Dina and Artem Debut at The Union Firehouse
It was a great way to spend a crisp, early Spring afternoon in downtown Mt. Holly, New Jersey, at the 125 year old Union Firehouse, now a music venue and bar. While I was able to get a listen to portions of the performances by the talented first and last artists*, I was there to capture South Jersey-based Dina and Artem’s performance.
Photo by Jonathan Lane
These still young yet seasoned professionals delivered a polished set of layered, moody, smoky songs, and their in-song demeanor matched. That said, their warm smiles and Dina’s friendly, open banter in between songs showed another side of the artists.
As is Dina Layzis’s trademark even in “pre-Artem” days, the original songs comprising the set were heartfelt, emotional, and passionate…sometimes belted out, sometimes whispered. With each song, the duo captured the attention of the intimate audience’s attention, and there were pauses where you could hear a pin drop, though each song’s conclusion was met with appreciative applause.
Dina shared just enough to keep the audience engaged in between songs – while the lyrics may reflect personal feelings or experiences, in a refreshing departure from the banter of many singer-songwriters, Dina shared her view that (much like a painter with their art) they prefer to put the words out there, and let the listener decide the meaning.
The set included mostly new compositions, not yet widely available online works, and while I did not hear Dina say it, it seems we may see a new album from Dina and Artem before the year is out. Until later, you can enjoy a number of tunes by Dina and Dina & Artem on popular music sites and apps.
A word about Artem Tenkeli: his rich, classical style perfectly complemented Dina’s vocals, as a vocalist could only hope. I suspect that as they continue their work, they will incorporate more than one featured piece in a Dina and Artem show. His one, impressive improvisational solo this time was well executed and satisfying, while still leaving me wanting more. For a couple of numbers, he played acoustic guitar as Dina sang.
Artem and Dina, seasoned pros, have a musical chemistry that is apparent in watching them and listening. The two became musical partners, having found one another online, where they then collaborated, while being continents apart. Artem now lives in the US, making it possible for them to have recently taken their act to live music venues. Presently, you can catch them at shows in the Delaware Valley, but it looks like there will be a time soon that they take their polished, easy to embrace act further afield.
The setlist
· Missing a piece
· Silhouettes
· Hostages
· Neverland
· Salvation
· Interlude (Artem – Piano Improvisation)
· All You've Known
· Revelation
· Echo
· Veil
Learn more about Dina and Artem here, where you can also read and hear some more material: https://linktr.ee/dinalayzisartemtenkeli
The venue
From the perspective of a music photographer, and concertgoer, I have to say that for a venue the size of Union Firehouse, the lighting was dramatic and visually pleasing – along with the smoke machines the effects were on a level you’d expect to see at a larger venue. For a space designed to house fire trucks and firefighters, the acoustics were also surprisingly good. The staff were friendly and helpful, and the bar had a good selection of standard fare and some very local brews and spirits, and I look forward to enjoying future visits. Check out Union Firehouse via their Facebook page.
*opening the show were indie-pop/folk duo Aftyn and the afternoon was closed by talented, funny, folksy Todd Bailey, an area favorite for years. From what I was able to hear, I would not hesitate to see either of these acts when the opportunity comes.
