Q: Your lyrical concept of “Pay To Be Happy” is very philosophical, unique, and intriguing. In your own words, what is this song about, and have there been any inspirations in your own life that led you to write the track?
DAVID: Thank you so much! I really appreciate it! “Pay To Be Happy” focuses on the abstract concept of happiness. It’s about someone who is broken and lost. All they are is this surface-level illusion of happiness that they’ve fabricated to make up for the fact that they’re falling apart. Their only motivation to keep up the act is the fear of being found out. I’ve spent so many years of my life trying to convince the world around me that my life was perfect and that I wasn’t falling apart with every passing day. It was a horrible way to live, but it ended up being a major inspiration for the song.
Q: Your sound is electrifying and well-crafted with perfect layers of vocals and 80’s synths. Walk us through your writing and production process in making “Pay To Be Happy”.
DAVID: Thank you!!! I knew for sure that I wanted to explore the concept of happiness after my last song, “Only I Get Sad.” So, I sat down at my desk, where I write most of my songs, and just thought about the different ways I could approach the subject, and there were a lot! One thing I thought would be interesting was to portray happiness in a negative light, as if it were a prison or burden of some kind.
Q: Your vocals are superb! What first got you into music and how long have you been playing?
DAVID: Wow. Thank you so much!! I’ve been singing and playing the piano by ear for roughly fourteen years, and received vocal and piano training in college for four years. My mother introduced me to music. She was a singer and musician when she was my age, so she passed on all that musical energy down to me. I didn’t show any interest in becoming an artist until my freshman year of high school. I knew that I loved music, but I didn’t start pursuing a career in the industry until I was in college.
Q: What has been one of the highlights of your music career so far?
DAVID: That’s a hard one. I definitely can’t pick one, but it’s between getting to know some of my fans from across the world, performing at a big-name venue for the first time, or when Spotify created the “David Diaz Radio” playlist the same day that “Pay To Be Happy” was released. It’s too hard to decide on just one!
Q: What has been, so far, your favorite song to perform and why?
DAVID: “Only I Get Sad” is always a fun one because I love watching people’s reactions to hearing the lyrics for the first time. It’s like a lightbulb going off in their head saying, “Oh shit, I feel the same way!” I love it.
Q: If you were stranded on a desert island and could only take one song or album to listen to, what would it be?
DAVID: At the moment, I’d say “Little Wonders” by Rob Thomas. It’s just a beautiful song from start to finish and would inspire me to keep going every day and not just give in to despair. Sorry for getting so deep for a hypothetical question. Haha!
Q: What would you like to say to your fans out there?
DAVID: Just…thank you for connecting with me, for listening to my music, and for making all the work I put in worthwhile. I wouldn’t be where I am today without your love and constant support. I wish I could give you the stars and more!
