Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with Irene Diaz

Singer-songwriter Irene Diaz is captivating audiences with her sultry, soulful vocals, and emotionally poignant lyrics. Since discovering her passion for music at a young age, Irene has mastered the piano and guitar, and proven her sound transcends any genre. This year, she’s gearing up to release her new full-length album, Lovers & Friends, and we got the inside scoop from Irene herself.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
Irene: I discovered it when I was a kid. I enjoyed making up my own melodies on the piano and told myself that I’d be a composer one day. I didn’t know it was going to be in songwriting.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
Irene: Everyone I’ve come across along the way. But I’d have to say my friend Seung Park. He’s part of Mexico68. We’ve been friends for a while. He introduced me to artists such as Miles Davis and Don Cherry. I had my first jam sessions with him.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “Another Observer”. What inspired the track?
Irene: It was a moment in my life when I was discovering my sexuality. I had a crush on a friend, but she was taken. Shaking off those feelings was hard, so that’s where this song came from.

PC: You’re set to release your new album in 2020. What can fans expect with Lovers & Friends?
Irene: Something very different from my previous work. I went through so much making this album. I would say to expect change. I’m excited about it.

PC: If you had to choose one song off Lovers and Friends that best encompasses you as an artist, what would it be and why?
Irene: There’s a song for every emotional season on this album. Right now, it’s a song called “Push” because I had to keep pushing myself to make this album come to life. I wanted to give up, but the music kept pulling me back in.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
Irene: Brian Eno

PC: First album you bought?
Irene: Coldplay’s Parachutes

PC: First concert you attended?
Irene: Coldplay in 2003 at the Hollywood Bowl.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
Irene: Thundercat’s Drunk. I listened to this album while I was working on my album in Mexico City. The amount of creativity in the album.

PC: A venue on your bucket list to perform at?
Irene: The Hollywood Bowl

PC: A must-have on the road?
Irene: Gum

To keep up with Irene, follow her on Twitter and Instagram. Pick up or stream “Another Observer” on Amazon Music, iTunes, or Spotify.