Irene Diaz, a moving and authentic new voice in music

Singer-songwriter Irene Diaz wowed the large crowd under the stars at the Levitt Pavilion in Pasadena on Friday night.

Before her gorgeous set, our new music contributor Debra Penberthy interviewed Irene about her musical path which has been taking off with the release of her critically acclaimed debut recording “I Love You Madly.”

So, what initially drew you to music, and did you get encouragement for writing music at a young age?

You know I really didn’t. When I grew up, I was very shy, very singer-songwriter in my bedroom. And, I… made a decision to do music when I was twenty-three. I was trying to figure out school, and I just couldn’t figure out what I wanted to major in… I was like, “Why don’t I
just focus on like a music career, you know. I can do it!” And, eventually things started progressing, and it was one of the best decisions I’ve made. I studied a little bit of music [in college]. But, I didn’t really take to the classes… But, hanging out with friends, you know people that are already musicians, and learning first hand, like jam sessions, are really great to pull out ideas and I think that really built me…

Can you tell me the personal story of one of your songs?

Umm. I want to play it tonight, but I don’t know if I’ll have time. It’s this new song, and it is called “Hate is such a strong word.” And, I usually write love songs, but this song is more about just the fact that people on the internet or anywhere feel they can say whatever the heck they want to people who are pursuing things. And, I experienced that, and that kind of inspired this song to come out of me.

You got some negative feedback online about your music?

Yeah, just silly things that people don’t even know [what they’re saying]… And it’s like, “Why did you say that?”… And that song came out of that place in my heart… The words just started sparking up, and the song just came out of me.

One thing I am curious about, you’ve been described as a singer who expresses the
emotion that is inside of everyone. Can you talk about what it feels like to perform and connect with an audience?

It’s really surreal. I feel really blessed that I can connect with people. I feel like my songs, like they’re not my songs. Like, they are people’s songs, and they need to hear them. I am just kind of like playing them, and if it touches someone. It’s amazing to hear stories. Like [my song], “Crazy Love,” people have used it for their weddings, and I’m like, “Oh my God!” People really, I guess it really touches them…

What do you think of the state of women in pop music? Do you have any advice for other women in music?

You know who I really like right now is Mary Lambert [who wrote “She keeps me warm”]. She’s amazing. Her songs are very inspiring and she’s very honest with her work. I think we need more of that as women. Women need to see [that]. And there was this other thing. It doesn’t have to do with music, but have you seen that Always, Like a Girl Commercial [that is about how girls are put down for doing things “like a girl”]?… Oh my gosh, I was like, “Wow, that’s so true!” And I think things like that and like Mary Lambert, it’s really cool. And I hope to be sort of inspiring for young women to really follow their dreams.

What type of things do you think we need more honesty about?

Just about sexuality, about being a girl. I mean, it’s not cookie cutter.

Have you always known what your musical path would be and should be or was there a time when you were a bit unsure?

I mean throughout college… I had always wanted to do it, and I never thought that I could.

What kind of fears did you have?

I think, my name. You know, Irene Diaz. Like, should I just use my name, or should I use a pseudonym? A lot of people tend to see me as a Latin artist, and my music is not very Latin driven… So I get questions like if I sing in Spanish. And, I have some songs in Spanish, but I am not very much a Latin artist. But, just because I have the Diaz, that tends to pull people into the Latin… But, it’s also really great because I have a lot of Latin fans. And…there are a lot of people out there who are like me.

Yeah. And you’re going to be performing with Lila Downs?

Yeah! It’s going to be amazing! I have never met her, but it’s going to be in Tuscon, AZ….And [this past year] I played with David Garza [the headliner for tonight]. In December, we did a mini tour up the coast with Gaby Moreno. It was really cool! I did a really short set, but it was cool to just see the audience and be in San Francisco.

Speaking of other musicians, I read that Nina Simone is one of your favorite singers. I wanted to ask you about her, because I’ve also read that although you get a lot of praise for your singing you didn’t initially think of yourself primarily as a singer. Did you know that Nina Simone also didn’t consider herself a singer first and foremost?

Irene: No, but I know that Billy Holiday, I think she as well didn’t really consider herself a singer. She didn’t think she was good.

Yeah, Nina Simone was a classical pianist, and she was the pianist for coaching and lessons, and she learned that way. She was playing piano in a night club, and they told her not to come back to play the next night club unless she sang too. That’s how she got started.

Oh wow. I didn’t know that, but the first time I heard her… It’s funny because I loved it, but I didn’t know who was singing. And, I actually thought it was a man singing. And, I was like, “This is great.” Then I found out that it was a woman, and I was like, “Oh my God, that’s is amazing.” I love it. I love the masculinity in her voice, and I feel like I want that in my voice too.

You had a successful Kickstarter campaign for your recent CD. What advice would you have for someone who is doing a Kickstarter?

I would think to prepare for it way in advance before your going to launch anything…Maybe a month or more in advance. let your family and friends know. Let your fans know. It’s also great to be building your audience. I mean if you just have your family and friends it’s not going to be as effective as if you are going out and playing and letting people know… And, as far as setting the prizes, one thing that we didn’t do, but we got advice to do next time is to give people the option of just donating, because you’re going to have to spend a lot of time mailing things out and fulfilling orders… That would be my advice.

Well, thank you so much, Irene. Have a great show!

Thank you!

At the end of her captivating set, Irene played her new song “Hate is such a strong word” as her encore. The audience hung on every word, as Irene sang “Hate is such a strong word, and I don’t really want to sing about it.” The chorus ended with a line that simply captures what Irene’s music is about—”I want love.” The audience seemed to adore her for this and for all of the beauty she had shared with them throughout her set. We are looking forward to hearing more from this beautiful, homegrown songstress!

Debra Penberthy is a Pasadena-based singer-songwriter who has been involved in social justice and activating human potential for her entire career.  You may hear her music here. Also, you can see her live in Pasadena on Thursday, July 17.