Recently, we had the pleasure of speaking with DiElle, a talented singer-songwriter whose musical journey began at the tender age of three when her father placed a guitar in her hands. Encouraged by her family and inspired by iconic artists like Carole King, DiElle developed a passion for storytelling through music. Her unique sound blends elements of Joni Mitchell and Tracy Chapman, creating heartfelt songs that resonate deeply with her audience. In our conversation, DiElle shared insights into her creative process, the inspiration behind her latest project Atlas, and her aspirations for the future.
Can you tell us a little about yourself and how your musical journey began?
I was encouraged by my parents—my dad at the age of 3 when he placed a guitar in my hand and imbued me with a love of music and travel. My dad taught me guitar, and both Mum, Dad, and my grandparents encouraged me to sing. I joined the school choir at age 5 and auditioned for a solo in the nativity play when I was 8. That was my first solo performance.
What inspired you to pursue a career in music? Any particular artists or genres that influenced your sound?
I tried really hard to do something ‘normal’ and ‘reliable,’ but I was just miserable. Carole King’s Tapestry went straight into my soul and inspired me to write songs that tell stories of human experience and reach people.
How would you describe your sound and style to someone who’s never heard your music before?
I’m a Joni Mitchell cum Tracy Chapman kinda gal. If Adele and The Eagles raised a lovechild in the forest…
What’s your typical songwriting process like? Do you start with the lyrics, melody, or a specific idea?
I wouldn’t say I have a ‘typical’ process, but usually, it starts with a seed or a spark of a lyric and melody that comes together, and I develop it from there. Sometimes I’ll have a title, subject, or situation that I want to write about, and I’ll sit down at the piano or with my guitar until something feels right. When composing, I usually go to the piano first and let my hands find the right sound. For songs, I tend to think in chord progressions, but with composing, it’s a bit more linear and melodic for me.
Do you collaborate with other artists, writers, or producers? If so, how do these collaborations shape your music?
I have collaborated with other songwriters on my upcoming album. It’s a great way to develop songwriting chops and get someone else’s perspective. I’ve really enjoyed working with some great songwriters on this album.
Let’s talk about your latest EP/album/single. What’s the story behind it? What inspired this project?
Atlas is the title track from my upcoming album. I’d been to a songwriting day with Shelly Poole (Alisha’s Attic/Red Sky July) and Paul Statham (Dido), where I wrote ‘Wanderlust’—my last single—with them, Michael Grant, and Peter Scott. I was absolutely buzzing, and in the days following, I had taken myself off on a UK long train ride to the Scottish mountains. Sitting on the train, I just thought to myself, ‘I do love to travel. I could write a whole album of traveling songs,’ and it felt like the whole album arrived at once by divine upload. I had already written Atlas the single, and we’d tried it with the band, but it really felt like a solo song, so I hadn’t done anything with it. It felt like a title track and one of the greatest journeys we all go on—the search for love.
Is there a specific theme or message you want to convey through this release?
The more I wrote the album, I realized that I’m still writing about journeys of the heart and soul—love, grief, new opportunities, coming home. I guess the whole thing is a metaphor for life. I just want people to find something they relate to, can tap their toes to, and sing at the top of their voices.
Can you walk us through the process of creating this project? Any memorable moments from recording or writing that stand out?
All of the songs fit together like a journey, but they were each created in their own unique way. “Atlas” was very solitary. “Wonder Of My World” was actually written for a pitch for Judy Tzuke with David Vine, who I’ve worked with before, and Matt Vincent-Brown, but I loved it so much I kept it when she didn’t take it! I lost my grandmother at the age of 100 during this time—we were very close—and “True North” I wrote with Rosie Bell, who dealt amazingly with the onslaught of emotion.
Are there any particular tracks on the EP/album that you feel especially connected to, and why?
I think for me, Atlas, Wanderlust, and True North are the front runners, but I love all the songs, and I genuinely feel like this album represents some of my best work.
How has your music evolved since you first started? Have there been any significant changes in your style or approach?
I’m very proud of this project as a whole. I think the concept makes the songs have a stronger relationship to each other than my previous works. I’ve continued to work on my craft, and I hope that shows in my wordsmithing and how I put ideas across. More often, I consciously try now to make songs open to interpretation so my listeners can relate them to their own lives.
What have you learned about yourself as both an artist and a person through your musical journey?
I think my artistry has matured as I have, and I have learned to trust myself more, both in the songbook and in real life.
Do you have any specific goals or areas you want to explore musically in the future?
I want to get out and play as much as I can. I really love connecting with live audiences, and there’s no substitute for that live experience. I’d love to do a USA tour. I’ve started offering house concerts since the pandemic and love getting out to people who may not be able to go out to see live music. It’s an incredibly intimate experience that none of us forget. I’d love to do more of that. I also am really enjoying composing—it’s a totally different set of muscles—so if any filmmakers are looking for an artsy score, I’m your gal.
Also Read: Douglas Vermeeren: The Rising Star Set to Dominate
How do you navigate the challenges of the modern music industry? Any tips for independent or emerging artists?
As I’ve said, there’s no substitute for getting out and playing. For all the tools we have now, nothing shapes an artist like live gigs. My advice would be to get out and support your local grassroots venues. The more of them we have, the more we will all be able to grow.
Who are your biggest musical influences right now, and how do they inspire you?
The opportunity to work with songwriters that wrote songs I loved as a kid is just mind-blowing. To be in a room with Shelley and Paul, holding my own, is testament to my growth. They’re both still very much active and writing new music all the time. I always feel excited, alive, and motivated when I’ve seen either of them, and that is such a gift in this industry that can be such hard work.
Are there any current trends in music that excite or influence your work?
I’m really loving the return of acoustic guitars in mainstream pop music. Artists like Lewis Capaldi, Olivia Rodrigo, and of course Taylor Swift and Ed Sheeran, just prove that a good song only needs to have six strings underneath it.
How do you connect with your fans? Do social media and live performances play a big role in your relationship with your audience?
I am on all the socials, and I play as much as I can. I have a Facebook group and a live Zoom every week, so wherever I am in the world, I get online with my listeners and we chat. It’s a fantastic community, and I love that two-way element. They have begun to make friends amongst themselves, which makes live shows and live streams even more special.
What’s the best feedback or message you’ve received from a fan?
That my music has helped them when they’ve felt low. That’s why I started writing, so to be able to offer comfort in someone’s darkest hours is the greatest privilege and service.
What can we expect next from you? Do you have any upcoming projects, tours, or collaborations in the works?
Atlas the single is out on Valentine’s Day! And the album is out on 13th April. I’m having a launch in Portsmouth, Hampshire, UK, on that day—dress code ‘around the world,’ so bring your Hawaiian shirts, sarongs, and saris. An album launch always feels like a wedding to me, so this time we’re having a photoshoot with all the audience, like a big family wedding. I want to make a real fuss of everyone who comes.
Where do you see your music taking you in the next few years?
I’m booking more shows and festivals and just want to be live with my listeners as much as possible. I will do a house concert anywhere in the world, so contact me if you’d like me to come to you!
What advice would you give to young or emerging artists trying to break into the industry?
Work on your craft. It’s too easy to use shortcuts now and think that you can cut corners. Never lose respect for the craft of creativity. stay humble.
Are there any mistakes you’ve made or lessons you’ve learned that you’d like to share to help others on their journey?
It took me way too long to trust my own voice. Do your research but trust your gut.
If you could collaborate with any artist, dead or alive, who would it be and why?
It has to be Carole King. Her album Tapestry is the reason I wanted to be a songwriter.
Outside of music, what other passions or hobbies do you have? How do they influence your creative work?
I love the outdoors and volunteer at a wildlife reserve. Getting back to nature keeps me grounded and gives me time to breathe and recharge in the midst of this mad, mad world.
Finally, what do you hope listeners take away from your music?
If anything I have written comforts or relates to you, then I’m a happy artist.
Any final messages for your fans or upcoming listeners before your release?
I’m all about real connections and making memories with people. If you’d like to hang out, please pop along to my Facebook group and/or my Zoom if you can’t make it to a live show. I hope there’s something on Atlas that will make you sing, laugh, dance, or shed a tear if you need it.
DiElle’s music is a reflection of her journey, her emotions, and her desire to connect with people through her art. As she prepares for the release of her upcoming album Atlas and continues to engage with her fans through live performances and social media, DiElle remains committed to creating music that comforts, inspires, and resonates with her audience. For those who can’t attend her live shows, she warmly invites everyone to join her Facebook group or weekly Zoom sessions for a more personal connection. Whether her songs make you sing, dance, or shed a tear, DiElle’s mission is to create lasting memories and genuine connections with her listeners.