The Maroon Cafe

Maroon Cafe Interview| Diane Birch

// August 24th, 2009 // Interviews

Diane Birch is one of those rare artist who comes along every so often.  Blessed with a  retro throwback sound, this vocal chanteuse is creating quite a buzz since her stellar debut album “Bible Belt” was released a few months back.  Diane recently took the time out from her extremely busy schedule to stop by the Cafe for a very upfront and personal interview. 

H.Q. I know you’ve traveled around the world to many places at a very young age, what would be one of your fondest memories while living outside the states?

Diane:  In Africa-watching my pet turtle run….hiding silk worms under my bed in a shoe box with some mulberry leaves, in Australia- feeding brown sugar to the brightly colored wild birds out of my hand

.

H.Q. How did the name ‘Bible Belt’ come about?

Diane:  I randomly came up with the title before I even got a record deal and always wanted to call my album that.  It was  inspired by my upbringing. The bible was the forefront of our household and much like a belt that’s too tight, I felt constricted.

H.Q. My favorite cut off the album would have to be ‘Fools’ does that song have a history behind it?

Diane:  This song is a sort of ode to the bullshit that I put up with while living in LA.  As much as I love the city in many respects, l also had repeated incidences of flakiness and false promises… as well as the typical dealings of people trying to put me into a mould in which I couldn’t fit.  It also refers to a similar feeling I had growing up in which I didn’t fit into the mold of my parent’s world.

H.Q. I’ve read that you were one of the biggest Cure fans growing up, if you could choose one song from them as a soundtrack to how your journey has been so far, what would that be?

Diane:  One of my favorites has always been ‘Charlotte Sometimes’.   For some reason it always echoed the loneliness I felt at times and was the soundtrack to so many of my dreams.

H.Q. You worked with some great musicians on this record, did you feel any pressure while recording in the studio?

Diane:  Not with any of the musicians.  they were all ego free and genuinely kind and lovely people.  Obviously it was such a huge honor for me to be in the studio with them but when we were playing music I felt like there was a mutual respect that made me feel really at ease.

H.Q. Have you picked up any new hobbies over the past couple of months?

Diane:  Not really hobbies though I’ve found myself more and more drawn to simple things like looking at nature more and being aware of life outside of my world.  It’s almost like the more crazy things become the more the real stuff stands out.

H.Q. I read that growing up you were a misunderstood teen, did music help you overcome times when you felt confused about life?

Diane:  Definitely!  The piano was my best friend.  When no one else got me, the keys did.  Also listening to music always made me realize I was not alone in my thoughts and fears.

H.Q. Tell us one thing about yourself that we may not be able to find online?

Diane:  I’m really into disco.

H.Q. Are you listening to any current artists at the moment?

Diane: If you mean artists out right now…

-Phenomenal Hand Clap Band
-Dirty Projectors
-Zaza
-Matt Bauer
-Glass Candy
-Empire of the Sun

If you mean artists generally..
-John Forde
-Alan Parsons Project
-Chaka Khan and Rufas
-Herb Alpert
-Movado

H.Q. Lastly, in your video for “Nothing But A Miracle” there were five stages of grief, what’s your remedy to dealing with a break-up?

Diane:  Staying busy, losing my phone, traveling, definitely NOT dating right off the bat.  Shoe shopping also helps a lot.  Seriously though, you just have to realize that you can’t fight the storm.  You have to just ride it out and know that you’re gonna feel like shit for a while.

For more info and updates on Diane Birch you can check out her Official site and Myspace.

Related:

• Diane Birch| Nothing But A Mircale (Official Video)
• Artist Watch|Diane Birch
• Rox- My Baby Left Me
• Diane Birch Visits The Spinners Interface| Fools [Video]
• Maroon Cafe Spotlight| Magistrates Interview