Occasionally in doing the reviewing game you come across somebody whose work is striking enough that you become interested in finding out a little more about the person behind the music. Listening and reviewing The Magdalene Laundries piqued my interest to find out more about the quiet intense voice that could paint such vivid pictures with a few well chosen words.
Diana Darby had released two albums prior to this, appeared on Nothing Left To Lose – A Tribute To Kris Kristoferson, toured throughout the United States and Europe and contributed to the Eye of The Beholder V4 compilation disc. In spite of this prolific activity this disc marked my first encounter with her introspective and intelligent work.
After I had completed the review she had emailed to clarify a misconception that had been implied by critics, including me, about the songs on the disc The Magdalene Laundries. Brilliantly sensing an opportunity for an interview, even non-journalists like me strike it lucky occasionally; I suggested an interview so that she could talk about that issue and her work.
She very graciously agreed to submit herself to receiving the questions by e-mail and what you are going to read is pretty much her answers verbatim. The only change from our original correspondence has been the insertion of follow up questions and answers on a couple of occasions.
I'd like to thank Diana for taking the time in her schedule and doing this interview. For those who would like to fill out this sketch of this unique singer songwriter that I have provided you can check out her web site.
Typical boring first question, but how about a little bio, who and where the usual stuff.
I was born and raised in Houston, Tx. My upbringing was kind of a nightmare, which is why I write.
What made you decide that music was the means you wanted to use to express yourself?
I don’t think it was ever a decision. I just started making up little songs when I was a kid. It was actually only one way I used to express myself. My first love is poetry. But poets don’t make any money, (not that songwriters do either) so I chose song writing because it combines the best of both worlds for me… poetry and music. But I don’t consider myself just a songwriter. I think of myself as a writer first. I’m hoping to start writing my first novel this year. And sometimes I paint and draw too - although I have the least amount of confidence in my ability as a painter. Although people really liked the album covers I did for fantasia ball and Magdalene Laundries. So who knows?
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