SAMMIES • Diamond Dez

All-time favorite song?

01.31.20

Would probably have to be ... super random ... *drum roll* ... ”Sweet Dreams” by Eurythmics. That song is hard. I vibe with the lyrics/melody and love that it’s a classic.

As a child growing up, music surrounds us. What type of music did you hear the most back then? How does it differ from what you listen to now?

01.31.20

Growing up, my grandma was very strict and would not allow me to listen to “secular” music, wanting to shield my innocent ears. I heard a ton of gospel growing up, but that didn’t mean I didn’t sneak away next door for some Spice Girls parties haha! No, but really, my dad listened to a lot of oldies and hip-hop so those were my roots as I snuck to listen to the radio’s top hits in the '90s. I feel I still honor what I grew up listening to in a sense, but I definitely added some new genres in there like metal.

Can you describe a moment in your musical career, where you felt like you truly reached somebody or made a difference?

01.30.20

Since 2017, I have been heavily active in my community. I was invited into the Sacramento Youth Detention Center, (Sacramento’s only Juvenile Hall) where I reached at-risk youth through performing arts, motivational speaking and mentoring, and one-on-one counseling. Their response is everything. The youth are my passion and I do everything in my power to make a difference in their lives through my musical career.

Describe your show visually and musically.

01.31.20

High energy, head banging, barzzzz, big bass and too much swag.

Do you have regular gigs around town?

01.31.20

To be honest and with all due respect, I turn down a lot of shows in Sacramento because I am trying to focus on GIVING my time and talents BACK to my community without burning myself out. It’s simple if there is no “greater cause” I might not have the time for it. But yes, I’m always playing shows. I just perform differently now days as I perform with purpose, but hey, that doesn’t mean I won’t pop up at a public club or venue every now and then.

Favorite colors?

01.31.20

I am a chameleon ... ha! It really depends on what the colors are going on! My hair? My clothes? Decor?
I’m ridiculous: Turquoise, yellow, lime green, pink, gold, black, white and orange all of a sudden? And I used to HATE ORANGE. Unless it was juice, but I mean look at my hair so ... yeah I’m a mess.

Favorite guitar player?

01.31.20

Jimi Hendrix.

How did it first start?

01.31.20

It all started when I got nominated ... haha! Someone tagged me on IG because they peeped the SN&R! Boom! It was all a dream.

How do you describe your interviews to people?

01.31.20

No one has ever asked me that question before, haha ... uhhh they gotta be interesting or why even interview me!? So interesting. I mean, are you interested yet?

How do you describe your music to people?

01.31.20

Good ENERGY!!!!!!

How do you feel about musical award competitions?

01.31.20

I like them a lot. I’ve been supporting the SAMMIES since 2013. One time, I showed up to the awards and people assumed I was nominated ... NOPE. Ha! But yeah, they encouraged us to keep up the hard work! It’s not easy being a hardworking local artist! So thank YOU for what YOU do!

If you could be any character from history, who would it be?

01.31.20

That’s a fire question!!! Uhhhh ... I would be ... you know what? It would be hella lit to go on adventures and kick it with Jesus so I'ma have to say Peter. You know, one of the 12 disciples. Guess I’d have to be a dude, but at least I’d get to walk on water for a few seconds, cut someone’s ear off and pee standing.

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what animal would you be?

01.31.20

A bird duhhhh but like a dope one.

If your band was a movie, what movie would it be?

01.31.20

If I was a movie, I would be the Wizard of Oz. My life is crazy, but I’m still going to help people on my way to the yellow brick road, haha.

Is there a central theme to your band's music?

01.31.20

I MAKE MUSIC FOR THE YOUTH.

Name a pet peeve.

01.31.20

Laziness.

Name a recent personal food trend.

01.31.20

Sushi all day.

Tell us about how the band formed.

01.31.20

I started my public music career around 2013. I was a dive bar mermaid at the time. It’s a story. I started out doing pop music because my manager at the time basically decided that is what I was going to do. I learned a lot to say the least ha!

Tell us about how you first started gigging.

01.31.20

Harlow’s was my very first performance aw! Thanks Harlow’s! I’ve hit up a lot of dope places in Sacramento! I had a great start! I was making a lot of noise downtown especially! I Love you sac!

Tell us about this creative project. What is it?

01.31.20

I just released New Reign an EP with black market records last year 2019 go check it out! I’m about to start writing my next project and this one is based on my story. It’s going to be very vulnerable. Pretty sure it’s going to be called Beautifully Broken.

Tell us about your best gig in Sac.

01.31.20

Hard question to answer! I’ve had tons of dope shows in Sac, but the most recent I would say when I opened up for Cam’ron look at Harlow’s shining! Ha, that show was littttttttttttttttttttttt! For real, low key regret not crowed surfing.

Tell us about your worst gig.

01.31.20

Uhhhhhhh nothing comes to mind. I always enjoy performing and I stay making connections with people so I can’t think of a worst gig. Maybe one day if I piss my pants or something?? Then that would probably be the worst gig.

Tell us about yourself.

01.31.20

I AM FREE!!! I have told you so much already. I’m fun. There.

What are your musical goals?

01.31.20

GO BIG! Take it to the top. Put Sacramento on the map! Change the world.

What artist or band are you a little embarrassed to love, and why?

01.31.20

Ummmm ... I am not embarrassed to love anything I love.

What did you want to be when you were 7?

01.31.20

A singer.

What do you sing in the shower? (Be honest.)

01.30.20

I find myself talking to God in the shower honestly. For me, it’s a time of self reflection so when I say, “Hey Google” to turn on some music, it becomes a spiritual experience. Just think of Kanye West’s new album. You’ll find me vibin' to that.

What drives you to keep interviewing even though the music industry can be so harsh?

01.31.20

I'ma do me, everyday!!! No person will stop me, not even all of them.

What drives you to keep playing even though the music industry can be so harsh?

01.31.20

No one or nothing can take what is mine.

What message do you hope to give with your music?

01.31.20

Stay true to yourself, don’t give up on hope or faith.

What's next for you?

01.31.20

I am beginning my process of starting a nonprofit organization that prepares youth for their future and more music of course, which comes with opportunities to grow as an artist.

What's something most of your friends don't know about you?

01.31.20

I'm a loner, haha.

What's the best part of this experience?

01.31.20

I have the privilege of being better connected with my community. So, thank you.

What's the story behind your stage name?

01.31.20

Long story, or stories, weird how the name “Diamond Dez” has been magnetic and assigned to me in deep ways. Let’s just say for now I didn’t make myself.

What's your favorite jam from the '90s?

01.31.20

"California Love” by 2Pac.

What's your favorite local artist/group?

01.31.20

A New Kid on the Block: Kyd Sway check him out. He’s extremely raw and talented.

What’s your favorite song to perform live right now?

01.31.20

I actually just took home a trophy for 1st place from a talent show for this specific song. I mostly perform it at the end of my performances—and since I love trophies—(Haha!) No, I really appreciate the emotional affect it has on everyone including myself. It’s an acoustic cover of “My Heart” by Paramore.

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

01.31.20

With an organization that truly makes an impact on the youth, feeding the hungry and hungry children.
Being a mentor for fostered youth, and youth anywhere. Helping the homeless, helping addicts recover and heal. Helping those who suffer from depression, anxiety and traumas, and more. I just want to successfully help people. My Music will allow me to do these things one day.

Who are your biggest influences?

01.31.20

Powerful women of their era. It all started with the first power vocal I ever heard Crystal Lewis. As a child, Spice Girls in elementary school. You know, “blah, blah, blah girl power!” Missy Elliot in middle school. Ricky, a female screamer from an underground punk band called Beyond Your Eyes. She was my first punk show. Hayley Williams in my scene queen days, lol! Rihanna as a young adult. SWAG.

I met Lady Gaga right before she became famous (I was in her first music video “Just Dance.”) I related to her music production and style. Over all, my biggest influences were classic, iconic women like Rosa Parks, Josephine Baker, Marilyn Monroe, Bettie Page, Audrey Hepburn, Aretha Franklin and Selena (NOT GOMEZ!) But anything for Selena!

Who first inspired you to play music?

01.31.20

I started singing in church, so I blame God.

Who is your secret star crush?

01.31.20

Post Malone haaaha!

Words to live by?

01.31.20

Walk by faith not by sight.

You're given a magic wand. What do you do with it?

01.31.20

Save the world.

Diamond Dez

Q & A

All-time favorite song?

As a child growing up, music surrounds us. What type of music did you hear the most back then? How does it differ from what you listen to now?

Can you describe a moment in your musical career, where you felt like you truly reached somebody or made a difference?

Describe your show visually and musically.

Do you have regular gigs around town?

Favorite colors?

Favorite guitar player?

How did it first start?

How do you describe your interviews to people?

How do you describe your music to people?

How do you feel about musical award competitions?

If you could be any character from history, who would it be?

If you were stranded on a deserted island, what animal would you be?

If your band was a movie, what movie would it be?

Is there a central theme to your band's music?

Name a pet peeve.

Name a recent personal food trend.

Tell us about how the band formed.

Tell us about how you first started gigging.

Tell us about this creative project. What is it?

Tell us about your best gig in Sac.

Tell us about your worst gig.

Tell us about yourself.

What are your musical goals?

What artist or band are you a little embarrassed to love, and why?

What did you want to be when you were 7?

What do you sing in the shower? (Be honest.)

What drives you to keep interviewing even though the music industry can be so harsh?

What drives you to keep playing even though the music industry can be so harsh?

What message do you hope to give with your music?

What's next for you?

What's something most of your friends don't know about you?

What's the best part of this experience?

What's the story behind your stage name?

What's your favorite jam from the '90s?

What's your favorite local artist/group?

What’s your favorite song to perform live right now?

Where do you see yourself in ten years?

Who are your biggest influences?

Who first inspired you to play music?

Who is your secret star crush?

Words to live by?

You're given a magic wand. What do you do with it?

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