Lebanese-American pop singer-songwriter DiaNa shares her empowering debut single ‘Time I$ Money’, out now on all streaming platforms.
Naming Doja Cat and Ariana Grande as her biggest inspirations, DiaNa draws from her combined influences, totally owning her own brand of gutsy, bold dark pop.
Speaking of the track, DiaNa says, “With this track, I want to empower people to not accept having their time wasted, particularly by unforgivable exes who don’t deserve your time. I wish that my listeners remember to only be treated like the kings and queens they are!”
DiaNa has been singing all her life for fun, however it took the pandemic for DiaNa to break out of the bubble of her career expectations and Middle Eastern family pressure she grew up with to learn to follow her dreams. Music was always considered an ‘inappropriate’ career path by her family, and so she spent all her educational years and free time pursuing academia. “As the world began to fall apart, I came to terms with the fact that music is my strongest passion and what makes me the happiest.”
Tell us about DiaNa!
DiaNa is a Lebanese-American singer and songwriter who started paving her way into the world of music during the pandemic, when she realized life isn’t worth living if it isn’t spent doing things that make you the happiest. She spent almost all her life working towards a medical degree, but deep down she always knew that music was what gave her the utmost joy. She repressed that passion because of expectations from people around her about “appropriate” career paths. It was only during the pandemic — what seemed like the end of the world — that she gave herself the chance to express herself in music, and became obsessed with the creative process. She absolutely loves making catchy, R&B/Pop songs that make people feel empowered to be who they want to be, and to not let anyone take away their light.
What is the message behind your art?
My art is meant to remind others of the power they have in their lives to be who they want to be and do what they want to do, and to never let anyone make them feel anything less than the amazing people that they are.
What are some sources of inspiration for your lyrics and storytelling?
My upbringing influenced my music by ironically being a barrier to my musical creativity.
Once I began engaging in music just five months ago, I realized how unfair it was for my culture and family to discourage me from pursuing any type of career beyond medicine, law, or engineering. I knew I always loved to sing, but I was never able to create with this passion or figure out that I can also songwrite because of cultural expectations that made me silence that passion. The energy I gained from that realization and the disappointment for that loss of time can be heard in my music. In both Time I$ Money and 9 to Bye, time and the refusal to be controlled is a common theme. Because of my experience, I empathize with others who have — at any moment in their lives — felt controlled by others, culture, or society, hindering them from doing what they want to do or being who they want to be. My refusal to be controlled and the empowerment I felt with my realization is palpable in my music.
Who is an artist that you look up to more than others today?
I am a big fan of Doja Cat. I love her quirky personality (that is so me!) and her insane talent. She can rap, sing, produce, and make very catchy lyrics and melodies. She is a strong boss-woman and her music is always such a vibe. I hope to impact listeners the way she does to me. Her songs are always on repeat for me.
What was the record or artist that changed your life?
SZA has been one of my biggest inspirations for a while. I relate to her in so many ways, one being that she also studied biology in college. But she ended up dropping out and pursuing music as a career, as that was always a huge passion of hers. This is pretty similar to what I’m going through right now! And of course, her music is almost addicting to listen to. It’s very empowering, especially for women. I love the feminism that can be subtly heard in her lyrics. This ability to make people feel empowered and bada$$ is something I hope to achieve with my music.
Tell us about your latest release and how it came about.
I found a fun beat online just a few months ago that I couldn’t get out of my head. That day, I played it on full blast in my car and immediately began creating a hook. I ended up constructing the full melody and lyrics that day. When this happens, I know it’s going to be good. When I have to spend days or weeks trying to come up with a melody or lyrics, it usually isn’t as exciting and catchy. So I was very excited about this one. I shared the idea with some of my producer friends, and they encouraged me to record it in a studio in LA. So I booked a session in the MIX Recording Studio, went on my own (completely inexperienced with what a studio session would be like), and recorded it with the help of a fantastic audio engineer in just 4 hours. It was a very surreal experience!
You seem to be fusing several musical genres. What inspires your sound?
R&B is the common denominator…I love artists like SZA (soulful R&B) and Tom Misch (jazz), but also love Doja Cat and Ariana Grande’s pop sounds. I love to add a dance/fun element to some of my songs.
However I do love jazz and dance/pop music so in a way I kind of combine both in some songs. I guess I like to release more chill/soulful/pop R&B music as well as more exciting/upbeat R&B music. I tend to oscillate between both.
How would you want people to feel while listening to your music?
I want them to feel empowered, to feel strong, sexy, and powerful!! I want them to feel like they have the choice and power to do anything they want to do — to do what makes them happiest — and be unapologetically themselves despite people around them (who are most likely jealous) telling them not to, judging them, or bringing them down.
Where are some things you really want to accomplish as an artist?
I would love to make music that people jam to on repeat, that brightens people’s day in whatever way, and makes them feel powerful and bada$$!
What inspires your style?
I would say my style is pretty bold and badass. I like a mix between bright and dark colors that match both my personality and music.
Was there ever a moment when you felt like giving up?
Yes, I am regularly bombarded with comments from my family to “not spend time on music, it’s a waste of time” or to “not post that picture, it’s too revealing.” The disappointment I get from my family for expressing my art through my music and my pictures is definitely tough to deal with, but at this point, I won’t let that stop me any longer from doing what I love and expressing my true identity! I’ve wasted a lot of time doing things that I didn’t love and that phase of my life is over.
What is the best advice you’ve ever gotten?
The best advice I have received from one of my best friends is to never listen to other people who tell you to be or act a certain way. Just be yourself, explore your identity, and explore the world and what it has to offer. We live such a short lives. We should always choose happiness with every moment we have.
Where do you think the next game changer will be in the music industry and entertainment scene?
I believe Tiktok is the next game changer in the music industry. It’s been an amazing tool for so many underground, talented artists to exponentially grow their fanbase and become successfully independent, without the need to rely on labels to promote their music. I have personally discovered some of my favorite songs and artists on that platform. It’s also really addicting!
