Exclusive Interview with CHARLIE DIAMOND

He was told that he was born at night. When the stars were out and the wind danced through the trees like a whirlwind serenade. Every leaf, a note. And so, music was in his bones. Life’s mysterious undercurrents made sure of that. Check out the exclusive interview below:

1. Can you tell us a bit about where you come from and how it all got started?

CHARLIE DIAMOND: I was sent to this Earth on a moonless night when the stars were bright and the wind howled through the trees playing notes on the leaves. And so, the mysterious undercurrents of life made sure music was in my bones.

2. Did you have any formal training or are you self-taught?

CHARLIE DIAMOND: I’ve taught myself to play the instruments I play. Couldn’t read a note if I wanted to.

3. Do you think is it important for fans of your music to understand the real story and message driving each of your songs, or do you think everyone should be free to interpret your songs in their own personal way?

CHARLIE DIAMOND: I myself like hearing the back stories to songs and artists. I find it very interesting. However, I think songs are best left to the interpretation on the listener. Let your imagination run wild and let the piece speak to you.

4. What do you feel are the key elements in your music that should resonate with listeners, and how would you personally describe your sound?

CHARLIE DIAMOND: Once I was a leaf on a tree. Safe on my branch. Plucked by life’s whirling winds and sent about on adventures unknown. With my only hope to land in a field full of flowers that mirror the same charismatic zest for life that I myself project. If you are lost, struggling, dreaming, stretching and trying to expand yourself, longing for love or adventure, reflecting on life with an active imagination… I think you will appreciate the songs.

5. With social media having a heavy impact on our lives and the music business in general, how do you handle criticism, haters, and/or naysayers in general? Is it something you pay attention to, or simply ignore?

CHARLIE DIAMOND: I am on my own path with my own goals. That is the only focus. No attention is paid to anything else.

6. Who were your first and strongest musical influences and why the name ‘CHARLIE DIAMOND’?

CHARLIE DIAMOND: Elvis, The Beach Boys, Smashing Pumpkins, The Cure, Jimi Hendrix, Velvet Underground. Charlie Diamond is my name. The one I was given when I was born. Not a stage name, although very fitting to the marquee.

7. What has been the most difficult thing you’ve had to endure in your life or music career so far?

CHARLIE DIAMOND:

Daily I deal with a crippling depression. It’s exceptionally difficult. I have more helpful tools to deal with it than when I was younger. Still, somedays I am in the depths of despair for no particular reason. So, it is very important for me to let kids know, let people know, you are not alone. There are positive and productive ways to stay mentally healthy. Also, to make sure you pay attention to that as you go through life. Take time for yourself and mental health. Music has been my biggest outlet and form of creative expression. I sincerely would not be here today if it were not for music.

8. On the contrary, what would you consider a successful, proud or significant point in your life or music career so far?

CHARLIE DIAMOND:

One of the best things I ever did in my life was quit my job, buy a motorcycle, and drive across the country for 3 months. I brought a tent and camped out. Stayed with people I met. Every morning I woke up and just picked a direction to drive. Went with the wind and really connected with my soul.

9. Creative work in a studio or home environment, or interaction with a live audience? Which of these two options excites you most, and why?

CHARLIE DIAMOND: Live audience. There is nothing like a live show and connecting with people. Frequencies and vibrations at the root scientifically/spiritually affect so many things. Mood, emotions, health. It’s nice to have an hour long experience with an audience and go on a journey together.

10. Could you describe your creative processes? How do usually start, and go about shaping ideas into a completed song? Do you usually start with a tune, a beat, or a narrative in your head? And do you collaborate with others in this process?

CHARLIE DIAMOND: I travel a lot with my dog and when the weather is nice we sleep in the bed of my pick-up truck under the stars. I love seeing new places, meeting new people, and having adventures. All of these experiences swirl through my head as I day dream and imagine. Phrases, words, cinematic scenes. Swirling and moving in my head throughout the day. Then when it is late at night when the stars are out and we are closer to our dreams than reality I sit to write sometimes. I write the music and lyrics at the same time. Almost a stream of consciousness. Only a few songs I have written had an expressed intent. The others simply poured out. Usually in 5 or 10 minutes. I couldn’t say how I wrote most of them. They were almost shot into my head and I just jotted them down. I could never say Tuesday I’ll write a song. But, I could go for a walk in the woods or a drive and let my imagination run wild and there is a good chance I’ll write a song that night.