Diviniti special Interview
"Learning to love me" singer songwriter, Diviniti is different, there is no need to mention her voice, we all know how great that is ...in this exclusive interview she shows her no-frills, deep persona is as real as her amazing voice.
(the interview was done via e-mail)
Q1. Who did you get the most influences from for your music ?
It's very difficult to name just one person who influences me musically. When I was younger, I would listen to the music that my family would play around the house. That covered everything from Chicago , Steely Dan and Peter Frampton; to The Beatles, Simon & Garfunkel, and The Eagles. I was exposed to all types of music - I even played classical violin for about 13 years. All of those different musical energies helped to influence me in one way or another.
Q2. What is/are your favourite books/music at the moment ?
Between my job as a teacher and singing and songwriting it's tough to find time for leisure reading. One of my favorite books is "The Four Agreements" by Don Miguel Ruiz. I'm slowly working my way through "The Power of Now" by Eckart Tolle. That's a heavy one, but I'm enjoying it. I always enjoy different types of music, so it's hard to pinpoint one thing I'm listening to right now. I recently saw a documentary about the making of Simon and Garfunkel's "Bridge Over Troubled Water" album, so I'm really into them at the moment. Their sound...their lyrics...they are awesome.
Q3. What is your hobby, something you love to do (apart from music) ?
I like to read, when I have time, either books or magazines. Within the last few years I have started developing my eye as a photographer also. I really enjoy it too. It's very relaxing. I like to solve logic puzzles and brainteasers. I enjoy watching TV, cooking, and traveling as well.
Q4. Do you cook? if so, what is your signature food ?
Yes, I do cook - and I enjoy it! I have quite a few signature foods: lasagna - either with beef or chicken, salmon croquettes, and I make a mean pot of fried cabbage (onion, cabbage carrots, celery, tomatoes, mushrooms). Yummy!
Q5. Your lyrics are deep and very spiritual, do you have favourite thinkers/philosophers? is there anything that you got influenced by in your life, on the wisdom side?
I don't have a favorite philosopher, but many of the books I enjoy most tend to be self-help or spiritual. The Bible is at the top of the list. I have also gotten a lot from Don Miguel Ruiz ("The Four Agreements"), Eckhart Tolle ("A New Earth") and Marianne Williamson. One of the things that I have learned, though, is that more I read these books and take in the ideas of the author the more I realize is that we have all of this knowledge within ourselves. We just need to trust it - and listen to it.
Q6. The lyrics shows the opposite side of "to love me" from the "normal" modern world term, we often use "love me" as something like "narcism" , a selfish love, something that we feel that we ought to hide or hesitate to express, but the lyrics of "learning to love me" shows, someone who can find harmony somewhere else, but has neglected his/her self, therefore they have lost who really she/he is and is learning to love/care about he/herself.
this is a subtle difference, how much impact do you think that people would get in their life from these words, and learning to love themselves in a non selfish way ?
"Learning to Love Me" came from a very real place deep within me that I really had not looked into before. I was in a lot of pain when I wrote the lyrics and I was searching not only for some peace, but for the answers to some questions. The more I hurt, the deeper I looked and the more I realized that no one could soothe me or answer those questions but me. It's sad, but many people will listen to the words of an outsider before they will tap into their intuition and soul for the answers they seek.
Q7. Was it easy to work with Charles?
It was very easy to work with Charles - and I had wanted to work with him for a long time. We had been communicating via email and Facebook off and on since shortly after he was here in Detroit to play at the Movement Festival. We got along well and had a great rapport. So, when he suggested that we do some work together it was natural for me to agree to it. Things just lined up perfectly - I'm very happy with the results this far.
Q8. Which part of Detroit do you love most?
There are several physical parts of the city that I love, but I think what I love most is the heart and spirit of the city. It's no secret that we have been on hard times for several years - I mean it seems like the recession started here in Detroit and then spread to the rest of the country. But the thing is - we don't give up. Detroiters have this strong, resilient and fighting spirit. And although others would have thrown in the towel long ago, we are still alive and kicking. Detroit is still relevant.
Q9. What is your favourite moment in the day (e.g. dawn, when you are working, creative or just before you go to bed etc) ?
My favorite part of the day is the time between when I first wake up and when I actually get out of bed and begin my day. I usually plan to wake up well before I have to get moving so I can just reflect and plan. It's quiet and I can just be still. There's time to meditate and try to get my head in the right place so the rest of the day can go smoothly.
Q10. Do you think there is such a thing as 'success' in music? If so, what does "success" mean to you?
I used to think of success in music in a very mainstream and concrete way. I used to think you were successful if you were practically a household name and were selling lots of records or CDS. Now, I feel like I am successful musically because I am saying what I want to say - in the way I want to say it - and people are able to relate to it. I'm successful because people appreciate what I say. My words make an impact on people's lives in a positive way- you can't be more successful than that.
Q11. One heavy question, what does "Love" mean to you? ( you don't have to answer this if it's too much. )
Love is peace. To be at peace both within and outside of yourself is love. Love is freedom and understanding. Love is music and harmony. Love is a lot of different things. It's so powerful that it cannot be confined. Love - REAL love - is multi dimensional.
Any messages to your fans...
I'd like to thank my fans - first and foremost. I'm very appreciative of all the love and support I have gotten from them through the years. My goal is to continue giving them high quality work - and I look forward to doing just that.