Author | Michelle King
Making it’s beginnings with a few unassuming demos written in 2012 by Kieran Adams 
(Warm Myth, Bonjay) and Joseph Shabason (Destroyer), Toronto’s DIANA grew into a full-fledged recording project and touring band with the addition of vocalist Carmen Elle and guitarist Paul Mathew. At the time, Elle was focused on her own band Army Girls and also playing guitar with Austra (featured last week), having in her younger years rocked with Riot Girrrl outfit The Whoremoans. After being asked to join for a few sessions in the studio, it was clear that DIANA would move forward with Elle’s vocals putting the right touch on the sweeping, dreamy melodies arranged by Shabason and Adams.
In the same vein as Washed Out or Toro y Moi, DIANA has a soft, synth-based atmosphere about their songs. The dreamy sound 
could easily fall under the chillwave genre, but with an overarching romanticism that puts the record in pop music territory. The lyrics are honest and heartbreaking, and Elle’s vocals remain a focal point whether buried in the mix or standing at the forefront of a minimalist composition such as “New House,” which you can watch a studio performance of below. Though the lyrics were penned by Shabason, it’s impossible to not empathize as Elle begs the question “Am I wasting my love on you? It’s all I need to know.”
Their debut album Perpetual Surrender (Jagjaguwar, 2013) launched them into a whirlwind of buzz and a US tour with aforementioned fellow Canadians, Austra. Since the success of the Perpetual Surrender release and tour there’s been a bit of an anticipatory silence from the now four-piece group, but we’ll be keeping an eye on DIANA. With a more than promising debut record under their belt, I believe there’s a lot to look forward to from the band in the future. Hopefully the sophomore effort won’t keep us waiting too long.
Follow DIANA Now On
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/DianaSound
Twitter: https://twitter.com/DIANAtheband
Michelle King is a music fiend currently residing in Athens, GA. While her business card will tell you she is executive manager and director of publicity at Noisy Ghost PR, you can also find her blogging at She Turns the Tables, racing for Reality Bikes, and going on adventures with her awesome dog.
Follow Michelle on Spotify for up to the minute musical suggestions!
