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10 Questions with ... Jonny Diaz
June 8, 2009
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NAME:Jonny DiazTITLE:Musician
Label:
INO RecordsDiscography:
More Beautiful You (2009)1) Can you give us a brief recap of your musical journey and how you found yourself starting with INO Records?
I went to Florida State University on a baseball scholarship. However, God had different plans. It was during my freshman year that God called me to lay down my bat and glove and start pursuing music as more than a hobby. I recorded my first indie record in 2003. To my amazement, it sold pretty well. I sold enough to fund a second record in 2005. In 2007, I recorded my first album while being a full-time musician (the others were while I was still in college). With over 20,000 CDs sold and hundreds of shows under my belt, I started recording my fourth independent record in the fall of 2008. However, INO Records heard some of the tracks and decided to add me to their roster. My first label release, "More Beautiful You," was released May 5.
2) Tell us what we can hear on the brand new record "More Beautiful You": sounds, words, message.
Musically, "More Beautiful You" is pretty eclectic. I get bored pretty easily, so I intentionally write songs that sound different than others on the CD. I've been told that certain songs sound like John Mayer, Jack Johnson, Rascall Flatts and Jason Mraz Lyrically the album deals with many different aspects of Christianity. My audience is already in the church and already listening to Christian music. So, instead of using songs to introduce people to Jesus (they most likely already know him), I use my songs to challenge, inspire and encourage the body of Christ.
3) What's the story behind the first single "More Beautiful You"?
I really don't understand women! I would never claim that I do. However, one thing that I've learned is that females have an innate desire to feel beautiful. I've also learned that there's nothing wrong with this desire. A problem, however, arises when they start believing our culture's definition of beauty. Our culture says that they have to look a certain way, dress a certain way or weigh a certain amount to be beautiful. This is obviously not what we find in scripture. "More Beautiful You" was written to hopefully speak truth to females that have been buying the lies of our culture for so long.
4) Where were you when you first heard it play on the radio?
I was in my car. It was actually on satellite radio. The coolest part for me was seeing the display on my car stereo have my name written on it.
5) What is your favorite song on the record?
"Stand For You"
6) What does 2009 hold for you, especially any special summer plans?
I have a few camps lined up for summer 2009. I look forward to these because spending a week with students REALLY allows me to build relationships.
7) As you were in the studio working on the new album, did you have any "ah-ha" moments when you thought, "Now we have something - and this is good!"?
We originally used "real" drums to keep the beat for "Stand For You." One of the last days in the studio I got the idea to replace those real drums with an R&B type programmed beat. It's new for me but I love it. It just feels right for the song.
8) Any funny, inspiring or interesting stories to tell from your visits to radio stations?
One day we spent at least an hour in all four time zones. From the time I left my hotel room until the time I retired to my next hotel room was nearly 24 hours. It's not really funny; it's more kinda sad. Haha!
9) If you could have any job outside music, what would it be and why?
I've always wanted to design cars. I like to draw and I love cars. It just fits.
10) Do you have time to listen to much music? What other artists are you listening to right now?
I love discovering music before it gets popular. I listened to John Mayer and Brandon Heath before many people had heard of them.
Bonus Questions
1) Who would be your dream artist to record with (any genre)?
Shane and Shane
2) Favorite city to visit?
San Diego
3) Favorite or best meal while on the road?
Chilis' Fajita Quesadilla
4) Any musical guilty pleasures?
Should I feel guilty about liking Justin Timberlake?
5) What song (any song) do you wish you had written?
"I Can Only Imagine"
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