You Can't Break Down Corin Diaz
Mustard had the pleasure of speaking with Nashville poet turned singer-songwriter Corin Diaz who recently released their newest single "Aisle."
One of the most fascinating things about humans is their emotions. As a condiment who is unable to feel as humans do they are astonished by everything humans feel. Whether the emotions are positive or negative humans have that incredible ability to feel, process those emotions, and reflect on them. Humans are social creatures; building comradery and relationships with one another. These relationships develop over time allowing for new emotions to be unlocked. Unfortauntely though; feelings can be neglected, ignored, or repressed.
Corin Diaz, a Nashville singer-songwriter, explores these human emotions throughout their music. Diaz has always been surrounded by the creative word and its power. Before transitioning to a singer-songwriter Corin was a poet who used the power of poetry to be better understand the world. That curiousity has not faultered as now Diaz does so through songwriting. Those who enjoy and are passionate about music often find answers to questions they did not know they were looking for. Diaz’s music explores themes such as mental health and navigating human relationships all without fear.
On her newest single Aisle she asks: am I screaming loud enough? This acyrnom gives us the song title. Diaz repeats this question multiple times. She wants to know if you can hear her. Because deep down that is a truly human experience: knowing that someone is listening, empathically and caringly.
In our interview below you will get an opportunity to learn more about Corin Diaz. Together we discuss their relationship with music, poetry, introspection, and so much more!
1. Mustard is grateful and appreciative to have you join them at Music Shelf. How are you doing today?
Hi Mustard! I’m so great! Excited to be here.
2. Mustard wonders what your relationship with music was growing up?
Around third grade, I had a karaoke machine and two main cds that I would sing with. One was a Disney princess collection and the other was a 2000s top hits. I sang these like it was the only thing keeping me alive sometimes. I also remember around the same time turning on my little radio in my room and listening to the R&B stations. When I was older, listening to my local alternative station was a way my mom and I bonded. I also remember growing up cleaning the house while listening to Amy Grant. I think growing up, music was a point of connection with others. That said, it has always felt like this special hidden treasure that was mine as well.
3. Poetry has helped you better understand the world. Who are some poets that have made an impact on you? Can you recall the first poem that wowed you?
As much as I’d like to say Sylvia Plath was my first and favorite artist. It was actually Shel Silverstein. I remember in elementary school finding his books in the school library and reading all of the silly poems and odd little drawings. My favorite book of poems by him is Where the Sidewalk Ends. I remember feeling so special holding the pages and turning them. I loved entering another world for just a moment and then leaving.
4. Mustard has observed that you delve into the depths of human emotion through your music. How does songwriting help you explore and better understand these human emotions?
I think the psyche/subconscious part of the mind is a really brilliant thing and we are finally starting to realize that more and more. When I was younger, I remember just being full of emotion and releasing those feelings onto the page without much thought. I’d then decide how I felt about it and reshape it. Then, in middle school, I’d call my grandpa and we would explore my coded poems together and get to what’s really going on. He really was the best. At the time, I didn’t realize how self-aware this made me and also helped me.
Even today, I can write a song and not even really see where I am at the time until I give the song some space and revisit the song to hear what my psyche or subconscious is saying through my words and other times it feels super clear and easy.
5. They are curious what the transition was like from writing poetry to songwriting. Could you share more about your creative process?
I really consider myself a lazy poet growing up. A lot of times I was scared of structured poems. I thought it would make me cheesy in some way. Looking back, I see how limited that thought was. I only used free-form in a confessional way so switching to songwriting helped me explore structure more. I think it’s also just helped me combine two things I really love- singing and writing my feelings.
6. As a condiment Mustard wonders: what does it mean to be introspective? Do all humans practice introspection?
Yes! I believe everyone is! I see how this could come off as slightly idealistic, but I think it’s more about what you do next than the awareness and introspection itself. I think that creates the relationship you have with your own introspection.
7. Some of your influences are Indigo Sparke, Phantogram, and Meg Myers. Which song from each do you consider essential listening?
So when I say Phantogram I mean from 10 to 8 years ago. The album Eyelid Movies comes to mind. ‘When I’m Small’ will always be a banger for me. I love the synths, electric guitar, clean polished production, and mix. I loved how soft yet powerful Sarah Barthel’s voice is. I also just love some synth-y music and one day would love to go more dance electric with a project.
With Meg Myers, my mom actually sent me her tiny desk and I thought it was really cool. But, I wasn’t a big fan until I found a live video of her singing with her bass, a cellist, and a guitarist. It was a live session for Guitar Center and that’s when her music really hit me. I instantly listened to all of her albums from “Sorry,” to her debut. (She hadn’t come out with anything else yet to get a timeline.) I completely got obsessed with her music. I just admire how much she fearlessly puts her emotions into her music without any hesitation. Her walls fall completely down and I feel taken in completely on her journey. That’s something I aspire to be in my own way. I also just really admire her as a solo rock artist and her recorded albums working with Doctor Rosen Rosen are so brilliant.
Indigo Sparke is this cool, driving, indie folk sound I always admire and it’s something I try to take as a huge influence. One of her songs came on a late night local radio station on my way home one night. Again, I instantly had to look her up. It was ‘God is a Woman’s Name’ that was playing and that is one of my absolutely favorite songs by her. I love how she has spoken openly about struggling with mental health and her story of making music and lifting herself up. I would say go listen to ‘Golden Ribbon’ as my favorite song off of her album Hysteria. I just love this raw, vintage, minimal rock folk recording style she has.
Overall, I think it’s the energy and feeling all of these artists bring. There is a power and something that says, “hey, I’m right here,” about all of these artists that I love. I love driving energy to help get me going. With “Aisle” specifically I intentionally wanted to be soft and a more relaxed easy listening song, while also holding your hand and lifting you up. I’ve never been someone who tries to copy someone's style exactly.
8. Mustard also observed that you are quite active on YouTube. You have posted various covers along with originals. How do you decide what to cover? Could you share more about your YouTube channel?
There are so many amazing songs out there. I really don’t have a method to my madness. Some songs are requested, some I sang while working for a summer camp in school and they were sewn into my heart, others are just songs I like and it was just the right time to learn them and share. It’s funny you ask this because I was wondering about this recently as well. I think it would be fun to do a few mini series of different genres or something like that. Not sure, we’ll see... Any requests??
9. You have a series on your Youtube channel called "Storytelling Stories." When did you first get the idea to start this series? What can fans expect from this series in the future?
Being my first original single release I started to wonder about what things that I would appreciate hearing about a song during release that felt authentic and connecting. I want to continue my Storytelling Sundays! I am working on some fun things for ‘Aisle’ and I’m excited to share more about it!
10. In 2020 you released a cover of Paramore's "Misguided Ghost." What does this song mean to you? Do you have a favorite Paramore album?
So, that cover actually started with my great-uncle, Gary, passing and giving me a banjo because he knew I played music. I named it after him. I started taking banjo lessons from Michelle Canning here in Nashville. We learned some classic bluegrass tunes but she suggested that I find a song I personally really like to learn because that’s the best way to learn an instrument. I felt like the acoustic fingerpicking song ‘Misguided Ghost’ would be a really good fit. At the time I was really admiring bedroom producing/ dream pop kinda stuff and tried to give it a shot. Paramore and I have this relationship where I fall in love with them and then they reinvent themselves and it takes me at least a year to re-fall in love with them. I remember I was at a pretty low point in my life. My favorite album is definitely Brand New Eyes… if I had to pick.
11. Earlier this year you released Take Me. Since this release have you been taken as requested in the song?
Still waiting…
12. Mustard would like to wish you congratulations on your newest release Aisle. Could you share more about your newest release?
To go listen to it now and make up your own mind about the song! I’m so thankful for Jonny Lucas helping produce this song with me. So shout out to that man!
13. As a condiment Mustard wonders if this song was inspired by any specific aisle?
No, it wasn’t. But it is an acronym!
14. A human invites their friend to see Corin Diaz perform. What four words best describe your live performances?
Heart talks, expressive, fun
15. What is on the horizon for Corin Diaz?
More songs to record and release. I have about seven songs I plan to release with this project and I’m really looking forward to start writing for a new project and trying to push my songwriting in new ways.
16. Where can readers listen to your music?
I try to distribute my music to as many streaming platforms as possible to get the music out there and heard. So just look me up and I’ll probably be there.
Listen to Aisle now!
Talking in the aisle
how do you respond to your emotions?
have you listened to Corin Diaz before?
would you consider yourself introspective?
Music Shelf with Mustard is a publication that interviews independent musicians from all across the globe. It is read in 32 states and 19 countries. Check out previous interviews here.
Music Shelf with Mustard originally began in early 2021. Inspired by independent musicians on social media application TikTok Mustard knew they had to do something to help share their music. Shortly after Music Shelf with Mustard was born. Its goal is to highlight independent artists from all across the globe. Mustard appreciates you taking the time out to read this interview.