YAYA DIAMOND got the chance to chop it up with @klassikceo for this edition of Straight Official Sit Downs. The vibe was indeed dope and it gave us the opportunity to get to know her better along her journey in music. Check out their one-on-one down below and click here for more episodes of Straight Official Sit Downs!
Q&A WITH YAYA DIAMOND
What is your Name? Tell us where you’re from and what first got you interested in the entertainment industry?
My name is Yaya Diamond. I am from Chicago, Illinois, but I was raised all over the world. My mother was the Queen of Hi-NRG Music, Evelyn Thomas, and she took me with her on her tours since the age of 4. It was inevitable that I would love music as much as she did.
Who and/or what inspires you to create?
Life, situations, family, friends, environment, take your pick. I am inspired by everything. It is funny sometimes I write the weirdest songs.
How would you describe your sound?
Soulful. Each sound depends on the mood and situation I am singing about, but I am always soulful in my delivery.
THE CREATIVE PROCESS
What is your creative process like?
I love to talk into my phone when the words or subject hits me, then I elaborate. Sometimes the lyrics come first, but that is rare with me. I love it when I get a great track and it speaks to me. The way it moves, rises, and falls just takes my breath away. I have always thought “How can a track talk to you?” but I am not the only one who feels this way.
What artist(s) would you like to collaborate with?
That is a tricky question because I love collaborations. I would love to do a collaboration with Omar Wilson. He and I went through some of the same situations last year and bonded as friends. I would also love to do one with Eric Benet. He gave me a pointer back in the day and I would love to continue that story. As far as a female collaboration, I would love to get with Adele. I think she is fabulous and classy.
What is one message you would give to your supporters?
I would be dreaming of a career without you. My supporters are the reason I can continue. In life we all have our angles, and my supporters are just that to me, my Angeles.
LET’S SWITCH GEARS
What is the most talent/skill you have that most people don’t know about?
I love sewing purses and bags. It relaxes me, and I love the solidarity and the composition of it all.
What would you be doing right now, if you weren’t doing music?
I am a radio and podcaster personality, so I am always doing something. In addition, I am also the Co-CEO of Women to Women TV and the CEO of Red Hot Reality Ent, my label on Sony The Orchard. I keep fairly busy.
Who are some artists/people you admire and why?
I admire Missy Elliot for her style, Adele for her class, and both for their vocals and musicality.
WRAPPING IT UP
What is the best advice you’ve been given?
When someone puts you down, or degrades you or your talent, they are trying to bring you down to their level and if you give in, they win. I am competitive and will never let that happen so that was the best advice I have ever received.
If you could change anything about the industry, what would it be?
Wow! That is a fire question for sure. There is no money in streaming so I would love it if the music industry had a union for local bands and indie artists. It would make the venues treat everyone fair. Not saying there won’t be hiccups along the way, but this would at least make the venues register and have to pay fair wages to the bands who are, sometimes, still making 100 dollars a night for a 4-hour show, net on that would be around a total of 50 dollars after gas, trave, and food. Tips are very important.
What’s next for you, where would you like to see yourself in the next year?
On tour singing my original songs and performing my mother’s hit songs as well. There is always a likely progression, but one never knows.
What is your social media? How can people get in contact with you?
People can reach out to me on my social media pages. For bookings they can contact my manager or PR team. Thank you so much for this interview!!! You guys are amazing.
For Serious Inquiries Only, Please Contact Joe Mason : [email protected]
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