Today we’d like to introduce you to Diana Feria.
Hi Diana, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself
Hi! I’ve been surrounded by music since I can remember. (Daughter of a singing mother, an artist father and sister of a talented producer, singer and songwriter) there was always some type of rehearsal in my house!
I did my first show at 6 years old in front of my school, I was so nervous! but I also remember feeling great on stage for the first time!
At the age of 16 (2002). I left my family in the Canary Islands (Spain) to broaden my musical horizons in Barcelona, where I studied classical piano at the Badalona Music School while getting to know the abundant “jam sessions” in the city.
I was able to meet an intriguing array of international musicians who have helped and inspired my musical education.
I then started composing my own songs, and at the age of 18, I began performing regularly in public, experimenting with new musical genres (Salsa, Reggae, Rnb, HipHop or Pop..)
When I was 19 I was already making a living as a singer, songwriter, vocal/music producer, recording engineer and keyboard player.
I participated on the Spanish soundtrack of the movie HAPPY FEET 2 (Warner Spain) and also got a Master’s Degree in Vocal Jazz & Modern Music from ESMUC (College of Music of Catalonia.)
Barcelona offered so many opportunities and I will always be so grateful for that amazing experience!
In 2011 I moved to Morocco to perform with Rootsmama (duo with Susanna Abellan) in some of the biggest venues such as B-Rock (Casablanca) or Cotton Club (Rabat) and also performed at Mawazine Festival (Rabat).
We even got to perform in a special private party for the sons of Mohammed VI (king of Morocco) That was such a great experience too!
In 2013, I took a further step to Los Angeles and graduated on the Independent Artist Program at Musicians Institute, improving my skills on songwriting, production, mixing and mastering.
I am so inspired and motivated by this city! My music is constantly evolving but I’m closer to my roots than ever before!
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Being away from my family and home it’s being definitely hard but being able to legally stay in this country was not easy either!
You really have to know what you want, and fight for it.
It was worth it!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
Being able to do many different things had been a blessing and a curse. It requires discipline and organization (something that I’ve always struggled with) but once I accepted that I am a multitalented artist, and that I can do everything I put my heart on, things started working in my favor. I am most known for doing recording sessions (vocals) but I also produce and record my own songs and help other artist develop their creativity.
In the meantime, I am a proud educator, I teach piano, voice and songwriting to many amazing kids. Our future generation comes strong!
What do you like and dislike about the city?
About Los Angeles, I like the challenge. The “you better know what you want and who you are” because you can get lost easily. That makes me better and stronger everyday. What I don’t like so much, is the difficulty (as a foreigner) to build deep and long lasting relationships/friendships. But after 8 years, it’s getting better. 🙂
Contact Info:
- Email: dianaferiamusic@gmail.com
- Website: www.dianaferia.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/dianitaferia
- Youtube: www.youtube.com/dianitaferia
- SoundCloud: www.soundcloud.com/dianaferia
