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Folk-pop singer-songwriter dān dān is one half of wasian sibling duo Ersha Island 二沙岛, and is known for her distinct vocals and evocative storytelling. Separate from her duo, dān dān layers in lyrical wordplay and rich harmonies to explore the more playful and intimate sides of her songwritting as a solo artist.

Her single pressure cooker is the debut of her solo artistry, inspired by the lyrical creativity of Ryan Beatty and Lizzy McAlpine, and will be the first of a few songs released in preparation for a debut EP.




Photographer: Flora Xie (@floraescent)

Ethnicity: Chinese - New Zealander
Location: Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland, New Zealand

Instagram: @dandaninoodles
Website: 



GET TO KNOW - completed April 2025
3 words to describe you:
Introspective, joyful, passionate

Describe your sound:
Folk-pop with a twist of punny humour and cinematic soundscape!

Describe the moment you knew that you wanted to pursue music:
Having grown up with intensive classical piano training, I was put off pursuing music for a long time - and it wasn't until I started singing and songwritting did I realise that music could be something that can bring so much joy to myself and others around me. Since then, I haven't stopped pouring my feelings out on paper and into sound.

How does your heritage impact your art?
Not only does my whakakapapa (heritage) impact my art -  it informs it, and is a major pillar in my practice. My family, language, and culture is now one of the biggest influences in topics I write about, community I engage in, social platforms I'm active on, and ultimately the foundations I built my art on.

What moment are you most proud of in your music journey so far?
Many small constant moments of people telling me my music and message has made an impact on them - whether it's through mixed/asian representation or story.

Your next music goal:
I'm now working towards an EP, hopefully debuting the end of 2025!

If you could collaborate with anyone, who and why?
OMG! I would love to be able to work with 88Rising - in particular, NIKI. 88Rising has been a huge inspiration for me as representation in the music industry, and when Shang Chi came out I was blasting the soundtrack daily.

Lyrics you live by:
"i will never be above where i came from"

(find ur own - Humble the Great)

3 songs you're listening to right now:
Unfold - Kanako Yamamoto
like JENNIE - JENNIE
september lightning - Humble the Great

Your community shout out:
Jefferson Chen (Goodspace, @goodspacemusic) - a bro and an incredible musician, I am endlessly inspired by Jeff's dedication to pursuing music on his own terms, unapologetically.

Savina Fountain (@savvysavina) - an amazing advocate within the Aotearoa New Zealand music industry, constantly rooting for other pan-asian musicians and making sure there is enough representation in rooms.

Samantha Cheong (@itssamanthacheong) - my friend and one of the biggest cheerleader's in my own musical journey, Sam has been not only my PR agent but also someone who is always in your corner. 

Anything else you'd like to share:
I'm coming out with a music video for my song 'pressure cooker' at the end of May, and it is inspired by the film 'Everything Everywhere All At Once' - and it is one of the proudest pieces of work I've collaborated on.