PREMIERE: Lahinch-based dance-folk act Dora Gola unveils video for 'Flying Tree'

Clare-based dance-folk artist Dora Gola has shared the nature-inspired video for 'Flying Tree', premiered below by Hot Press.

Energetic, rhythmic powerhouse Dora Gola embodies influences as eclectic as '90s African dance, Peruvian folk and 80s pop. The Poland-born act's brand new track is inspired by the Noa Rao, aka Flying Tree.

Gola's latest video was directed, edited and colour-graded by Magdalena Wodzisz, with beautifully vibrant cinematography by Chris Staniec.

Naa Rao is a tree found in the Amazon basin and sacred among the native shipibo peoples. The 'Flying Tree' represents 'The True Path' of finding ones higher purpose in life. Gola sings from the point of view of the Flying Tree itself, urging the listener to follow the music of nature and rediscover the light within themselves. The visuals see Dora in a rainforest setting before a desert surrounds her, with dance acting as the protagonist character.

Singer-songwriter and dancer Dora Gola has always had a deep and spiritual connection with music. Having been fed and nurtured on her father’s vast and eclectic music collection from a very young age, when she reached adolescence she began to find and develop her own singular taste, being strangely drawn to Irish traditional and folk songs, and discovering the beauty within them.

By the age of 12, she had already learned to play the guitar and study performative dance. When she turned fifteen, her family moved to Ireland, bringing her a step closer to the source of inspiration that was already driving her musical quest. Dora developed a strong and emboldened identity within Irish culture. She now had a backdrop in which to illustrate these songs, an environment and landscape that added breadth and energy to the music. Gola embraced all manner of Irish mythology and folklore, submerging both topics into her songwriting and dancing from a paganistic point of view.

Debut single ‘Dark Sand’ set an earthly tone that saw nature as a support network for improving and healing mental health. The release went on to earn numerous accolades from national media publications, with Hot Press dubbing her as one of the most exciting new acts to emerge right now.

Now working regularly with Darragh Keary as a co-writer, the two conjure a tone and direction that looks to bring together Dora’s musical and dance influences. A haunting journey of dark electro-pop, interwoven with elements of slavic folk, brooding synths, and lavish Eastern sounds, all driven by a hybrid 80s funk groove. Her powerful and sensual vocal draws the listener in, telling at once of the Earth’s consciousness and of human longing.

Now living in the idyllic setting of Lahinch, Co. Clare, in the West of Ireland, Dora has fully welcomed the outside world into her creative soul. Her music looks to rekindle the connection that has been lost between humanity and mother nature. Her music is a rediscovery of ancestral roots, mystery, and sensuality – all of which is expressed in the powerful and evocative visual treatment of 'Flying Tree'.

Check out the cinematic video for 'Flying Tree' below:

Revisit our May 2021 On Our Radar Q&A with Dora Gola here.