Back in 2005 and 2006, I watched Rock Star: INXS and Rock Star: Supernova with my wife and girls. We caught every episode almost rabidly, as it was (and still is) rare to hear fresh takes on rock standards on regular television apart from the American Idol franchise. The show was hosted by Brooke Burke and Jane's Addiction lead guitarist Dave Navarro. Both seasons of Rock Star shared a number of great new rock stars with a CBS audience.
During the second season, we were introduced to Dilana, a singer, songwriter, and performer born in Johannesburg, South Africa. She managed to escape to the Netherlands and then ended up in Los Angeles, performing in her own band alongside artists including Joe Cocker, K's Choice, and Heather Nova. Until she appeared on Rock Star: INXS, however, I have to admit we hadn't heard of her.
With her amazing rock-goddess, gravelly voice she managed to rock her way into our hearts and finished second runner-up to Lukas Rossi on the show. After that we wondered what had happened to her. With her rock-star attitude, songwriting skills, and killer vocals we hoped it wouldn't be the last we'd heard of Dilana.
Fast forward to November 17, 2009: Dilana's debut album, InsideOut — produced by Dave Bassett and featuring No Doubt drummer Adrian Young and Mötley Crüe guitariist Mick Mars — is released by Kabunk! Records. Dilana's definitely back, belting out her own songs and proving that rock star swagger is back in a big way.
The album starts off with "Holiday" and leaves us with "The Question," but there's NO question that she's going to leave her mark in the world of rock 'n' roll. In "Holiday," she sings, "Oh my life has changed / Like a holiday / Feels so damn good." And it's hard to argue with that.
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Article comments
1 - nancy rotz
Dilana certainly is the best thing to happen to the world of rock music in our lifetime! Her vocals are strong & powerful, yet also sweet & sensitive, she is a wonderful artist, songwriter & now also an actress with her first film in which she stars, just wrapped! Watch for it this summer....its called "ANGEL CAMOUFLAGED"!!
2 - Fitz
@nancy rotz - Thanks for the tip! I had no idea she was working in film. I'll have to check it out!!
3 - jwintx
Dilana was my favorite on "Rockstar"... always thought she should've won. Been looking forward to this release for a long time. She is truly a "rock goddess".
4 - Fitz
@jwintz - Definitely one of my favorite albums of 2009. We'll hope it's not the last we hear from Dilana!
5 - BastetAsshur
It wasn't 'Rockstar INXS' but rather "Rockstar Supernova'.
6 - Fitz
@BastetAsshur - Thanks for the correction. You're definitely right.