Lynette Diaz

Lynette Diaz
Birth nameJosephine Lynette Diaz
BornColorado, United States
GenresFolk rock, acoustic
Occupation(s)Singer, songwriter
Years active2008–present
Websitelynettediaz.com

Lynette Diaz (born 1969) is an American-born singer-songwriter living in Wellington, New Zealand. Her song "Living Before Dying" was awarded an Honorable Mention at the 2008 Peacedriven Songwriting Contest[1] and also at the 12th Annual Unisong Songwriting Competition.[2]

Early life

Diaz, who is of Mexican descent, was born in Colorado, United States. She subsequently attended school in New Mexico where she graduated in 1987.[3][4]

Career in music

I know I’m a songwriter first, and the guitar is the instrument that brings the words alive.

— Lynette Diaz, interview with Heather Miller[5]

Diaz released her first CD Lyrics in My Head in 2008. The album received critical acclaim[6] and was added to radio playlists.[7] Diaz performed and promoted the album in New Zealand,[8][9][10] and also in the United States.[11]

One song, "Living Before Dying", was lifted from the album and entered in the 2008 Peacedriven Songwriting Contest. Facing more than 400 entrants, Diaz was awarded an Honorable Mention.[12] The same song was also entered in the social/political song category at the 12th Annual Unisong Songwriting Contest. Once again, "Living Before Dying" was awarded an Honorable Mention.

Diaz also took time out from recording her album to perform at a charity event to raise funds for the RSPCA.[13][14]

Among her many influences, Diaz cites Patty Griffin, Michael Jackson, Carole King and Brandi Carlile.[5] Her next release will include a tribute to American poet Emily Dickinson.

Diaz previously hosted the New Zealand radio programme FemAcoustica on Plains FM 96.9.[15]

In 2019, Diaz was awarded an inaugural Women's Fund Award by the Christchurch Foundation, in recognition of her fostering of women empowerment.[16]

Videography

References

  1. ^ "Lynette Diaz – 2008 Peacedriven Songwriting Contest". christchurchmusic.org.nz. 2 February 2009. Archived from the original on 24 July 2011. Retrieved 26 April 2009.
  2. ^ "12th Annual Unisong Social/Political Honorable Mentions". unisong.com. 2009. Archived from the original on 15 June 2009. Retrieved 28 May 2009.
  3. ^ "Josephine Lynette Diaz". classmates.com. Archived from the original on 16 July 2011. Retrieved 10 May 2009.
  4. ^ "Lynette Diaz at Undertheradar". undertheradar.co.nz. Archived from the original on 18 June 2018. Retrieved 18 June 2018.
  5. ^ a b Miller, Heather (2 September 2008). "Interview with Lynette Diaz". Lyrical Venus. Archived from the original on 24 April 2022. Retrieved 9 May 2009.
  6. ^ Dekker, Nusi. "Emotion laid bare..." cdbaby.com. Archived from the original on 29 March 2012. Retrieved 26 April 2009.
  7. ^ "Play Lists by Genre – Acoustic". downundathundaradio.com.au. 1 February 2009. Archived from the original on 16 September 2009. Retrieved 26 April 2009.
  8. ^ "Lynette Diaz & Friends". nutpointgallery.com. 2008. Archived from the original on 14 July 2011. Retrieved 26 April 2009.
  9. ^ "Acoustic Couch Series". Christchurch notices. Archived from the original on 8 July 2011. Retrieved 9 May 2009.
  10. ^ "Lunchtime Series – Lynette Diaz". New Zealand Women's Acoustic Collective. Retrieved 9 May 2009.[permanent dead link‍]
  11. ^ "Calendar". Archived from the original on 14 July 2011. Retrieved 30 December 2009.
  12. ^ "Lynette Diaz takes home an 'Honorable Mention' in the 2008 Peacedriven Songwriting Contest". folkmusic.org.nz. 2 February 2009. Archived from the original on 26 May 2010. Retrieved 26 April 2009.
  13. ^ "Music to animals' ears" (PDF). The Press. 1 March 2008. Archived from the original (PDF) on 21 November 2008. Retrieved 26 April 2009.
  14. ^ "RSPCA Canterbury Fundraiser Concert". undertheradar.co.nz. Archived from the original on 20 July 2011. Retrieved 9 May 2009.
  15. ^ "FemAcoustica". plainsfm.org.nz. Archived from the original on 22 July 2011. Retrieved 12 October 2009.
  16. ^ "Inaugural Women's Fund Awards". christchurchfoundation.org.nz. Archived from the original on 26 January 2022. Retrieved 24 April 2022.