Baton Rouge native Kristin Diable thinks being a musician is hard work, though her breezy, jazzy sound would make listeners think otherwise.
Kristin Diable and her carefree sounds return to Baton Rouge for a homecoming show tonight at Chelsea’s.
Diable moved to New York City in January to further pursue her musical career.
She was born in Baton Rouge, and even attended LSU for 3 years. But Diable said she always knew she wanted to be a musician in New York.
“Music is not the most stable occupation, but I knew,” said Diable.
Diable’s occupation is not just her own songs. Diable manages her own independent label Meridian Jane, home to Poor Harvey, a fellow Baton Rouge band she will share the stage with tonight.
Diable takes her music seriously and it’s evident in her songs.
Lyrically the songs are an extension of Diable. They sound as though listeners are merely having a conversation with Diable set to her jazzy guitar playing.
The songs are intelligent, well-crafted and self-confident.
The music is mellow but still up tempo. Even Diable’s saddest songs do not sound depressing. Diable’s music paints clear pictures meant to evoke feelings from listeners.
The move to New York has helped Kristin work to create even clearer pictures with her songs.
“I’ve actually gotten a lot more Southern [since I’ve been in New York,]” Diable said.
She claims the Big Apple has refined her sound. Now, Diable said the newer songs reflect the musical lineage of the South.
Diable’s new material leans more toward a blues, R&B, soul and jazz sound.
With Diable’s sweet voice and melodic acoustic guitar playing, the songs run the gamut of genres.
“It’s acoustic pop rock but not really,” Diable said with a laugh. “My sound is a lot more jazz and blues. It makes more sense to me than the pop music that is out there for you to snap your fingers to.”
Diable uses unique chords and arrangements that step out far beyond the typical acoustic rock fodder.
It is clear the songs are made out of necessity. Diable is a musician who seems to survive on her craft.
Music is also her full time job, something she takes very seriously.
Diable said most people believe musicians do not really work, but she refutes the idea.
“It’s a fun occupation but it’s a lot of work. Music is not 9 to 5, it’s 24/7,” Diable said.
And Diable’s work is keeping her busy.
Her music has been featured on the MTV series “Undressed,” and she already has a full length CD and EP under her belt.
Her latest effort tentatively titled “As You Are” should be out in November.
Diable’s unique sound and intense drive has her posed to be the next big artist out of Baton Rouge.
Catch her jazzy sound as the Southern girl returns tonight at Chelsea’s with Poor Harvey.