Photo Courtesy of Astral Mind
The Philippine music scene is witnessing the rise of a singular talent: DIANA. The 21-year-old Cebu native is a multifaceted artist, showcasing exceptional abilities as a singer, rapper, and songwriter. Drawing inspiration from K-pop and seamlessly integrating elements of hip-hop and pop, DIANA has cultivated a distinctive sonic identity that sets her apart from her contemporaries. This interview explores her creative process, influences, and aspirations.
Which YouTube cover shaped your sound the most?
With the variety of the songs I covered, I can say that all of them actually influenced my style right now since I was able to learn and sing in a variety of ways as well. But some of it did stand out, and it was those of XG covers. I came to the realization that rapping is something I can do well and I genuinely enjoy it too! This new skill I had just discovered, along with the pop influence I grew up with, enabled me to create the music in which I can say is very “me”.
You seamlessly blend K-pop, hip-hop, and pop influences. What are some of the key artists or songs that have inspired this unique blend?
There are so many artists out there that really inspired me to create my music that I wish I could list them all. To be more precise, though, I’ve always enjoyed a wide range of artists, including Cher Lloyd, MARINA, XG, Stray Kids, and even Bratz. In terms of genre, these artists are very unique and different from each other, but they are all my kind when it comes to music. Each of them had their own different impact on me. They may have influenced me in terms of my tone, my way of writing, or even my visions when it comes to the concept of the songs.
“New Girl” is described as a movement, not just a song. Can you elaborate on the message you hope to convey to your listeners through this track?
“New Girl” is a song that encourages the listeners to embrace confidence and individuality, to serve as reminder to break free from unrealistic expectations and step into one’s true self. In a world where there’s a lot of “shoulds” and “shouldn’t”, I want to remind people that those dreams weren’t placed in your heart for no reason, there will always be a path for you to make those come true. Believe in your dream and trust yourself that you can do it.
The song champions self-belief and rejects perfectionism. What personal experiences or observations inspired this theme?
Personally, I am quiet, emotional, and introverted. I like cute things, I like the color pink, and I may like things that other people do not like, but I don’t see anything wrong with it as long as it’s not hurting anybody else. I grew up terrified of standing out from the crowd and believing that great dreams were unattainable. Over the years, I’ve learned that doing what I’m told will leave me suffocated and miserable. So I wanted to write this song in a way that anyone, and I mean anyone, could feel confident and empowered in themselves. We don’t have to change who we are; we just have to embrace who we already are.
What was the creative process like for “New Girl”? Did you have a specific vision or feeling you wanted to capture in the song?
I wanted to exude that “IT girl” vibe in order to capture the “New Girl” energy. And there’s nothing more like “IT girl” than early 2000s popstars, so I included that vibe into the chorus and some parts of the verses. But it wouldn’t be enough for the vision of “New Girl”, so I added some rap verses that screamed “power”. I wanted that tiny touch to transform the song into an anthem for individuals to break stereotypes and be unapologetically themselves.
What are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced as a rising artist in the music industry, and how have you overcome them?
Comparisons. When I used to make covers on YouTube, although it’s very rare, I do get comments in which I get told that I “copy the artist too much” or I “don’t sound like the artist enough”, as if they don’t see me as “me”. Either way, for some of these commenters, it’s always flawed to them. These sometimes led to me thinking that I will never be as good as these artists, that i’m not enough. Despite these views, I constantly return to the reason I do what I do: I appreciate music, and there will always be individuals who enjoy it as much as I do. So, no matter what some of these individuals say, I always remind myself that as long as I keep trying, I can always grow and continue to do what makes my heart happy.
Your music is described as genre-defying. How do you approach songwriting to achieve this unique sound?
When creating a song, I always have a lot of ideas in mind, so I try to combine as many of them as possible, as if I’m mixing all of those ideas in a blender to obtain that “perfect juice”. Having a lot of inspiration from listening to different types of music helped me a lot in establishing my own distinct style, so I can also say that it actually wasn’t something I did on my own.
What are your hopes and aspirations for your music career in the next few years?
I aspire to perform on stage with the same artists that I love. To be more specific, one of my dreams is to be able to collaborate with other musicians and learn more about music from them. I believe that music is a spectrum that is especially lovely when shared with others.
Beyond “New Girl,” what can your fans expect from your upcoming projects or future releases?
Perhaps expect the unexpected! I want each new song or project to feel unique. Different spices for different eras, I’m excited, and I hope the listeners will be as well.
For aspiring artists in Cebu who dream of making it big, what advice would you give them based on your own experiences?
I say to just keep doing what you love to do, and keep on learning.Don’t rush and don’t force yourself to be someone you’re not. You can only get the best of yourself when you are yourself, and that is how you can become a true artist, a true version of yourself.
She’s new, she’s fresh, and she’s taking over! 😉 Listen to DIANA’s debut single “New Girl” here
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