Southern California singer/guitarist/pianist Irene Diaz has a voice that puts a modern twist on that classic jazz-y, blues-y sound. Her songs are full of emotion and make you empathize with things you’ve never previously felt yourself. She can border cutesy in a way that never crosses into novelty, and instead she maintains a genuine authenticity.
I got the chance to speak with Irene about her experiences in music.
Germ Magazine: Hello, and thanks for agreeing to this interview!
Let’s begin with how you got started in music. What made you decide to pursue this?
Irene: It’s funny because I have these moments where I ask myself why I’m doing music, why am I pursuing a career in music?! Creatively, I know what it can do. I know it helps me let go of stress, say words I can’t say even if it’s just through a melody. I know it can inspire others to create as well.
Professionally, it’s an entire different world, though, that I’m still trying to understand.
GM: Where do you find inspiration for your writing?
Irene: Everyday life, songs, love, friends, stories, films.
GM: If someone who had never heard your music approached you, how would you describe your sound to them?
Irene: I just got asked this question by someone no more than 30 minutes ago. I said, love songs.
GM: Fitting! I’m constantly talking about women in the music industry because it is far too rare, and so many female artists deserve so much more praise and recognition than they’re getting. What has been your experience as a female in this male-dominated industry?
Irene: My experience has had its ups and downs.
You have different people who approach you and want to help you without condition; they just want to see you succeed. Then you have people who see you and want to help but have their own goals in mind. I’ve experienced both. I’ve experienced working with people who have opened doors for me to places like NPR. I’ve also worked with someone who pretty much manipulated me into our business relationship. It’s hard when people have ideas of the glamour of the business, but behind it all you see the ugliness too. For me, I’m learning how to trust people all over again because you have to be open but also cautious.
GM: I know you’re currently working on your first full-length album. What can you tell us about that? And when can we expect it?
Irene: I’ve spent much of 2015 writing new songs. It’s interesting, though, because I spend so much time with my songs, and I wonder if there is any way of telling if it’s an Irene Diaz song. I hope listeners experience the same but a different part of me as well. I will have songs on there that I have not shared, have shared, and maybe haven’t even come up with. Currently I’m trying out producers, trying to find someone who can help me get the most out of myself.
GM: It sounds like there’s a lot of time and love going into it. Do you have any advice for young writers and creators?
Irene: Yes, to realize that, once you share your art with the world, do it for the love. And if you decide to make it a business, study all you can and treat that side for what it is. And treat the creative side for what it is.
GM: That’s great. Finally, where can we find you and your music?
Irene: At my website.
GM: Perfect. Thanks again for being a part of this. I absolutely love your music and can’t wait to see what else comes from you!
Check out the music video for Irene Diaz’s song “Crazy Love”:
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