| Alela Diane's 2006 album 'The Pirate's Gospel' was some influential music types' record of that year, it being a rich, subtle introduction to her powering voice and immense song-writing talent.Not to be outdone, last year she lent her talents to the Headless Heroes' equally excellent LP, a collection of covers of standard bearers and curios, including Daniel Johnston's 'True Love With Find You In The End' and Jesus and Mary Chain's 'Just Like Honey'. Back with a new solo album, entitled 'To Be Still', released on 16 Feb, expect Diane to be featuring near the top of the important yearly countdowns come December.
Q1 How did you start out making music?
I've always used my voice, in choir and as a child, but it wasn't until I moved away from home at 19 that I began playing the guitar and writing my own songs. I began writing when everything in my young life was a bit turned upside down - I suddenly had something to sing about.
Q2 What inspired your latest single?
I wrote 'White As Diamonds' just after a snow storm while I was living in Portland, Oregon. Everything and everyone was forced to stay put because of the snow. These days, folks are so busy, so caught up in things, it was lovely to see the storm slow us all down. This is where the song came from - that and some other things...
Q3 How do you go about creating a track?
Writing a song always happens differently for me. Sometimes the words arrive first and then the music... other times it all comes in some insane manic flurry.
Q4 Which artists influence your work?
I like to use the word inspire, rather than influence. I am inspired and very much appreciate many artists, but my main influence was growing up in a house full of music that my parents sang, rather than listening to actual records. Recently, I've discovered many older artists that most people have known about for years. I love Kate Wolf, Sandy Denny, Neil Young, Fleetwood Mac, Mariee Sioux, Cat Stevens, and the list goes on and on and on... So many amazing artists and so many I've yet to discover.
Q5 What would you say to someone experiencing your music for the first time?
If was in the room while they were listening for the first time, I'd probably sneak out the side door...
Q6 What are your ambitions for your latest album, and for the future?
I just hope to keep singing for folks who gather goodness from what I do... I'll hit the road and enjoy all this travelling. But some time I hope to have some babies and raise them well. I don't have any huge specific musical goals like gold records or hit singles, I just want to sing and enjoy life.
published february 2009
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