Singing Through the Blues: An Exclusive Interview with DINER on Her New Single and Female Empowerment
Rising country music sensation DINER, known for her evocative lyrics and distinct blend of country, rock, and folk influences, is making waves with her latest single, “Cowgirls Get the Blues.” Signed to the innovative label Saint & Citizen, DINER has quickly captured the hearts of listeners with her previous hits, including “Lasso the Moon,” which not only amassed over 400,000 streams but also landed spots on Spotify’s coveted Fresh Finds Country and New Music Friday Country playlists earlier this year.
In our exclusive interview, we delve into the inspiration behind “Cowgirls Get the Blues,” a track that fuses fun rhythms with serious themes of resilience and female empowerment. Co-written by the talented trio of Caitlin Johnson, multi-platinum producer Kevin Bard, and Emily Reid, the song builds on the success of DINER’s earlier works, including “Goodbye to Someday” and “Lasso the Moon.”
An evocative illustration and the well-known story “Even Cowgirls Get the Blues,” which resonated with her Oregon roots, served as the inspiration for DINER’s brand-new single, which draws inspiration from a blend of personal experiences and cultural icons. This track not only highlights the challenges faced by women but also serves as an anthem, encouraging them to persevere through adversity.
Join us as we explore the journey of this remarkable artist from her early days singing in her family’s diner to her rise on the national stage, illustrating how DINER continues to inspire and empower her audience through her music.
Follow DINER @localdinergirl
Hi DINER, please tell us a little about yourself.
Hi, Im from Oregon I grew up on a horse ranch in North Plains, OR and my parents had a diner in Multonomah Village, OR.. I started working at my parents diner when I was 5 and worked there until I moved to LA 3 years ago..
Describe your sound in three words.
Classic, fun, old-school country.
Who influenced you, and why did you choose to make music?
I never knew how or why I just have had a passion for singing since I was a toddler.. then later found out my mom was the lead singer in an all girl punk rock band in the 80’s… She toured with Black Flag.. So that’s where the edge comes from.
Do you play any instruments?
My dad taught me basic guitar when I was really little and I was put in a couple years of piano lessons.. but ended up just singing at all the piano recitals while my teacher played.
Do you ever get nervous?
All the time.. I almost puke every time I’m about to go on stage.. I think its a right of passage, though a bit.. If I don’t beat myself up, then I’m not allowed to go have a good show.
Tell us about your new single, “Cowgirls get the Blues.”
I always really loved that title.. I have an arsenal of western titles that I store in my phone and wait for my sessions to come and then I say “heres the title today” and we build a story around it. We wrote the whole thing in about 2 hours.. the vocals you hear are the demo vocals that we recorded day of writing it.
What’s the story behind the song?
I think as a tough female its hard to admit when youre upset or brokenhearted so I wanted to to talk about what we do instead of admitting it.
Can you walk us through your creative process for this single? How did the idea come to life?
I was on Pinterest scrolling and I saw the cover for the book “Even cowgirls get the blues” and boom the idea was born.
Were there any specific experiences or emotions that fueled the writing and composition of this song?
The idea is that hey even though you hurt me im not gonna do all these extra things to get you back im just gonna play it cool hit the bar and move on with my life.. and cover it up before I ever let you know that you hurt me.
How do you usually start working on a new song? Do you begin with lyrics, melodies, or a concept?
I have a bunch of titles and concepts that I bring to Kevin Bard, and Emily Reid.. they always say “hey whats the concept today” and I go into my stash and we pick the best one and we just write… and typically get it done in 2 hours.
How involved were you in the production and arrangement of “Cowgirls get the Blues?”
Im there for the whole initial writing process of the song.. we go over vibe.. tempo.. and songs that we might want to make feel similar to the one we are creating.. and then once I get the demo done.. Kevin Bard is such a genius he sends it off to nashville and makes the whole thing come to life.
What is the most rewarding part of your work?
Hearing people sing it and find their own story and enjoyment in it.
What book should every entrepreneur read?
The Alchemist or Atomic Habits.
What advice would you give to your younger self, and why?
Just roll with the punches and everything will be okay and you will be okay.
How would your best friend describe you?
Crazy, Spastic, Bold.. Too much.. Funny.
If you were a book, what would be the title of the book and why?
“Keep F’ing Going” because I havent quit and the only people who do are the only ones that fail..
What’s next for DINER in 2024?
Im hoping an Album/Ep and opening for someone on a big tour.
What is your favorite healthy food?
I love a nice cup of cottage cheese.. is that healthy?
And your favorite cheat food?
Anything with bread.
How would you explain your fashion style?
bright, bold cowgirl.
What is your own definition of happiness?
Finding comfort in the simple things.. and being in the present.
If you could meet someone living or dead, who would it be and why?
Dolly Parton.. the QUEEEEENNNN.
What would be your dream holiday, and who would you go with?
A romantic lodge in the mountains for a week of snowboarding with my man.