On the University of South Florida website, there’s a welcome message from the institution’s president about shaping the academic experience of students so that they are equipped to achieve “real-world success”. Diane Andrieux , a School of Music graduate of that school undoubtedly lives up to those words. Andrieux received a Bachelor of Science in Music Education from the Tampa-based school, and she’s on the road to sharing her gift on a global platform.
The Miami-born daughter of Haitian parents, Andrieux grew up on the music of Whitney Houston, the gospel-tinged ballads of CeCe Winans, the R&B confessionals of Lauryn Hill, the urban pop of Brandy and Toni Braxton, just to name a few. Andrieux recalls using every spot—from bathroom stalls, to church, and public places—to sing her little heart out.
She still sings her little heart out. A performance at Sacred Sounds, in which Andrieux does the remake of a remake of the Roberta Flack/Fugees jam “Killing Me Softly” turns out to be the perfect opportunity for the singer-songwriter to display her seriously killer vocals. When she does her version of “Man Run Down” at the performance lounge The Crow Bar, she hypes the crowd up with her R&B stylistics, and makes the song her own.
When did you first…and completely realize that you could sing?
I’ve been singing at a very early stage. But, I realize I could sing since middle school. I remember always singing in hallways at school and I enter into this small talent competition. Even though I didn’t win, the feedback from my peers was enough to confirm my talent.
Would you mind describing your first ever performance?
I was blessed to perform in front of a large crowd with my hometown youth choir. We competed amongst all the Assemblies of God Churches all over the world. We won first place amongst hundreds of choirs represented. The opportunity to sing at the National Convention in a showcase setting in front of approximately 15,000 was truly a humbling experience and it gave me the hope of dreaming for bigger mountains in singing.
Photo: Fabiola Giordani Photography
How did you first find your voice?
I’ve always been singing since I was a little girl. But I believe I found my voice through my church. I started singing in the youth choir. My choir director Aaron Penton saw a gift in me that I didn’t see. He was one of the pioneers that help me develop & grow into my voice. I just new that I love singing.
There’s been so many singers, and with so many styles….was it hard to get settled into a style of your own?
Finding my own style was a struggled in the beginning because I wasn’t confident in my voice which held me back for a few years.
Photo: Fabiola Giordani Photography
How do you approach songwriting and melodies?
I love this question. My approach is more of an organic approach because I don’t believe in forcing anything. My songs come from my personal experiences or stories of people that I know. I’m what you call a storyteller. I gravitate towards good lyrics that have a message.
At an award show at an edition of the BET Awards, one entertainer emphasized that she writes every lyric she sings. Do you think that it’s especially important for women artists to take initiative in that area?
I thinks it’s important and great to see women establishing themselves in the music industry whether its producing, writing, or singing. I believe all entertainers both male or female that can compose or write their own music, says a lot about their art-talent.
Which artists have inspired you the most?
I have such admiration for many different artists. But my all-time favorite artist will be Lauryn Hill. I admire everything about her from the rawness of her voice, the positive message of her music, musicianship, fashion style, her acting ability, and many more. She is an all-around talented artist. Lauryn Hill is a performer that most remind me of myself. Her passion & message when delivering her songs is my goal every time I sing.
What measures do you take to take care of your instrument, and to stay fit physically?
My voice is a gift from God and I am a firm believer of taking care of your temple. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle is a work in progress. I’m learning how to balance a healthy lifestyle in all aspects physical, mental, financial, and spiritual wellness. I want longevity in my career and I’m not in the business for a short term period. So for me that means maintaining a healthy lifestyle which includes healthy eating and exercise. I love doing different types of work out such as boxing, tennis, marital arts—Tae Kwon Do—and dance classes. I love the challenge and trying different things.
Do you visit Haiti regularly?
Unfortunately, I don’t visit Haiti often. However, my goal is to plan a vacation with my family to visit soon. I want to explore many other areas of Haiti that I haven’t seen yet.
What are we to expect from you in time to come?
I have been working very hard to finish my project. I am very excited about my EP project. I will be hosting my very own listening session with a few people in the entertainment industry to listen to my project for the first time and help pick out my single. This single will be released the before the year is over.
[Photos Credit: Fabiola Giordani Photography ]
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