What’s My Scene: San Dragan is coming out of the shadows
In our regular Q&A column What’s My Scene, InReview speaks to emerging and established local artists to get their take on the South Australian creative scene and their place within it. This week, singer songwriter San Dragan reflects on how her mental health journey has shaped her musical practice.
Where was your first gig, and how did it go?
The first gig I can remember in Australia was at an Ed Sheeran concert. I am quite a short girl, so honestly, all I could think about at the time was how much I struggled to actually see him on stage. I watched him mostly through the big screen! At that time, I didn’t really know how to enjoy live music. I hadn’t grown up with gig culture in my family, so as a teenager, it was pretty new to me. I feel like I would have enjoyed it much more if I had known what to expect!
What was your artist origin story ?
To be honest, every time I get asked this question, I feel a bit shy because I tend to get way too deep and raw with my answer. But the truth is, I discovered music through my mental health journey when I was 19. At that time, I had just moved back from Melbourne after a failed attempt at studying at the University of Melbourne. I wasn’t happy, and a lot of early childhood trauma was surfacing. Music had always been this faint voice in the back of my head, and one of the secret reasons I had moved to Melbourne was hoping it would inspire me to pursue it. But I could never fully acknowledge that, because I didn’t see anyone doing it around me growing up, and I never saw it as a real job.
When I started working on my mental health, that was really the first step in my life journey of doing something for myself. I didn’t know what I was doing or where I was going, but I applied for a course at SAE and started producing music. I was trying to get whatever was inside my head and heart onto paper and into words. The more I did it, the more I realised this was something I couldn’t turn back from. I found my purpose through this magical tool, and I’m truly grateful for it. I don’t know what my purpose would be without music.
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What was your impression of the local scene when you first started, and how has that changed?
When I first started making music, I was a bit of a loner, just doing it by myself in my room. It was this private skill, a hobby that I kept to myself. It wasn’t until the last two years that I really started putting myself out there. It was quite difficult and anxiety-inducing at first, because sharing your music is a really vulnerable process. My first impression of the local scene was like being a kid stepping out into a brand new world.
What really struck me was how, for so many people, music seemed almost easy to pursue as a mental decision because they started young. People would say, “I’ve been doing this since I was 12 or 13, my family saw the talent.” I realised there were so many people actually doing this, contrary to the limited belief I had growing up that music wasn’t a real career. It became clear that it’s actually so possible, whether people make a living from it or not. It wasn’t as far out of reach as I once thought.
How has your own project evolved since you first started?
When I first started making music, it was very much ‘whatever comes, goes’. In a way, it still is, because I create intuitively. At first, I didn’t think anyone would really listen to it; it was more for me, to help me overcome fear, and be honest about how I feel. My songs are a healing tool and a means of self-discovery, so I knew I had to be honest, or else why do it? In the beginning, it was all about processing my emotions. I’ve always felt so much as a person, and music gave me a way to express that.
Over time, it has evolved because now I can express myself with intention. I’ll go into the studio, hear a sound or a beat, and I’ll know what I want to talk about. The words aren’t always pre-planned, but I have a sense of direction – what I want to say, and what kind of sound I want. In the past, it was like fishing; I didn’t know what I’d catch, and I’d be surprised by what came out. That was shadow work, just finding my truth. Now, I understand myself more, so I’m no longer blindly fishing – I’m intentional and aware of what I want to say.
What is it about your next release or project that you’re most excited or nervous to share with the world?
I think I’m excited and nervous at the same time to share my truth. I feel like I have a deeper understanding of myself now. Alongside a few tunes that still explore themes of evolution, spirituality, and etherealism, there’s another side emerging — songs that feel more grounded and deeply vulnerable.
In the past, I’ve touched on struggle in a broader sense, but these new tracks dive into the specifics – what those struggles actually are, what I truly feel, and what I really think about. That’s both exciting and scary, because it’s so honest. I’m learning to tell my story in a raw, personal way, while still expressing it through that abstract, ethereal lens that feels true to me.
It’s a paradox – being a woman of such complex emotions – but that’s the beauty of it. Growth isn’t linear; it expands both upward and downward, like roots reaching into the ground while also stretching into the ether.
Who are the artists around you that inspire or challenge you?
I just went to a gig last night at Jive Adelaide for Emily Wurramara, and she’s definitely on my mental shelf right now. That show was deeply inspiring – the way she is, so real and raw. Her songs are beautifully relatable and, in a way, minimalistic.
Watching her perform reminded me that simplicity and authenticity are powerful. You don’t have to overcomplicate things – just be real and let emotion carry through. She inspired me to be even more honest in my writing, to be specific, and to allow my own authentic voice and storytelling style to shine through. Her music truly touched my heart.
Favourite venue?
My favourite venue is the Botanic Garden where WOMADelaide is held. I really love outdoor spaces, and if I have to pick one, that would be it – even though it’s not technically a traditional venue!
Dream act to open for?
Aurora, absolutely a dream! There’s just something about her energy – everything about her inspires me. She’s an artist I look to, like an atlas, when everyone around feels so lost, depressed, or sad. I can feel that way too, but she shows that there’s a choice – to choose joy and a higher light. I believe there’s a deeper mission there, and I would love to open for Aurora.
San Dragan will perform at Nexus Arts alongside My Chérie on Saturday November 22 as part of Nexus’ Interplay series