Interview: Dariann Leigh

What got you into music, and if you had not gotten into music what would you be doing today? 

 I was born into a family that has a true appreciation for the arts. Growing up I was in theater, and sang in church as well as school. It started pretty early for me, but I took my big leap into music when I was 14. I don't see a world where I'm not doing music. Maybe I'd be a stylist…fashion is another creative outlet that I enjoy!

What do you like to do when you are not playing music and how does that influence your creativity?

I like to be outside in nature. I grew up finding the most fun outside, and that really hasn't changed for me. It's where I'm the most relaxed, and I feel that those times bring immense creativity for me. 

How long has your band been around? 

 I've had a band for a couple years now! 

Where are you based out of and how did that influence your music?

 I am based out of Nashville, Tennessee, but I am originally from a small town in northern Minnesota. The love for country music is strong in Minnesota. I grew up with the early 2000’s queens, Shania Twain, Faith Hill, LeAnn Rimes, Martina McBride, and so many more. We had a lot of Johnny Cash, and Waylon Jennings playing around the house as well. You can definitely hear that influence in my writing and music.

How did you come up with the name of your band and what does it mean to you?

Dariann Leigh is actually my birth name, so it was an easy choice!   

Tell me about your most memorable shows.

One of my most memorable shows would be playing Winstock. The huge crowd all screaming my name, and being right there into everything I was singing was absolutely incredible!  

What is your favorite venue to play at, and do you have any places you want to play that you have not already?

For me, I have a lot of favorites. One of my favorite venues growing up was a small spot back home in Minnesota called Ernies On Gull. You perform right on the lake, and it's just a laid back place where everyone's having a good time living the lake life.  

If you could play any show with any lineup, who would be on the ticket?

For me, that is easy. Shania Twain, Carly Pearce, Maren Morris, and Kacey Musgraves. I could really go on and on with this one! 

What is some advice that you would give to someone who is just getting into playing in a band and some advice that you would give to your younger self?

 Advice I would give to someone who is just getting into playing with a band would be to find the people that you connect with best. The ones who when you're playing, you can read each other. That comes with time but once you get there, it is quite honestly priceless. 

Advice I would give my younger self is to stop worrying so much about what other people think of you. Stop worrying about fitting in. Do what makes you happy, and what makes you the best version of yourself. There is no reason to try to fit in a mold. 

Of your songs which one means the most to you and why? 

 All of my songs have a special place in my heart, but “10,000 Miles” will always be one of the most special. The meaning behind the song is a heavy one, and the responses are absolutely beautiful. Some of those responses are ones of grief, and healing. 

Which songs are your favorite to play and which get requested the most?

 One of my favorite songs of my own to play is “Let Me Go." It also comes heavily requested. 

What is the creative process for the band, and what inspires you to write your music?

For me, I write a lot of my music from my personal life. That inspiration can be from quite literally anything. Heartache, joy, the color of the sky. You name it. 

What kinds of messages do you like to get across in your music?

 The beauty of music in my opinion is that everyone gets to paint their own picture as they hear a song.​​ That picture can be different for me than it is to someone else. Music is inclusive, it's emotion, it's everything words cannot adequately express. 

What are your plans for the future, and do you have anything that you want to spotlight that is coming up?

This year is looking really great, “Leave” just released and has already received a lot of love from fans and Apple Music. But “Leave" is one of three songs I have coming! I cannot wait to see the responses for each of them. I'll also be opening for some of the greats in country music this summer, and I couldn't be more excited to hit the stage!