Dornika is a queer Iranian-American emerging pop artist creating music that’s playful, powerful, and full of personality. You might already know her from tracks like Bush, Miniskirt, and Nobody—songs that put her on the radar for her raw lyrics and genre-blurring sound. Now, she’s back with her latest single Baggy Jeans, out April 17.
Blending music, fashion, and performance, Dornika uses her work to explore identity and challenge expectations around gender, beauty, and how we express ourselves. Her sound is a mix of dark electronics, hyperpop, and club bangers—always with a bit of edge and attitude.
She wrote Baggy Jeans during her first US tour, inspired by how people responded to her outfits on the streets of New York and LA—a mash-up of Berlin and NY streetwear that turns heads and sparks conversations. The track celebrates taking up space, especially for women and queer people in scenes where cis men have long been the focus.
Since her debut during the pandemic, Dornika’s played over 100 shows across Europe, including Pride events in Berlin, Munich, and Rotterdam, and festivals like Lollapalooza and Fusion. She’s also teamed up with brands like Spotify and Netflix—but Baggy Jeans is just the beginning of what she’s got planned this year.
We caught up with Dornika to chat about the story behind the song, her love of streetwear, and how she’s creating her own lane—one baggy fit at a time.
Baggy Jeans is rooted in your personal experiences with fashion and identity. Can you tell us about how fashion has helped you explore self-expression over the years?
Fashion has been a part of my life since I was very young. I wanted to be a fashion designer since I was 7 and had a sketchbook full of designs! I feel like growing up in Iran, where women’s bodies are controlled so heavily, fashion is a big part of resistance. Even with the restrictions people still find ways to be creative and individual and you can see that in the progression of fashion over the last decades. Being able to wear what you wantand
You’ve talked about how people reacted to your style while walking through New York. What did those moments mean to you, especially coming from a background where your choices were often questioned?
I feel like I’ve always turned heads when I’m in a fit wherever I go. Even while I was in Tehran and had to wear hijab and had more limitations, I still put my own flavor on things and managed to make it my own.
I just love to experiment and play around and that’s ultimately what fashion is about! I guess I had a high expectation of New York fashion and was a bit anxious of how my style would be received but the compliments and attention made me feel affirmed in my creative energy and gender expression.
I felt lots of love from New Yorkers and I love how outwardly expressive people are with compliments. Something that I’m not so used to in Berlin hehe
The way you describe your experience in New York — being seen, being affirmed — speaks to something a lot of queer and trans people search for. What would you say to those still searching for that sense of freedom?
I would say don’t be afraid to experiment and try different things on (whether it’s clothes, pronouns or mannerisms) and look for what gives you a spark or a sense of comfort and keep rolling with that. It’s scary sometimes but it’s important to decenter other people’s approval and focus on the inside, trust that wherever you land and feel good in will bring you love and acceptance, even if it’s not from the norm. It first starts with you finding and accepting yourself!
As someone who works across music, fashion, and visual art, what have you learned about the power of using multiple forms to tell one story?
I feel like for me it’s not just about the music, but about building a world around a concept and telling a story that people can get fully immersed in. Even the music is a tool for embodying the concept I have in mind and the purpose that it serves. When I write a track, I get visions from the beginning about what the visuals could be or the cover or my outfit. I’ve never just felt like doing one thing in life and so it’s very fulfilling for me to be able to express myself in all the ways that I find inspiring.
What’s a music rule you love breaking?
I grew up with classical music and a lot of judgement surrounding pop music, as it’s seen as somehow inferior. I love breaking the rules of what is considered proper art or high level. I allow myself to be messy and sloppy and cringe and embracing my weird dorky brain when it comes to the lyrics. This has been a journey I’ve actively been on with my music and it’s been very freeing.
What’s your favorite/least favorite thing about making music?
My most favorite parts are coming up with the ideas and bringing the music to life in the studio. My least favorite parts are recording vocals and the anxiety and vulnerability of releasing the music.
What’s your best networking tip?
If someone you admire and want to work with doesn’t notice you or respond to you at first, be patient and keep growing. Eventually they will.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to artists trying to break the mold?
Challenge yourself and be intentional about your art
What are you listening to at the moment?
Earth is Ghetto by Aliah Sheffield