“Mastering others is strength. Mastering yourself is true power.” – Lao Tzu

 

AN INTERVIEW WITH DIANA WALLACE

By Debra Hopkins, BTCF President/Founder

 

Drumming is such a wonderful form of expression! How and when did you begin?

DIANA: It truly is a gift for all who participate. As a singer on the road in the 90’s, I picked up percussion to add to our sound. reggae and Afro-pop are full of world percussion so it was a wonderful journey. I love percussion almost more than singing!

In a previous conversation, you spoke about the depth of emotion and inner transformation connected to drumming. It is not just the drumming itself, but the intention behind it.  Can you speak more about that?  Is there an example you can share?

DIANA: Well, Drumming is grounding and healing and creates a pretty immediate sense of community. It’s hard to feel alone in a drum circle. You could be going through a really hard time in your life and simply connecting with others through shared rhythm and music-making can provide a deeply healing non-verbal bridge towards feeling better, getting to the other side of the low……without saying a word. I have been in circle where most everyone has their eyes closed deeply connecting with their inner rhythms while still contributing and receiving from the group.

As a singer-songwriter, where do you receive your inspiration?

DIANA: Much of my inspiration comes from a deep desire to heal, help others heal, and live a life filled with joy and connection. That’s a lifelong journey and I’m happy to be on it and getting back into lyric writing. I’ve been decomposing for In vertigo dance theatre for nearly 14 years and I find huge inspiration in the stories told through movement supported by my music. It’s magical.

What is Urth Rhythms?

DIANA: Urth Rhythms is the name of my Drum and Rhythm circle facilitating company that I have been running for about 10 years. It was created from my deep love of community music-making. We create memorable rhythm experiences for all occasions and populations.

When did you begin studying voice and percussion?

DIANA: Singing and the tambourine have always been a big part of my life via my father’s church. Singing and clapping and stomping and playing that tambourine. Even as a very young child, I was swept up in the spirit of shared music. It wasn’t until I was on the road in the 90’s that I started studying voice to be able to keep a voice through the rigor of doing sometimes up to 11 shows in 7 days. We were doing resorts and clubs and colleges and that kept us really busy. I also started studying percussion during that time as we would have amazing world musicians that we would be opening for and sharing rehearsal spaces with. I was always in awe of how such talented musicians were so generous and patient while sharing their craft. I would just say, “Hey, you are amazing, can you teach me how to play that?”

What types of music speak to you and why?

DIANA: I love Gospel and Reggae because of the deep spiritual pull. When I first heard the Wailing Wailers I started to cry. The music is born of struggle, The old negro spirituals were born of hope where there was NO foreseeable hope. These songs were spiritually charged with hope for a better day, but also the power of speaking out against wrong in a way that could reach the masses. I love singer/songwriter style as well because it has purity and simplicity that is so inspiring. I think there is value and inspiration in all genres of music. The 60’s and 70”s were amazing as well. African music has these insane polyrhythms that put ants in your pants! You just gotta move! I love that feeling of the music taking over and making you move like crazy!

You teach such a wide range of people and in many different environments. When it comes to being a drum circle facilitator, what is your preparation process like?

DIANA: Each community is different, but I lead with my heart and basically they dictate what we do. I think it is very important to meet everyone where they are so although I may have some song and game ideas and specific drums in mind it is a collaborative experience every time! As far as prep I make sure to have appropriate-sized drums and percussion for the community and a little extra just in case.

Breaking The Chains Foundation uses all forms of art as healing tools for our overall wellness.  How do you use your various art forms as healing tools for yourself and others?

DIANA: Singing is breathing with tone, and it is POWERFUL in a group setting. I am always singing as a release, as a self-soothing practice, as prayer. Making communal music and inviting people to express as inspired…sing,dance,drum,chant…bring it! It’s all good and received with love.

To engage the emotional well-being of those you teach, what are some important take aways you share with them?

DIANA: First and foremost, there is no right or wrong. There will be no judgement and yes, you are a creature of rhythm. It is your birthright to express yourself musically.

How is drumming beneficial to overall wellness?

DIANA: The benefits of drumming are far-reaching!! this are just a few!

• Improved coordination and motor skills:
  Drumming requires precise movements of multiple limbs, enhancing coordination and motor skills.
• Increased cardiovascular health:
  Drumming can be a vigorous physical activity, improving heart rate, and blood flow.
• Reduced stress and anxiety:
  The rhythmic nature of drumming can promote relaxation and reduce stress hormones.
• Enhanced cognitive function:
  Studies suggest that drumming can improve attention, focus, and memory.

Mental Health Benefits:

• Boost in mood and well-being:
  Drumming releases endorphins, and natural mood elevators, promoting feelings of happiness and euphoria. And the list goes on……….

What are three of your self-care tips?

DIANA:

• Get a massage as often as you can!
• Take time in nature daily…even just a walk around the block or sit under a tree…. and maybe hug it.
• Look in the mirror and no matter what you see, mirror back love and gratitude for being alive right here, right now, and remember that we are all creations of love and we all have a purpose.

We were so honored to have you facilitate drumming at our How To Love Yourselfie Youth Arts and Wellness Camp in September 2024.  What drew you to our event?

DIANA: Mike DeMenno is a hero of mine because he is incredibly kind, supportive, and monstrously generous. He reached out and thought my daughter would love it and said “I think you might too, let’s do it together” He is never wrong with his advice. and I am so glad I did, this organization is very much in line with the work I do with teens.

You have so much passion for what you do and your energy is a joy to be around, in fact it’s contagious! Can you speak to passion and what that means to you and how it affects those around you?

DIANA: I have always been full of life and curious and I learned on the road how people are lifted up by my work on my healing journey. My work is very selfish in many ways because I do it because it heals me and expands my heart. Honestly, sometimes I have felt overwhelmed with responses from guests and friends, but I have learned that the more I share and hold space and invite others into my joy. the more joy I have to share.

Is there anything else you would like to share?

DIANA: Thank you so much for this opportunity to share about myself and the work I so dearly love to do. I welcome all to My Garden on Thursdays at 7 pm for a yummy community circle that is growing lovely people! Register here: Urth Rhythms Gardens

Thank you, Diana!

DIANA’S LINKS:

https://www.dianalynnmusic.com/

https://www.facebook.com/DianaLynnMusic

https://instagram.com/divadianalynn

https://soundcloudcom/diana-lynn-1