Naomi Diane Chasing the Sun Interview
Bursting with warm grooves, supple basslines and glossy vocals, the divine debut single Chasing The Sun out today from Gamilaroi singer-songwriter Naomi Diane is an entirely sunny affair, capturing carefree summer vibes with polished delivery.
Now based in Melbourne but originally growing up in Wollongong, Naomi Diane's experience adapting from coastal living to city life ultimately sparked the core thematics at the heart of Chasing The Sun, with the buoyant and joyous track also drawing inspiration from Lianne La Havas, Tennis, Men I Trust and Harry Styles' sophomore 2019 album Fine Line. An upbeat amalgamation of pop elements, indie hues and jangly grooves, Chasing The Sun is the ultimate summertime bop painstakingly crafted to soundtrack warm adventures, as Naomi Diane explains, "Chasing The Sun speaks to the challenge of moving to a colder city, and finding a new community and a sense of belonging. And I have terrible circulation, so I ended up on many trips north to soften that chilly blow".
Inspired by her own personal experiences, with heightened inspiration also arriving courtesy of her housemates at the time, producer and co-writer Tyler Millott (The Terrifying Lows) and the sun-soaked stylings of fellow singer-songwriter Ben Wright Smith, Naomi Diane's maiden solo release traces its origins far beyond its joyous release in 2023, with the irresistible earworm recorded two and a half years ago amongst Melbourne's extensive lockdowns, as Naomi Diane elaborates, "I'm so stoked to finally release this track. It feels like the right time to put it out there. It was mostly recorded in our loungeroom in Eaglemont, after many nights around the fire listening to music and sharing hearts when Melbourne was shut down. I want to it to be pumped in car speakers as people get out of the city for adventures! I want people to dance to it under the summer sun, feeling free."
An all-round creative with equal passions for music and nature, Naomi Diane can usually be found hanging with friends at gigs, cooking, or exploring parks and rivers. Currently also balancing her burgeoning solo musical pursuits alongside working full time as a mentor and advisor for a non-profit Indigenous internship program and singing backing vocals for The Deans of Soul, Estelle Conley, Quinny and Angus Montaigne.
Naomi Diane's effortlessly affable and enamouring sensibilities shine as bright as the radiant tones on her brand new single; and it's certainly a beautiful beginning for plenty of future Naomi Diane magic still to come alongside plans to grow with and foster emerging Indigenous artists like herself.
"I always thought I'd be a folky or jazzy artist, but this pop banger has taken me down a really exciting path and I can't wait to let that flourish," Naomi Diane concludes. "An EP and some glorious musical collaborations are on the horizon for 2024. And providing space for mentorship, workshops and yarning circles for mob who want to get their music out there."
Chasing The Sun is out now
NAOMI DIANE INTERVIEW ON CHASING THE SUN
First up, can you please give us a quick intro?
How would you describe your music?
Naomi Diane: Upbeat, dreamy, affectionate and curious
Can you tell us about your new single Chasing the Sun?
Naomi Diane: Chasing The Sun is an indie pop earworm to dance to on an adventure with friends/family. It speaks to adjusting to living in a colder city and finding a sense of belonging in a new community.
What inspired Chasing the Sun?
Naomi Diane: I was living in a musician share house in Eaglemont during lockdown, time moved slower and I was absorbing a lot of new music from the boys. One of the boys (Ben Wright Smith) has this fun tune called 'Sand Grabber', the chorus lyrics were stuck in my head all the time 'we're twisting in the sun, like a sand grabber'. With those words swirling, often day dreaming about summer and being back in my home town, and yarnin with my housemates about adventures out of Melbourne to warmer places before covid was a thing naturally the line chasing the sun fell into my lap.
Is there a particular message you hope listeners take from your music?
Naomi Diane: That you can transform difficult moments in life into joy and gratitude.
Do you prefer performing live or recording?
Naomi Diane: I've done more live performing, so probably that. Especially because it's attached to spending time with friends, making new ones and letting your performance personality take charge.
What motivates you most when writing music?
Naomi Diane: Being in a relaxed state, I feel so creative when I've spent time outside winding down from the influence of others. But on the flip side I listen to music all the time (when commuting, working, exercising, cooking, and hanging with friends), I take little snippets that I love from those creations and kneed them into my own.
Which music/artists are you currently listening to?
Naomi Diane: Kokoroko, Cousin Tony's Brand New Firebird, Ella Thompson, Olivia Dean, Mood Spill.
What or who was your inspiration to go into the music industry?
Naomi Diane: I didn't really get involved in the music industry when I studied music, it wasn't until I dated someone who worked in it a few years ago. Opportunities popped up to record and perform a lot after that. It was as if there was a big neon sign above that door saying walk this way!
If you could collaborate with another artist, who would it be?
Naomi Diane: Lianne La Havas, she's fab at so many different vibes. I love her melodies, lyrics and adaptability.
What has been your favourite part of becoming a music artist?
Naomi Diane: The growth in my confidence and the amazing friends I've made in the scene.
What's a typical day like?
Naomi Diane: Working in my full time mentor/advisor role at an Indigenous Internship program, then heading off to a rehearsal, and probably watching a friends band after that. I live a full and busy life!
What advice do you have for aspiring songwriters or artists?
Naomi Diane: Get involved in the community, make pals and get them to share their experiences with you to help guide your own.
What's next, for you?
Naomi Diane: Fleshing out demos with collaborators and then jumping into the studio! I want to release an EP next year.
Can you share your socials?
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