Cover Dasha Logan
Dasha Logan
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From conquering UK charts to redefining her sound at home, Dasha Logan shares her unique path, filled with hard-earned lessons and enduring passion
Dasha Logan (Priyadashini Loganathan) has made a name for herself with her unique vocal style, blending influences from jazz, funk, and R&B. She gained broader recognition in 2014 when her single Cleverly reached number one on the UK Soul Chart. Her talent and versatility have made her a respected figure in Malaysia’s contemporary music industry, and she is known for her ability to connect deeply with her audience through her performances.
While she has faced the same challenges as her peers, she offers a unique perspective on the importance of pushing through failures. Her advice to new artists—jump in with both feet and embrace both the successes and the disappointments—reflects the resilience needed to navigate the highs and lows of the industry.
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Her journey is one of self-discovery and affirmation, proving that hard work and persistence pay off, even when the road ahead seems uncertain.
With a strong presence in both local and international music scenes, Dasha continues to perform at various music festivals and events, bringing her soulful sound to diverse audiences. Catch her candid interview with Tatler below.
What's the last music album you enjoyed listening to?
This is a strange one—it’s the soundtrack for the musical Hadestown. I listen to most of my music while driving, so it feels like I’m watching a movie on the road. But as a singer, I’m always trying to learn new music or find inspiration. Hadestown is just fun to sing along to. Recently, I’ve also been listening to Victoria Monet’s Jaguar II, a fantastic R&B album, and there’s a new singer, Raye, who reminds me a bit of Amy Winehouse. Her songwriting is amazing.
Which music album would you say greatly influenced your life?
Frank by Amy Winehouse. She just wrote what she wanted, without worrying about industry expectations. Whenever I need background music, I turn to her. Her jazz influence is such a happy place for me.
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What do you wish you’d known when you started your career?
I wish I’d known I could just be myself. Early on, people told me to pick a genre, look a certain way, or sing specific songs. Later, I realised that if I had ignored them and done what I wanted, I would have still been happy and successful.
What advice would you give a talented, driven artist entering the industry? And what advice would you ask them to ignore?
Go in with both feet. Dedicate your time and energy fully, embrace all the failures and the excitement, and persevere. I wish someone had told me that setbacks are okay—they’re part of the journey.
As for advice to ignore, people often say, “Don’t get too excited.” I regret listening to that. Excitement is hard to come by, and even if things don’t pan out, it’s worth feeling that joy.
What’s one of the best investments you’ve made, whether in terms of money, time, or effort?
Definitely vocal lessons. I started formal training late, at 17 years old, with an opera singer from Penang who studied in Germany. It was expensive—RM75 for a 45-minute lesson, which was a lot back then—but it was worth every bit. I did it for about six months and because it was my own decision, I was mature enough to get the most out of it.
I also invested in a good microphone. It was a gift, but I took care of it, always keeping it clean, which is essential when you share mics as a singer.
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Another big investment was a trip to London when I was 23 or 24. Flights weren’t too expensive then, so I stayed in hostels, attended every open mic and show I could, and networked with musicians.
In Malaysia, it’s a small community, but in a new place, you really have to prove yourself. When strangers in London came up to me after a set and asked me to sing again, it felt like real validation—proof that I could sing on my own merit, not just as a singer’s daughter.
Over the past five years, what habit or behaviour has improved your life?
In the past five years, especially during the pandemic, I realised how much I need to sing regularly to keep my voice in shape. Before the Covid-19 pandemic, I was singing at least once a week, and when that stopped, I was frustrated. Now, I make sure to sing for at least two hours a week to keep my vocal cords warm.
I’ve also learned the importance of vocal rest, especially with my radio work. I set aside quiet time, which can be confusing for my family—they’ll ask why I’m not talking!
If you had the power to shape the music landscape, what would you focus on?
I’d bring back poetic lyrics in both Bahasa Malaysia and English.
We often look to the West for inspiration, but if you look at Malaysia’s past—P. Ramlee, for example – there was such beauty in simple, emotional storytelling through music.
I’d focus on returning to that simplicity, making music that moves people on an emotional level.
If you weren’t in music, where do you think you’d be?
I’d probably still be in the creative scene. I get bored easily, and I hate the cold, so I can’t picture myself in an office! I could see myself as a writer or even a chef—I love food, though not so much dessert. I’m lucky not to have a sweet tooth!
If you could make a slogan for yourself, what would it be?
“Don’t think, just act.” I used to say that to myself in school, and it got me into some trouble, but I have no regrets. Sometimes you just have to go for it.
What do you find unique about Malaysia?
I love our multicultural acceptance. We know we’re all different, yet we share so much. When I travel and tell people I have a Chinese friend or an Indian friend, they’re often confused, thinking they must be from China or India. But here, it’s normal to have friends of different cultures, and that’s beautiful.
What was the last great Malaysian meal you had?
Above (Photo: Instagram/@blakk_kimminas_hidayat)
(Photo: Instagram/@blakk_kimminas_hidayat)
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Oh, I love asam pedas. There’s this place in Hartamas that serves it even though it’s primarily a bak kut teh shop—but it’s so good! Another favorite is asam laksa in Penang. There’s this spot, Kek Seng, where I used to go with my dad. We’d order everything and just feast.
This interview has been edited for clarity and length.
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Lynette loves travelling and dancing to Latin music almost as much as she enjoys period films and pastry desserts. She is constantly in search of the perfect nude lipstick and finds her best ideas through walks in nature.
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As the Editor-in-Chief of Tatler Malaysia, Lynette leads the content teams for print, digital and social media platforms of the brand. She has over 20 years experience in media, having been editorial director and editor-in-chief for lifestyle titles such as Cleo, ELLE, Esquire, Men’s Health, and Women’s Health.
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