Esco: You hit me saying that you wanted to talk, let's talk
Daria: yes lets talk.... hmmm where do I begin?
Esco: Who is Daria Jones?
Daria: I hit you up because I am ready for the people to know who Daria Jones really is
Daria Jones is Soulful, Melodic, Beautiful Child of God. wanting to touch the lives of others through song. through music.
Esco: I'm going to act like I have never met you a day of my life and have no idea what your voice sounds like
Daria: Yea I figured that
Esco: What is it that you do?
Daria: I want to touch lives through lyrics, I am a singer/songwriter... Mentor to students (okay i just got nervous) lmao
Esco: Why? How Long have you been singing and songwriting?
Daria: this is off the record unless you want to put it... nervous because I feel like I've been off the scene but really I haven't I just haven't been doing things for Daria
Esco: Everything is on the record... Miss. So yes how long have you been singing and songwriting; where did you get your start?
Daria: okay I have been singing since I was a child, my mom always had me in pageants and talent shows. I've been songwriting for the last 8-10 years. A group of producers I started working with just to reference songs saw something in me that I didn't see in myself... They started pushing me to write and be expressive in music. Ever since I've been going... the pen and paper have become my best friend..
Esco: Dope... What do you feel your strong point is as far as your talents go?
Daria: I feel like my strongest point is my voice. I think no matter what it is I'm singing the passion behind what I do always shows.
Esco: Who are some of the artists that inspire you
Daria: Hmmmm the list is so long, but I will keep it simple, of course our Beloved Whitney Houston, nobody in the world like her... now then there is Jill Scott, Patti Labelle, lately Nina Simone has become an inspiration I've been listening to her on and off. Also Billy Holiday, Ella Fitzgerald, Stevie Wonder, Donni Hathaway
Esco: At this point in your career, which direction would you like to go?
Daria: At this point I would like to put out a few more projects. I am actually trying to write for other artist and more so pursue a writing career along with my personal goals as an artist.
Esco: I've played some of your songs around strangers and they thought I was playing an unreleased Beyonce track, have you ever heard that reference before?
Daria: I get that a lot, and I take it as a huge compliment. Beyonce is a great entertainer. I think in some of my more recent works people will be able to distinguish the two voices as I have developed into becoming more in tune with my craft and developing it in who I am.
Esco: Cool...
Daria: yea I worded that wrong but you get what I'm saying... lolol
Esco: I was on the phone with Rsonist (The Heatmakerz) yesterday... we were discussing the difference between a singer, rapper or even a producer and an artist. Do you understand what the difference between singing and being an artist is?
Daria: There is a complete difference... I call myself a singer but I would love to be considered an artist.. most ppl don't understand what you mean when you say "I'm an artist" I feel like I am an artist because I create, I feel, I express what it is I want you as "the listener" to feel, I express my pain, love, joy sadness etc. all my emotions in my song. A singer can't do that. I live what I create and feel. and want you to live it when you hear it... I feel like thats why I am an artist... Do you agree??? As an artist whether your a producer, rapper, singer, poet, painter, builder its all because of CREATIVE EXPRESSION...
Esco: Yes, also an artist will do whatever it takes to get to the point where they need to be... there is no limit to what they will do to obtain their dreams.
Daria: YES! NO LIMITS TO OBTAINING THE DREAM... GRIND
Esco: I agree that's why I feel that there isn't any bad music because it's all the expressions of the person
Daria: I disagree... There is bad music... Lol.. Because there are some artist out here who while yes your expressing yourself, and that may be your reality... But music is supposed to change lives for the better... I had a conversation with a producer recently and what he said made so much since... Why are we artist creating music if we can't change a mind, a heart, a soul for the better.. (not in those exact words, but my interpretation) and if you ask anyone in my circle they know I'm all about creating positive atmosphere
Esco: That is your reality... some people don't have a positive aura.
Daria: Yes while that is my reality, I see what goes on around me and its not pretty...I feel like some artist and I am not knocking anybody for what they do, because I will always respect anyones craft, I do feel like when your in a certain light... WE ARE SUPPOSED TO TEACH AND TAKE LEAD. and that is when CHANGE needs to come about. AS AN ARTIST I have a responsibility to CREATE HOPE! My personal feelings and opinions..
Esco: Of course and some don't have the Creative Control to do so
Daria: TRUTH IN THAT!!! NO CREATIVE CONTROL. thats when you ask the question "when do I STOP selling MY SOUL to the DEVIL???
Esco: Hmmm Religion.... so back to the music.
Daria: LMAO... NO religion... then let me rephrase the question.. "When do I STOP selling into WHAT THE MAN says I have to?' In all honesty because we know who the man is? I'm just saying... When do I as an artist STOP signing my life away and what it is that I really believe in.... when do I begin my own empire? Its so deep.. I just know that it can be done... Do I have to live on top of the world or can I just live comfortably making a salary doing what I love.. Not struggling but still being an artist..
Esco: Things have drastically changed in the music business... you have to be presented to them as a complete package already. Today do you feel like you are the complete package to be presented to an office such as Atlantic or Universal?
Presenting to Atlantic or Universal... hmmmm
Daria: Nope! I'm too curvy for them. My sex appeal won't sell so "they" say...
Esco: Or how about playing chess with them as you would get what you need to use to create your own comfort... not a question but a thought... Jill did it
Daria: Jill did it.. but Jill did it with Hidden Beach... Creating their own...
Kelly did it... but they tried to hide Kelly for a really long time. I think I have what it takes I believe I am a total package.. I just know what I have been told and what major labels continue to show and want to sell... if a major label backed me.. I'd sell... but I think they rather someone who can sell sex to the imagination...
Esco: With that said, what do you think would capture fans?
Daria: For me to capture my supporters hmmm point blank period no boasting... MY VOICE is enough... I'm no performer I don't jump around on stage I simply open my mouth and let the words and melody's flow. As I slip the people into a trance with my soft n sweet tone,
Esco: I've been to labels... they still search for talent but its far from traditional... they're actually on blogs looking for people; looking for videos, looking for music so nowadays it's more of an internet presence thing than anything. Is there anyone, or rather with who mainstream or underground that you will love to work with?
Daria: hmmm. there are quite a few mainstream and underground artist that I would like to work with... Jill Scott and Beyonce definitely. Marsha Ambroise, from floetry, Carvin Hagins, producer, Musiq the Soul Child and Anthony Hamilton. Suzy Q, Nick Wiz, Stress (worked with him before, but on his projects, can't wait to work with him on mine) Dox Diggla I would like to bring him in as a writer on future projects... Rae (singer/Songwriter) for Dee Town Entertainment.
Esco: Dope, familiar with all...
Esco: What else would u like to talk to me about? Of course this isnt an interview... remember. I got nothing but time... I'm sitting on the deck sipping Sangria.
Daria: damn can I get some Sangria... lololol. Well I am currently working and writing some new stuff... I would like to release this project by the end of 2012 or early 2013 no later than February. I will be shooting a video for a song I did called
Get To Know You this weekend... The song was produced by Stress and of course written by me. Its old but new to everyone else. I have to remember whats OLD to me, is NEW to everyone else. I have songs that I haven't release out of fear that no one will like it or its not what people want to hear... which is why I did have to take the time out for Daria to sit back and reevaluate my situation, am I an artist? or am I just doing this because is this what ppl expect me to do because I know how to sing? those are questions I had to ask myself over and over time and time again
Esco: You should really try to conquer that fear, because even as an R&B artists you can put out mix tapes. Theres an artist by the name of Sonyae Elise, I pretty much got to know through her mixtapes which are super dope... I'm just giving you some formula to follow. Doing so you will create your internet presence.
Daria: Yes which is why I reached out to you. I am so over the fear, I know who Daria Jones is today. I've been torn down broken into pieces over the last few years by people. Felt like I wasn't good enough to do this, that I wasn't worthy of doing what I LOVED TO DO SO MUCH!
I am ready to conquer and gain control of my life and my music.
Esco: That is part of the road to success honestly. If you have never wanted to quit then you have never worked hard enough.
Daria: Speaking of mixed tapes.. I reached out to DJ Steel for some help on that... Timing was a little off for both of us.. so I am hoping within the next month or so...
Then that just lets me know that I have been working hard... Because I was at the point I wanted to quit and give it all up...
Esco: I think with ther should be one the DJ and one without, kind of like an album.. it's up to you though.
Daria: Yea I reached out to him more so for his help and insight on the project... Just wanted him to do an intro and outro... nothing in between... And most likely I would record it with him ...
Esco: I push the internet thing so much... as if I worked for Google. It really is important but there has to be a formula, a POA that you follow. Yes, Steel's great at executive producing a project... he has the ear to place songs right where they need to be.
Daria: I'm gonna look up the artist Sonyae. Sounds dope... and coming from you I'm sure...
Esco: Yup, Sonyae Elise...
Daria: Yea thats what I was thinking about Steel.. I just felt like he would be a great help and asset to the project...
Esco: I've seen pics of you in other countries... care to talk about that?
Daria: Yes I've been traveling with the Harlem Gospel Choir... Its been a pretty amazing experience. I'm very grateful n blessed for the opportunity. I didn't think it was such a big deal at first because it wasn't my solo career. Yes big Deal to Travel n see the world but I felt like well its not my thing. And then one conversation with a really good friend Dox he said "D dot, look at it this way, you still get to do what you love" those simple words changed my thought pattern completely. I get to do what I love. Its not my music but I get to touch the stage n be able to touch a life through song
Esco: I love traveling so I think anyway it gets done is a great way!!!
Daria: Well yes I loved the traveling. And I loved being away with the people I have been able to tour with...they have become a major part of my life. My new family n friends who I know will be there forever
Esco: So, we've touched on alot... anything I didn't talk about that you would like to discuss?
Daria: Uuum I think we've covered the majority of everything.. do u? I mean Is there anything else you would like to know. I basically just wanted my supporters to know I'm still around n still working hard at this. That even though I wanted to quit I won't and I can't. I want those that don't know about me to get ready and be prepared to hear more from me. ANOTHER REALLY GREAT FRIEND he will remain nameless lets call him E-knot(Esco) said "if u want opportunity you have to create it" And that's exactly what I intend on doing . :) Peace Love n Butterflies I'm out
Signed, Miss Sooouuul Melodic
DARIA JONES
@Dariasings2u for twitter, facebook and instagram
a sample -->
http://youtu.be/MSPCzQRwl2E
(btw, I'm Daria's former manager... she's super talented!!!)
