| Lynette Diaz | |
|---|---|
| Birth name | Josephine Lynette Diaz |
| Born | Colorado, USA |
| Genres | Folk rock, acoustic |
| Occupations | Singer, songwriter |
| Years active | 2008–present |
| Website | lynettediaz.com |
Lynette Diaz is an American-born singer-songwriter living in Christchurch, 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]
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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]
Diaz came out in 2007 and ended her 19-year marriage. This life change also gave her the confidence to take up songwriting and performing.[5]
| “ | I know I’m a songwriter first, and the guitar is the instrument that brings the words alive. | ” |
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—Lynette Diaz, interview with Heather Miller [6] |
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Diaz released her first CD Lyrics In My Head in 2008. The album received critical acclaim [7] and was added to radio playlists.[8] Diaz performed and promoted the album in New Zealand,[9][10][11] and also in the United States.[12]
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 pipped for first place but was awarded an Honorable Mention.[13] 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.[14][15]
Among her many influences, Diaz cites Patty Griffin, Carol King and Brandi Carlile.[6] Her next release will include a tribute to American poet Emily Dickinson.
Diaz hosts the New Zealand radio program FemAcoustica on Plains FM 96.9.[16]