Diana Darby Interview: SXSW 2010

Diana Darby doesn't believe that one needs to make a lot of noise to get a message across. On her new album, 'The Magdalene Laundries,' the singer proves that less is more, weaving ethereal vocals over soft melodies. The Nashville-based songwriter took time out from SXSW preparations to talk about her songwriting, her influences, and much more.

Describe your sound in your own words.

Fragile, delicate, quiet. In the realm of Nick Drake.

How did you get started writing your own music?

I've always written, and I started off writing poetry when I was just a little girl, about five years old. From there I started hearing sounds and songs and making up little songs, and it progressed from there.Who are your influences?

Numerous influences -- Velvet Underground, Bob Dylan, Leonard Cohen, Nick Drake. Those are probably the main ones.

Do you have a musical guilty pleasure?

Devo.

Beatles or Stones?

I like 'em both, but I guess if I had to pick I'd go Beatles.

What's in your SXSW survival kit?

I haven't had trouble surviving it so far. Maybe Excedrin Migraine?

Who was your first celebrity crush?

Michael Jackson [laughs].

What's your biggest vice?

I wanna say ... fear. I'll just leave it at that.


Stefanie Schwartz is a contributor from Seed.com. Learn how you can contribute here.