Diondria Thomas is an up-and-coming R&B singer hailing from California that has been compared to the likes of Aaliyah and Ashanti, but still has her own style and voice. With captivating beats, you cannot help but to be amazed by her talent. Expect a CD from Diondria within the next several months.

Emily Harbaugh: Thanks for taking the time to do this! You can begin by telling the Musiqtone readers a little bit about yourself!

Diondria Thomas: Well I am an R&B/soul singer with about 11yrs background in all kinds of music. I attended a performing arts school throughout my whole high schools years where I studied musical theater, show choir, chamber choir and chamber orchestra, dance and actors repertoire. Currently I am recording and working on my debut album

EH: Was music something that you've always wanted to do?
DT: Yes! I won my first talent show singing "the greatest love of all" when I was 5.
DT: I rocked the house, got a standing ovation

EH: What sparked the interest for you in music & performing?
DT: My father, when I was growing up he was pursuing his career in acting and singing. He won lots of competitions and got a lot of roles on TV shows.
DT: And my mother is a major music lover. Although she can't sing a lick she loves listening to it!

EH: Who are some of your influences in your career and in your music?
DT: Donny Hathaway, Gladys knight, Tamia, Lauryn hill, Jill Scott, India arie, Beyonce, boys 2 men, brain McKnight and so many more
DT: oh and Stevie wonder!

EH: I love Stevie! He's an amazing musician.

DT: Amazing is not even the word!! Genius!

EH: Very true!

EH: This question is universally asked on Musiqtone: What is your philosophy on music?

DT: I think music is another way of relating to people in their everyday lives and experiences. It’s like therapy for the soul. It’s a happier and more melodic way of dealing with life issues.

EH: I really like that, I think that's very true.

EH: With that said, why is music important to you?

DT: Because it is my way of expressing myself. a lot of the times people don’t want to listen to other peoples problems, so I write music to tell people what’s going on in my life in another way. I have found that on any given day where i am not feeling good or depressed.  I can listen to music or one of my favorite artists and i automatically feel good. That’s important to me because i want my music to do the same to others and that proves that music is what I was put here to do.

EH: Who are some people that have supported you the most?

DT: GOD, my mom, dad, my sis and my best friend

EH: What has been your greatest accomplishment so far as a musician?

DT: Making a commitment that no matter how hard or discouraging it gets, I will never give up! And I’m still pursuing my dream. If all else fails from this point on at least I know I tried.

EH: What makes you different from all the other up-and-coming artists in your genre?

DT: My goal is to make music that lasts for a lifetime. I wanna make a lasting impression not be a one hit wonder. I study and learn from legends in the music industry and set myself out to be a modern day version.

EH: Do you play any instruments? If not, what would you like to play?

DT: I play the violin

EH: What is your favorite song to perform?

DT: My song "pleasures" or any Stevie Wonder song

EH: What are your goals, short and in long-term?

DT: My short term goal is to finish my album. My long term is to make a name for myself, write for other artists and eventually start my own label and management company

EH: Alright! Now it's time for The Burn!

EH: What's in your CD player right now?

DT: Destiny's child

EH: What venue would you love to perform in?

DT: House of Blues

EH: Is there any music that your friends/fans would not expect you to listen to?

DT: LOL, i like classical, contemporary jazz and a little punk rock

EH: As a musician, what are some things you can't live without?

DT: My writing book and my cds. 

EH: What is your music guilty pleasure?

DT: Stevie Wonder or Donny Hathaway

EH: Beyonce or Kelly Rowland? You can only choose one!

DT: Beyonce

EH: If there is any one person you could work with, who would it be?

DT: oooohhh Clive Davis!

Emily.: Any non-musical talents you carry?

DT: hmm....i do great makeup
DT: eyes are my specialty

EH: I love eyes! As weird as that sounds, haha!

DT: Haha so you feel me!

EH: Yes!! Haha!

EH: If it weren't for music, what would you be doing?

DT: Starting my own business, pertaining to real estate and fixing credit issues for people

EH: Which act(s) would you love to share a stage or bus with?

DT: Oooh... Janet Jackson, Jill Scott, Black Eyed Peas or Usher. All because of their energy

EH: Usher does have awesome energy. I saw him in concert August 2004 with Kanye West.

DT: Oh yes! Kanye West too! I would love to sign to his label G.O.O.D. Him, Common and John Legend are amazing!!

EH.: John Legend came out for one song, too! I love him!

DT: I love his vocals and his writing is unbelievable

EH: New York City or Los Angeles?

DT: New York

Emily Harbaugh is a New Artists and Features columnist for Musiqtone. You can reach her at emilyharbaugh@musiqtone.com.






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