses stand out to yourself? What are their backgrounds?
The verse “au son de Melody Nelson” stands out, because it directly ties the song to the album that played a significant role in that emotional experience.
12. Were there other poems/songs/works of literature that influenced your writing at all?
12. Were there other poems/songs/works of literature that influenced your writing at all?
There are many. Among them, Françoise Hardy, the iconic French singer-songwriter, has been a great inspiration for me. Her ability to convey deep emotions with simplicity and elegance is something I admire and aspire to achieve in my own songwriting.
13. Did you write the lyrics for this song with other people? How did they affect what you wrote?
13. Did you write the lyrics for this song with other people? How did they affect what you wrote?
I wrote the lyrics for this song by myself, just as I have for my other songs.
14. Whose assistance was valuable in developing the final piece of music?
In addition to my arranger Pierre Guillot mentioned above, my studio sound engineer Salomon Baumgartner played a crucial role in shaping the final version of the song. He encouraged me to improvise second voice harmonies, which he then gathered beautifully. His expertise in mixing and layering the harmonies added depth to the vocal arrangement.
15. Do you have any stories or memories from when you were writing this song?
It’s not very glamourous, but I had the idea for this song (the verse « quand je me noie en toi) while I was out running. For some reason, inspiration often strikes during my runs, which is why I force myself to run, even though I hate it 🙂 When I got back home on this day, I immediately sat down at the piano and created the song in less than an hour.
16. How do you take feedback/criticism about your lyrics, during your creative process?
I rarely share my songs with anyone until I am satisfied with the lyrics. Then, it somehow becomes difficult for me to change them. For the other aspects of the song, I really appreciate the online platform Groover, where one can receive feedback from music professionals. These comments are useful for refining the final product. Additionally, once the song is released, Groover offers opportunities for playlist placements, radio play, articles, and more. That’s how we found each other, by the way!
17. What made creating and releasing this song meaningful to you?
Creating and releasing this song was deeply fulfilling because it allowed me to transform a very personal experience into music. I love having this moment captured in a song, as it enables me to revisit it whenever I want, making the moment eternal in a way.
18. How do you continue to grow your unique vocal style while also developing your sound and keeping up with new releases?
I currently take piano lessons to push myself out of my comfort zone, especially in terms of the chords I use. Exploring different chord progressions and harmonies helps me to expand my musical palette. I‘m fortunate to have found the perfect piano teacher for this, Alberto Mancini, who is a pianist and composer. He immediately understood what I was expecting from these lessons, and made them both challenging and exciting.
19. What advice would you give to someone who wants to write a powerful song?
I‘m not sure I‘m the best person to give advice, as I quite recently began to write songs, but I would say don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and let your emotions come through your lyrics.
20. Are there any future projects we should look forward to?
Absolutely! I will release a new song on the 20th of September. It is called „Une autre vie en rose“ and it is about feeling relieved by the end of a relationship that became unhealthy. This song is much more joyful than my previous songs and has a danceable vibe. I hope you’ll enjoy it!
14. Whose assistance was valuable in developing the final piece of music?
In addition to my arranger Pierre Guillot mentioned above, my studio sound engineer Salomon Baumgartner played a crucial role in shaping the final version of the song. He encouraged me to improvise second voice harmonies, which he then gathered beautifully. His expertise in mixing and layering the harmonies added depth to the vocal arrangement.
15. Do you have any stories or memories from when you were writing this song?
It’s not very glamourous, but I had the idea for this song (the verse « quand je me noie en toi) while I was out running. For some reason, inspiration often strikes during my runs, which is why I force myself to run, even though I hate it 🙂 When I got back home on this day, I immediately sat down at the piano and created the song in less than an hour.
16. How do you take feedback/criticism about your lyrics, during your creative process?
I rarely share my songs with anyone until I am satisfied with the lyrics. Then, it somehow becomes difficult for me to change them. For the other aspects of the song, I really appreciate the online platform Groover, where one can receive feedback from music professionals. These comments are useful for refining the final product. Additionally, once the song is released, Groover offers opportunities for playlist placements, radio play, articles, and more. That’s how we found each other, by the way!
17. What made creating and releasing this song meaningful to you?
Creating and releasing this song was deeply fulfilling because it allowed me to transform a very personal experience into music. I love having this moment captured in a song, as it enables me to revisit it whenever I want, making the moment eternal in a way.
18. How do you continue to grow your unique vocal style while also developing your sound and keeping up with new releases?
I currently take piano lessons to push myself out of my comfort zone, especially in terms of the chords I use. Exploring different chord progressions and harmonies helps me to expand my musical palette. I‘m fortunate to have found the perfect piano teacher for this, Alberto Mancini, who is a pianist and composer. He immediately understood what I was expecting from these lessons, and made them both challenging and exciting.
19. What advice would you give to someone who wants to write a powerful song?
I‘m not sure I‘m the best person to give advice, as I quite recently began to write songs, but I would say don’t be afraid to be vulnerable and let your emotions come through your lyrics.
20. Are there any future projects we should look forward to?
Absolutely! I will release a new song on the 20th of September. It is called „Une autre vie en rose“ and it is about feeling relieved by the end of a relationship that became unhealthy. This song is much more joyful than my previous songs and has a danceable vibe. I hope you’ll enjoy it!
