Today Divine Magazine has the great pleasure of interviewing the talented and creative superstar that is Dario.
He’s known to millions of people around the world as the young man who got his start to stardom at a Search for Stardom convention. He’s been a contender on American idol, sold nearly a million albums, toured with Beyoncé, is active in many charities and good causes and on the 5th May, he’s set to launch a new album, called ‘Revolution (Deluxe)’ for our listening pleasure.
Welcome Dario, and thanks so much for being here with us today.
You’ve done phenomenally well in your career and are a role model for many people out there. It must be a daunting task being in the public eye and having people try to emulate you, and follow in your footsteps. How do you deal with this side of the business that you’re in?
It is an honor to be able to inspire others. That’s why I do what I do because I love being able to evoke emotion and cause change whenever possible. Above all, I encourage everyone to be who they are: Don’t ever try and be someone you are not, or you’ll waste your life chasing a ghost. All of us can be successful and it’s so much more fulfilling when you do it being the best you possible!
You’ve said that the person who influenced you most musically was your mom as she was always singing around the house. When you were only 17 years old, you sang a rendition of ‘Amazing Grace’ in a coffee house in your hometown of Tuscon which earned you a standing ovation. How did it feel to take something so personal in your life and stand up there and sing to strangers – how did it feel to be so appreciated?
I will never forget that coffee house performance that’s how I got my start! But performing is always scary, but good scary. You never know how the audience is going to respond. Are they going to like me, am I going to completely crash and burn? Then there is knowing that you are about to be in front of hundreds, sometimes thousands of people. I think the beauty lies in not knowing. All you can do is go out there sing with an open heart—be raw, be vulnerable and just let all the fear go. If you do that the audience will always respond and that feels amazing. There is no rush like the adrenaline rush you get from an audience that is standing on their feet clapping and yelling for more.
You’re very active in Gay Pride events around the world. Are there any you have planned for this year where you’ll be appearing?
The LGBT community is one of my biggest audiences. They have shown me so much love since the beginning of my career. Every time a pride event calls my office if my schedule is clear I will absolutely be there! I’m happy to say that there will be a couple of stops to Pride events around the country on the Revolution Tour. The first Pride event I will be performing at is in Deming, New Mexico, in late July.
You’ve mentioned in a lot of the interviews you’ve done, such as with GayFresno and LGBT Weekly, that to get where you want to be, you have to believe in yourself, and have determination and perseverance. This is really good advice for anyone and it obviously worked for you. Have you any other advice for young people out there to give a positive message about breaking into the music industry or indeed, any goal in life?
I know it may sound cliche, but don’t ever give up and don’t ever let anyone tell you that you’re not good enough! This business is full of people who are going to tell you that you are not the right size, shape, color, gender, plus a hundred other things that are apparently wrong with you. Don’t listen! God made you perfect the way you are, and if you know deep down in your heart that you were made to do whatever it is you want to do, then that’s what you should be doing. Remember you can’t fail at something that you love and are strongly passionate about. You will only fail if you don’t love what you’re doing because you won’t be giving it your all.
You are active in a lot of great charities like Building Futures Inc. (BFI) and foundations that educate and research issues such as sickle cell anemia, HIV/AIDS, and breast cancer. Do you feel that in your position as a role model and someone in the public eye, this is something you need to do to encourage positivity and make people’s dreams come true?
ABSOLUTELY. As a public figure, I think it is my duty to shed light on subjects that society has difficulty dealing with (or caring about, in some cases). What good is it for me to have this major platform if I’m not going to use it to bring some good back into this world? I’ve been so fortunate and received so much in my life, it’s only fair for me to return the favor. I’m always very passionate about giving back.
Tell us a bit more about Revolution – this is an album that’s being re-released off the back of the hugely successful Evolution album last year and features new songs. You’ll be hitting the road to promote this album in June, so tell us a bit more about it all.
I’m very excited to release my first ever Deluxe album! The fact that “Evolution” debuted at No. 3 in digital sales was amazing. To get the opportunity to re-release it as a Deluxe is even bigger. I didn’t want to make this your typical Deluxe album where you ask your fans to buy the same album with 2 extra songs and a Deluxe sticker slapped onto it—I wanted to make it a completely brand new and improved record. I had all of the previous songs re-mixed and re-mastered, and I added 4 new songs including a duet with a new artist and a Spanglish version of “Save You” (the first single off of Evolution). I also shot a completely new album cover and included all new artwork, and I got Capitol Records to master the entire project for me. I can’t wait for you guys to hear it!
You’re passionate about Rhythm and Blues, saying it touches your soul. Are there any R and B artists you’d love to perform with?
Oh my goodness, that is a great question! There are a lot of artists that I admire and would love to work with, but if I had to pick I would probably have to say Miguel or Frank Ocean for sure. They are both so unique in their own ways and are amazing artists in their own right.
You’ve said before that you’d love to ‘do Broadway’ and in particular ‘Rent’ the story of a group of impoverished young artists struggling to survive and create a life in New York City’s East Village in the thriving days of Bohemian Alphabet City, under the shadow of HIV/AIDS. Are we going to be seeing you on the stage or in the theater anytime soon? Because I have to say this is one production I’d love to see you in.
Awe thank you! I have definitely thought about it, and I’ve also been asked a couple of times. But I’m always so busy promoting an album or touring that I can never find the time. Theater is a hard work and it requires a lot of time and dedication—I have a lot of respect for all the wonderful actors and singers that dedicate themselves to doing it. Maybe one day I’ll take time off from recording and do it. I can’t imagine how amazing it must be, but right now I am totally focused on my music.
Dario – Save You (Official Video)
On May 5, 2015, fans will be able to purchase Revolution (Deluxe) on Amazon, iTunes and all other major music streaming sites and select retail stores.
Dario will once again hit the road to promote the new album with a first stop June 25 in Deming, NM.
For more information on where to get tour dates and locations, visit Dario’s official website at www.DarioOnline.com.
Link to pre-order on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Revolution-Deluxe-Explicit-Dario/dp/B00UL7ZBB0
Music videos: http://www.youtube.com/darioonlinemusic
