Diane King – “Sky” (Album Stream)

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Today I’m so excited to bring everyone an exclusive early listen to the new album from Diane King, called Sky. The album is largely centered around this singer-songwriter’s battle with cancer, and her experience in pushing forward through her diagnosis, treatment and recovery. Diane King quickly showcases her vibrant qualities as a songwriter on Sky, and if you’re enjoying the stream, please consider purchasing the album that officially releases tomorrow here.

Diane King Music · Diane King – SKY – Album

Talk to us about your new album. What was the “ah-ha” moment that you realized you had the songs for the album? What inspired you to record it?

I’ve had the idea of the SKY project for a while but couldn’t get life to cooperate. I came up with the thought of a SKY album during a long battle with cancer (lymphoma), but I was limited on what I could do during that time. After years of treatment, finally remission, and then recovery (trauma to my neck and throat), I was able to seriously start thinking about recording again. Eventually, I was singing for some friends at a gathering, and they said, “It is time to get back to music!” So, I started moving forward with it and here we are! BOOM!

What does the album mean to you? What do you hope that it means to those who listen to it?

So much, on so many levels. I want my songs to be available to folks, so they can be heard and useful and do some good in people’s lives! I want to do and be my best as a songwriter and musical artist. It means I’m still here in the music community, still in the game, and still bringing it! And, this album means I’m not only surviving cancer but thriving!

Your lyrics are fantastic, and you tell a story well. Do you have a favorite lyric line (or several) from any of the songs on the album? Why do they stand out for you?

GREAT QUESTION for a songwriter!!! I could go on and on with this question. My favorite lyric lines from the album are:
”Anywhere With You” – A song about travel adventures with my Love; favorite line: “Provence that gave Vincent his blue.” “Until Now” – I love this hook, and how the meaning of the phrase “until now” turns around from the beginning of the chorus to the end. “A Few of the Things” – The tag of this song changing from “these are the things” to “a few of the things” is subtly powerful. You’ve sung about all these details of what reminds you of this person, then at the end, it’s just a few.

How did you select the album title? What do you think it means for you, and also what do you hope it conveys about the album?

Honestly, it selected itself! The song “Sky” said, “Here I am, now build a SKY album around me!”

Some of the topics you write about are pretty deep and personal, or at least they feel pretty personal. Talk to us a little bit about your songwriting process and how you go about penning a song. Was there a standout songwriting moment on any of the songs on this album?

Yes, it’s all personal. I write from my own experience or observation. “Forever’s Not Enough” is a true story about my grandparents. “A Few of the Things” literally makes me sick to my stomach when it starts, because I was in such a dark and hurt place when I wrote it. “Feelin’ the Love” makes me so happy and filled with joy, having found my person. To write a song, I almost always start with a song title. Someone may say something, or I will think of something that rings true to me as a song title, and it rings loud and clear! Here’s an example. I had gone to the beach with my Love (a total beach person). I’m a mountain girl, so the beach is not necessarily my favorite. We were sitting by the pool, and I had my guitar and was noodling around on it. My Love said, “Thank you for coming to the beach with me.” I replied, “You’re welcome, Love. I’d go anywhere with you.” Right there, it was a song title, “Anywhere With You.” So, I started jotting down the various places we’d been and crafting out the song! Once I’m in that creative writing zone, it’s hard for me to break that focus. I had most of that song in the next one to two hours, then polished it up over the next couple days. Sometimes, even just singing it a day or two later, the words will flow out a different way that are a little more natural. So, like a gem, I just keep polishing until I know it’s done.

What was the album recording session like?

It was AMAZING and something I’ve waited my whole life to do! All the projects and recording sessions I’ve done before we’re driven by time and budget limits. For this project, I said I want to be and do my best. I don’t want to be limited because of this or that. And, that’s what I did. It took longer than we expected, which creating art usually does, but we didn’t compromise in any areas, and I believe you can hear that in this project. This was also the first time I was TOTALLY involved in and driving the production. I always knew I had producer abilities, but I learned just how deep that gift goes. It was such an amazing and total partnership with Stephan Oberhoff, my co-producer. He totally got me as an artist and songwriter. We were totally on the same page! And the musicians on this project are A-List musicians. It’s such an honor and validating to have them excited to play my music!

Is there a song you’d like to direct our readers to listen to. Why do you want them to hear that song?

Well, of course I would like for readers to listen to them all! But if I had to pick one, I think it’s “Until Now.” It’s kind of that buried gem in an album. I love those! We had the song almost completely recorded, but it wasn’t turning out how I wanted it. I wanted it driven by and built from the acoustic guitars, in the grove and rhythm that I wrote it. And with a vulnerability and warmth to it. So, we stripped it back down to the drums and bass and started over. We asked Aaron Currie to come in and add layers of acoustic guitar for us, basing those on how I play the acoustic part. He did a brilliant job and gave us so much to work with. Then, we just continued to layer in the baritone electric guitar Aaron had previously recorded, Stephan put down some electric fills and added an organ pad instead of the previous piano and strings, then I did the lead and harmony vocals, and Stephan and my dear friend Crystal Miller joined me for the background vocals. When I listen to this song, I can never listen just once, I always have to repeat it at least a couple times! And, this song is super special to me, as I wrote it for my forever love.

What else do you have coming up that you’d like to share with our readers?

We believe in this project and the songs so much! We’ll let it have its time in the light! We’re planning on doing lots of live shows in the months following its release. And, of course, record another project! (Like any songwriter, I already have most the songs picked out!)

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