Project Description
Interview with
DIANA ROUVAS
Interviewer – Mirrin Gray
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If tenacity, fearlessness and creativity are the marks of a true artist, then Diana Rouvas was born for the role. A self-confessed perfectionist and dreamer-turned-doer, this Sydney-born vocalist and songwriter has lived and breathed music since she could barely speak.
For her upcoming single Heart of Goodbye, Rouvas collaborated with ARIA-nominated songwriter/ producer Louis Schoorl and UK mixmaster Sermstyle. The result is a flavoursome, uplifting soul-meets-pop track that has its roots deep in 70s throwback cool, with a very on-the-pulse feel.
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Who are you biggest musical influences?
So many… but Joni Mitchell and Donny Hathaway are two artists that stand out to me for their incredible talent.
For any new fans, how did you discover your love of making and performing music?
I was so young I can’t remember discovering it. I was born into a musical family. So it was in my bones & blood. I started vocal training very young – 4-5 years old. With my parents who were great vocal teachers and singers themselves & I started writing at 8. There’s a lot of sacrifices that go with this career path, but I just know I cannot live without singing & writing, and music…
How would you describe your sound? What makes you unique?
My vocal sound itself has been described as unique. I don’t think I personally sound like many other singers which I think is positive. I am very quirky also & really like to have a good laugh. I can be serious & deep. And I can be a clown. My point of difference I think is that I combine these traits on stage & an audience get to come with me on that journey of these different parts of me, and different aspects of life, that we all share together.
Why do you think people resonate with your music and story?
Because we all have dreams & goals for ourselves, & many of us have been working hard for many years, not just me. And it’s important that we don’t give up before our time. I think I resonate because we have all been knocked back & put down, but at the end of the day, you have to get up. It’s my life, no one else’s. My responsibility is to live it right. Many can relate to a long road. But it’s a great gift to walk it.
Your debut single Wait for No One is out now. Can you tell us what it means to you?
I literally wrote this song about my career. So it means a lot! It was inspired by my old boss who encouraged me to go on the first season of the voice back in 2012. This was his famous saying on a daily basis! “I WAIT FOR NO ONE MATE”! I had the realisation driving home from work one day that he was right. And that we shouldn’t wait for anyone.
With all the recent attention you’ve received, is there an air of expectation in terms of your music’s popularity now, or can you stay grounded whatever the result?
I have been in the industry for too long to be swayed too much. I have always been grounded. I am a woman, Sister, Friend, I have loved lost, found joy, experienced loss & pain. I love to express my soul through the art of music. I get to connect and heal with others through this amazing gift of music. People always have expectations of us, and opinions. Stay in good company. Enjoy what you do. Give thanks. To be popular isn’t the goal. Quality of life, & the quality of my art, is what I focus on. The rest doesn’t matter.
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What other new music is on the drawing board?
PLENTY! :)
What was your experience like on the Voice? How did it feel to walk away as the winner?
I had a very positive experience throughout the voice. It was great. Winning, I was shocked. A win for many losses. One I was proud to receive as a 35 year old women in the industry. I like to stand for that. I am in my prime. And this was a great honour.
What did you do to celebrate?
I don’t believe I have done anything… yet. LOL… That’s terrible!!
You’ve had a lot of experience in the music industry. What’s the most important lesson you’ve learnt?
Work hard. Focus on respecting your craft. Ask too many questions. Pay attention to your BUSINESS, as artists we find this difficult as creative souls but it is a must. And don’t forget no matter how good we think we are, there’s ALWAYS someone better than you. Take opportunities. Give thanks.
If you could perform with anyone, who would it be and why? (Dead or alive)
Donny Hathaway. One of my favourite voices of all time.
What’s the next achievement you would like to take on in your career?
To try to get my name out there on a much broader spectrum. As a songwriter and a singer. Definitely travel overseas. And work with great writers and people – Learn.
Finally, a few questions for some quick answers –
FAVOURITE:
Album – There’s a few…
Artist – Too many! lol Joni Mitchell/Donny Hathaway/Jon Cleary/John Mayer.
Movie – Too many… Love a laugh. love good horror!
Place to visit – The beach.
Venue to play – Anywhere where there’s good sound, & Good company. haha
Food – Anything that’s made well, all types! I mean, good pizza is life…
Drink – Coffee…Love good coffee.
Person in History – Martin Luther King.
Tattoo – (If you don’t have one, what would you get?) Favourite of my tattoos is one that stands for gratitude & giving thanks.
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Check out DIANA ROUVAS below
Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter
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