The Square Table

Diana Berry

interview by Dina Di Maio

I notice you say you first played Kenny’s at 19, how did you get into music, obviously you were young?

I've been playing and writing music since I was 4 years old. It's just something that came out of me at a very young age. It was kind of unusual because my earliest songs-we're talking before the age of ten all dealt with lost love and break ups.

So you have a new band? How is that working out?

Actually since the Kenny’s show the band has disbanded it's funny how the universe throws you curves. You never know what's coming. It’s all good though cause while I’m trying to figure out shows and beginning a new cd. It’s more like a solo project with quest players. I know plenty by now and I happily approach this new journey of which I had not intended.

What was the transition like?

Yes the transition was very hard but also really interesting. Every time I play or record I learn so much more.

I really like your music. From what I heard on the site, you sound a bit like Janis Joplin. Was she a musical influence? Who are your influences?

Influences were not Janis though I have though I have been told that before. I also get Debbie Harry, Patti smith, Jim Morrison, Johnette Napolianato from Concrete Blonde and good ol’ Mick jagger. My real influences at this moment are this really cool singer/actor Jordan Christopher from the 60's band Jordan Christopher and the Wild Ones, the amazing vocal mastery of Robert Palmer, the vibe of Marianne Faithfull, the creativity of Kate Bush, and Bowie, the vampiness of Christine Amphlett of the Divnyls, rawness of Bob Dylan and the songs of Burt Bacharach, and yes you gotta love those Stones and Beatles always.

What is your creative process? Do you write the songs--lyrics and music?

Usually write lyric and music with one and other then I do a home demo, which seals the deal you know brings it all together then I bring the song into the studio with the players that I’m playing with at the moment.

What is the theme of your new album? It sounds like you've had some changes in life. Is that reflected in the songs?

Yes. It’s all based on this amazing relationship that began on Valentines Day 2001 and ended soon after with no closure . It was amazing I felt I had met the person or soul that I was to be with just magical then they disappeared. So weird and sooooo powerful.

Where can Square Table readers catch you next?

I’ll be playing as part of go girls rock on Jan 15 at 9pm. Please see my site for more info.