A Quick Chat with Naomi Diane

First up, can you please give us a quick intro, 2-3 sentences.
Yaama! I’m Naomi Diane, a Gamilaroi singer songwriter grooving around Naarm/Melbourne. I was born and raised in Wollongong, studied a music degree in Sydney then moved to Naarm to study a Master of Teaching. I enjoy tinkering on most instruments, but shocking at drums unfortunately.

Can you tell me a bit about your inspiration for your single ‘Chasing The Sun’?

I was living in a musician share house in Eaglemont during lockdown, time moved slower and I was absorbing a lot of new music from the boys. One of the boys (Ben Wright Smith) has this fun tune called ‘Sand Grabber’, the chorus lyrics were stuck in my head all the time ‘we’re twisting in the sun, like a sand grabber’. With those words swirling, often day dreaming about summer and being back in my home town, and yarnin with my housemates about adventures out of Melbourne to warmer places before covid was a thing naturally the line chasing the sun fell into my lap.

What are your influences and how do they affect your songwriting? 

I’m always listening to a variety of music, and it’s usually not pop. I like taking snippets of instrumental lines and lyrics or reimagine a groove. Artists I was listening to a lot at the time of writing ‘Chasing The Sun’ is Tennis, Emily King, Telenova, Ben Wright Smith, TOPS and Harry Styles + lots more, too much for this little interview!

What’s the creative process like for you?

I’m usually a words first person, always scribbling down lines in my notes app, in my work diary or in my sudoku book. I have a piano, uke, guitar and bass at home, so I’m often noodling on all of them when I have the time.

If you could change something about the Australian music industry what would it be? 

Much better pay from streaming services! Music is hard work and the money made from streams is not an equal reflection of that. And probably earlier gig times, because I’m a bit of grandma - I love an early night in bed.

What do you think life would be like for you if you didn’t have music as an outlet? 

I would be creative regardless. My mum is an incredible at print making, painting, drawing, weaving, crotchet, knitting, dress making and the list goes on! I grew up drawing and I love photography. I also work full time as a mentor/advisor for an Indigenous internship program, that certainly keeps my life busy.

Is there anyone you would like to collaborate with?  Why?

I’m excited to be collaborating with Kittling and Linc Yow Yew in the new year, but aside from that it would be rad to work with the Telanova crew or fellow Gamilaroi sis Thelma Plum.

What’s your advice to young people who want to make a career for themselves in the industry? 

Get involved in the community, go to shows, play open mics, you never know who you’re going meet at a gig.

Who’s the most interesting person you’ve worked with/met?

It would have to be Emma Donovan. It was so lovely yarnin over a cuppa about family, connection to Country and community and some of her experiences with music. I was invited to record in a choir of Blak voices for the live take in Avariy Studioes of Kee’ahn and Emma Donovan’s 2023 track ‘Take No More’.

Any plans for a tour on the cards?

An east coast tour next year for an EP launch is the dream!