Mick Unplugged - April Diamond | Breaking Boundaries in Music: April Diamond's Path to Success

Episode Date: October 28, 2024

Welcome back to another thrilling episode of "Mick Unplugged"! Today’s guest is none other than the powerhouse of pop music, April Diamond. Known for her electrifying vocals, magnetic stage presence, and a journey that began in church, April has taken the music world by storm. She’s not just a singer and performer but also a dedicated vocal coach mentoring the next generation of artists. In this compelling conversation, Mick and April delve into overcoming challenges, staying motivated, and the authentic stories behind her hit songs like "Feel So Good" and "I Got a Secret." Whether it's her early days singing reluctantly under her grandmother's watchful eye or crafting dance-floor anthems that make you want to get up and groove, April’s journey is all about persistence, passion, and the power of giving back. Join us as we uncover the secrets behind her success and the incredible energy she brings to every performance. Buckle up for an episode filled with raw insights, bold moves, and inspiring stories. Let's dive in! Takeaways: April's journey in music began in church, influenced by her grandmother. Success comes with challenges that teach valuable lessons. The importance of having a 'because' that drives you forward. 'I Got a Secret' explores the complexities of relationships. Questions & Answers: Question: Mick Hunt: April, your song "Feel So Good" has become a fan favorite. What's the story behind its creation? April Diamond: "Feel So Good" is about celebrating the feeling of achievement. It embodies the joy that comes from overcoming obstacles and seeing dreams become reality. It's a reminder that after every struggle, there's a moment where it genuinely feels so good!     2. Question: Mick Hunt: Your journey from singing in church to performing on big stages is incredible. What advice do you have for aspiring artists? April Diamond: Trust your journey and stay authentic. Embrace every opportunity, learn from the setbacks, and build a supportive tribe around you. Remember, every talent you possess has a place in your success story.     3. Question: Mick Hunt: You’re known for your energy-packed performances. How do you prepare for your live shows? April Diamond: Preparation is key! I spend hours rehearsing with my choreographers and vocal coaches. It's about blending authenticity with professionalism, ensuring every performance feels fresh and electrifying for the audience. Sound Bites "I want to see everyone reach their greatness." "It takes time to make a love worthwhile." "There are people that did it for me." Connect and Discover LinkedIn:                          linkedin.com/in/ Instagram:                       Instagram.com/aprildiamondmusic Facebook:                        facebook.com/ Website:                           aprildiamond.com                                           Letthevoiceout.com Youtube:                          @aprildiamondofficial X:                                      lmaprildiamondmusic Streaming Show:             LIVE with April Diamond Latest Song:                   “I Got The Music In Me”  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

I want people to see that there's always hope and there's always a room for everything that every talent that you've got. What's that thing that either got April over the hump somewhere or what's that thing that's driving April right now? Mine was like, I'm just going to close my eyes and plug my nose and dive in. And that's what I did. You know, as calculated as you can be at every step and specifically in regards to music. You have some songs that like make you want to get up out of your seat. And sometimes I do the James Brown when I listen to April. If you don't know who the James Brown is, I'll make sure that somebody is showing you some James Brown moves right there. But, you know, it starts off as an authentic story and it starts off with something that I've experienced.

This is something that only you know, Mick. This is going to be the only thing. I've never revealed this before. So there you go. This is the reveal. Let's go. Welcome to Mick Unplugged, where we ignite potential and fuel purpose. Get ready for raw insights, bold moves, and game-changing conversations.

Buckle up. Here's Mick. Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to another exciting episode of Mick Unplugged, and today we've got a banger. Today's guest is a powerhouse in the pop music world, known for her electrifying vocals and magnetic stage performances, and I promise you that they are truly magnetic. She's a singer, performer, vocal coach, and she's not only taken the music industry by storm, she's also mentoring the next generation of artists. Please join me in welcoming the talented, the dynamic, the inspiring, the mesmerizing, my good friend, Ms. April Diamond. April, how are you doing today, dear?

Hello, Mick. I am great. Thank you for that beautiful introduction. That's so nice. I appreciate that. It's you. So that's the cool thing. And I know, you know, we connected a few weeks ago via the LA Tribune.

I get on this text message and someone's like, Mick, I want to introduce you to April Diamond. And I'm like, wait, the April Diamond? Like, no, no, no, no, no, no. And then we've been like best friends ever since that moment. And I wanted to take this moment, April, to just tell you this. One, I've been a fan of you for a long time. You've got an amazing voice. I know that somewhere in there it started in church because you don't have a voice like

that unless you go in the church. But I also know you don't have a voice like that unless you have a story and you have a challenge that you've overcome. And so I just wanted you to know I've been a fan forever and I'm honored. My listeners are honored to have you here today. Thank you so much. That is really kind of you to say thank you so much. And I appreciate the fact that you like the music and you understand that there's always a story behind, you know, success in different levels. It's a story and it's, you know, we're climbing to the top doing what we're doing. And we have to set our mind to understand that obstacles are there and they're there to teach us something and they're there to make us great. I just think

that in the music world and as far as like where I started from, it definitely started in church. My grandmother played the organ and the piano. She used to bounce back and forth in church. We had a little church and I always tell the story about how she, you know, was on my case to sing. And I was, of course, that child that's just like love to sing in my closet, but nowhere else. And, you know, I finally, you know, cause you're not going to, grandma's not going to, she's not going to let up until you do it. So, but God bless her for that because she was right, you know, and she set me on my path. So, um, the journey has been, you know,

incredible and there's, it's taken so many twists and turns. And I think to kind of go from the end to, you know, work your way back, I, to get this far was not even, you know, my initial intention. Like I didn't even realize I could get this far, but when I started seeing glimpses of it, then I chose to forge ahead. And I think that that's an important point for people in any area of success that you see that glimmer of hope and you see that light at the end of the tunnel, as they say, sometimes it's not coming train, but Hey, sometimes it's like you get past that. And then you see something that you envisioned maybe years ago. And you're like, wow, I'm here. So I can say that right now. And there are many beautiful people along the way

that have opened the door and allowed me to do what I do. So it's, you know, it's magical and I'm grateful. I'm just grateful, grateful all over the place. It's grateful. No, absolutely. Absolutely. You know, April, on Make Unplugged, we like to discover everyone's because, right? Like that deeper than your why.

And your because changes over time, right? Like there are different situations where you have to be rooted to your because. I would love for April to share with the viewers and listeners. It doesn't have to be today, but what's one of your becauses? What's that thing that either got April over the hump somewhere or what's that thing that's driving April right now? I know how I felt when I saw some sort of dream in my head and in my heart that I felt like God gave me, you know, and I know what it's like to be sitting in a place alone in your room, playing your music and having dreams, but getting out the front door to go and do what you know you're meant to do and all the things you know you're going to face. I know how

people feel who like to do music or who like to go out and speak or want to go out and do something because they have a message. And I know what it feels like to be completely petrified to do it. I know what it feels like to be bullied. Okay. Every time I stepped on a stage, you know, I gained the fans and, you know, gained people that wanted to bully me on the side because they just didn't want to see me be successful. And I think a lot of people are disillusioned from going out and forging ahead and telling their story and becoming great in their area of expertise because they know they're going to face some things, right? And I think for me, mine was like, I'm just going to close my eyes and plug my nose and dive in. And that's what I did. You know, as calculated as you can be at every step and specifically in regards to music, you know,

there was always an opportunity, you know, as I say, I followed the arrows and I worked my way up to finding the right producer, finding the right music, finding the right presentation, you know, getting on social media from, you know, little followers to where I'm at now and creating live with April Diamond like that was a conversation it was a legitimate and authentic conversation that I was having with people and I felt like that there were people in the world that not just it's not just about me and my music but it's also about people in the world who do incredible things and the world needs to know about them so I let them tell their story and they always tell me at the end, whether it's, you know, no matter where they come from, they always tell me, April, I really love that conversation

because I can just be myself and tell my story. There needs to be more of that. Kind of like what you do, Mick. You do an incredible job of this. That's what we're here for, right? Yeah. One of the things, and I'm going to hold this question or comment in a little bit because you're one of the greatest givers that I know, but I want to talk about some of your talents, right? Like I know the world knows who you are, but I want to talk about getting

there. And these are the words of Mick and Mick only. So I don't want anybody to say anything bad about me, right? But a lot of people can sing. Right. And a lot of people are great vocalists. There are a lot of people that are great dancers and there are a lot of people that are great background singers. Yeah. The unicorns are the people that can put it together. Right. They call it show business for a reason. And you're one of the absolute best at putting on a true performance. And so my first question for April is this, was dancing natural? Because you have some dance bangers, right? Like you have some songs that like make you want to get up out of your seat. And sometimes I do the James Brown when I listen to April. If you don't know who the James Brown is, I'll make sure that somebody's

showing you some James Brown moves right there. But was dancing natural for you? And then as you started composing some of your own songs, because I also know that you do some writing too, like, do you think about the show when you're writing or is it just, I'm just, I'm just getting this out. I love to go deep in the mind of April 9th. You know, it's, it starts off as an authentic story and it starts off with something that I've experienced. And then I take it to the experts at my record company and go, OK, what do you think about this story? And they're like, OK, well, let's frame it in a way that can be fun and poppy. But let's also still keep the meaning. But let's help people feel like they want to sing along.

I mean, there's so much that goes into it, like the dancing part to address the dancing part. You know, that's funny because my family used to make fun of me because I would come home after school. This is something that only you know, Mick. This is going to be the only thing. I've never revealed this before. So there you go. This is the reveal. Let's go.

So I would come home from school and I would go in the backyard and create my own little dance studio. And I would come up with dance moves, right, for this dance class that I had in the group and that kind of thing. And so they put us in groups. And I'm like, okay, let me come up with some dance moves for this dance class that I had in the group and that kind of thing and so they put us in groups and I'm like okay let me come up with some dance moves for this song that song whatever and at that time I really wasn't you know any any dance classes and so it was they were just like oh there's April dancing on the patio again what is she doing out there what is she dancing like for random reasons right and I was just thinking about this the other day as we were at rehearsal this past week I'm working with Chuck Maldonado who is an incredible choreographer worked with J-Lo and Usher and all these major acts on MTV and Backstreet Boys like everybody and I'm standing there and I'm doing these moves that I remember I

was trying to practice when I was on that patio as a kid going isn't it interesting how that all these little random things that we feel like we're good at, or we just want to like dip our toe into and like try on for size winds up finding its place in our journey. And I was laughing because I was like, okay, now I know why years later. So and it's just, it's incredible having that moment. And yeah, the dance part, like, I've had so many great choreographers and professional dancers that have poured into me teaching me things but then I also had some ability to dance right so I did do some of that and I also ice skated and roller skated

I did all those things and I realized that all that contributes to it so take all that and then you put a song together right and then you think of, what's what's the funnest and most light for me? I like to pick the more fun and positive way to tell a story and have everyone have fun and sing along. Sometimes stories can be dark and they can be like come from pain or struggle. But at the end of the day, I want to show how that you overcome that. Right. And so far, I think we've been pretty good at learning how to do that and, you know, calling things into being like I've got the music in me. Feel so good. You know, the next song that's that's just about we're going to be putting that out. I got a secret that's out that's up on streaming, but we're going to do, you know, getting ready to shoot that video. Like all of it. I want people to see that there's always hope. And there's always a room for everything that every talent that you've got, like, I'm still, you know, like that moment on the patio dancing,

like, here I am standing with this guy, celeb choreographer, and he's going over this stuff with me. And I'm just like, these full circle moments are incredible. I'm grateful for that. So anybody that's watching all those little nuances in your life that you're like, why is this little random thing showing up in my life? I promise you it will come up later. It might be much later, but you're going to see it again. Love it. So you hit on one of one of my favorite songs, Feel So Good. Is it really? That's great. Like that song hits me on different levels because it feels like there's a story there. And I connect really well with music, right?

And so, you know, I understand the composition and you have to pick the right music that goes with the song. And people think that the song itself is the music. And I'm like, no, no, no, no. There's different things that go with making what you hear the end result. What's your story for Feel So Good? Because I need to know. Yeah. Feel So Good is straight up.

It comes from a place of taking time. That's the first line. It takes time to make a love worthwhile. It takes time to make anything what you want it to be, right? And I think Feel So Good is about feeling the finish line. You know, you feel the finish line and this feels so good because that's what I anticipated or that's what I hoped or maybe I hoped and I got something else, but I still arrived at my journey, right?

Or I arrived at the place that I wanted to be or I'm in the journey and I'm excited about where I'm going. And it's also about speaking the words out there. Feels so good. Look, people tell me that when they're at the gym and they're listening, Feels So Good Household has a bunch of remixes. So they're like, I just take the remixes and I'm on the treadmill and I'm at the gym and I'm getting all energized because the remixes are so great. It's the energy and the speaking things into existence. Like you got to say it, you know, say it, sing it. And by the way, sing it. Let me just tell everybody just sing, right. And as a vocal coach on my vocal coach side, being both an artist and a vocal coach,

I've got a bird's eye view of that whole singing thing. And I just want to tell people, listen, don't be afraid to sing out. I got a whole program to teach everyone to learn to sing and speak and use your voice in a more powerful way. So take it and like what you're saying, like, where does that come from? It comes from a place of, you know, having some rhythm, having some groove, having some dance moves, whatever you got, and then state it. It feels so good. You may not feel so good when you're singing it, but you will by the time you're done with the song. And what's crazy is that's what that song does for me. When I get into the song, again, it's one of my favorites. Thank you. It puts me in a place of accomplishment because I feel as humans, we feel great when we accomplish something. And for some people, it's a big thing. For some people, it's a small win, but whatever it is. And every time I hear feel so good, it resonates with an accomplishment. And where we're at in society, that's needed, right? Like, you'll hear me say a lot, like, don't overly celebrate your success because the next triumph is about to be in your face when you turn around. But you do need a moment where you feel so good about something that you just accomplished. And so that song for me personally does that. And I think for everyone that's listening or watching, one, do me a favor because I'll make sure that we have a link to that song since it is my favorite in the show notes and everything.

Yeah. But I would love to know if, and I'm talking to the listeners and viewers, if you feel that same way. Listen to that song. And if it doesn I'm talking to the listeners and viewers, if you feel that same way, listen to that song. And if it, if it doesn't take you to a place of achievement, then I did something wrong for you because I promise you that's what that song does for me. And I wanted you to know that April.

I appreciate that so much. I really appreciate that because you don't always know as an artist, if it's translating the way that you want it to translate, you don't always know how it's hitting people. Like people say, Oh, it's a great song. It's a lot of fun.

And you know, people are being nice or it's playing on the radio. A lot of people like it, but it, it's great to hear it from someone like you with your expertise and, you know, clients that you work with and your podcasts, all these things,

you, you know what the people like, and you know what you like. And it's good to hear that. I appreciate that. So you gave us a story that was only told here. I'm going to say it was our little secret, right? It is. It's only here. So I've got a secret, though. You know, Grammy nominated. It was on Billboard everywhere. Talk to us a little bit about I got a Secret. Like, what's the spark there? So I Got a Secret, yeah, it was in the Billboard. It was in the Grammy Preview Edition last year

in Billboard Magazine, which I'm super proud about. So we've all got a secret about something. And most of the people watching don't have to tell their secrets. Or you can tell it to your best friend or whatever in the secret stays with with you but this secret is you know it's in terms of relationships and how you feel about someone and how a friendship can evolve into something more or just you know having secrets about how you really feel and i don't know that we're all really completely honest about how we feel in a positive way right we have both positive and negative emotions but when you have some positive feelings about somebody and you really have some kind of emotion there, and you're not always willing to admit that because maybe you're just trying to be cool or whatever. I think the honesty

is what what hits people and is what going what is going to hit people when it hits the radio is that, you know, you got a secret, I got a secret too. And let me tell you how hard it is to sing about it. Because honestly, when I sing about things that are my personal, in my personal space, there's always a struggle of me singing it. And even though I know it's a good story to tell, I still have the struggle, but I do it anyway, you know, because I think it relates. I love it. I love it. And again, I love that song and the movement and energy that it has in that one, too. I mean, like all of your songs, the energy is so crazy in a good way. So crazy. Yeah. I demand the energy because I get bored fast.

I'm like, it's got to be popping. And I grew up with gospel music, you know, gospel music. And my mom had a record collection. My mom and my grandma had these record collections of like old old stuff like old like i'm looking through going who are the supremes who's diana rose and my mom's like what do you mean who right exactly and then i got to the donna summer record the donna summer record whoa rest in peace. She, when I heard that voice, I was like, who is that? Right. I'm going to sing like her. I can't, I don't sing like, she's my kind of one of my standards

besides some of the greats that we know today. But I think hearing Donna Summer sing blew my mind. Totally agree. Totally agree. So April, I want to take this to where I started with. You're one of the best givers that I know. And for the world that's listening, April does so much in various communities that she doesn't brag about. She doesn't put it out there publicly for the world. But what she does do publicly, you know, like out of the goodness of her heart, right? Like sometimes I message April, I'm like, you're doing too much for free. But out of the goodness of your heart, like you've got your coaching program, but you also will just do the live with April or, hey, every Monday at 630, come on and just ask me questions. And you don't have to do that.

But I know you do it because I feel the same way as you. Sometimes it just takes one person that you connect with or that they needed you in that moment. And I know without you saying, that's probably a lot of the reason that you do it, right? Because there was the 10-year-old April out there that you're going to connect with. And it's like, I know what you're going through. So I would love for you to tell the people, not why you do it, but what it means to you to do a lot of the things that you do just out of the goodness of your heart. Sure. Yeah. Thank you for that. It's really nice of you to say that. I do it because there are people out there that did it for me. There's somebody that there are people and mentors in my life that stopped what they were doing and took their own time and their own money and their own efforts to help April Diamond graduate, you know, to help April Diamond move forward in her career and become a person that by all, you know, by all the indicators when I was younger shouldn't have happened. I should have

been swallowed up by the drama and the trauma, right? And I know what trauma feels like. And I also know what it feels like to stand on the other side of trauma and go, that's great. You taught me something, but you didn't define me. And I want people, as many as you can, as long as it's free, free is coming to an end though. It is. So jump in now while you can. I want people to know that there is power on the other side of that. And everything that you go through, nothing is, nothing is, um, wasted, you know, until you're going to use it all. And when you give back to people and you pump into them the, um, the positivity and, you know, not just you can do it, you can do it. That's great. But how, like, how am I going to do it? How do I do it with this mindset? How do I do it

when I'm afraid to step on a stage? How, how do I do it when I'm, you know, faced with all these things that hit me in the brain space? Like, how do I step past that? And I know exactly how that feels. So I want some people out there to be like, you know what, April told me and so now here I am doing my thing. I just, I want to see them. I want to see everyone, you know, reach their greatness, whatever I can do to make that happen.

Like, I feel like that's part of the mission. And I want to see other independent and all recording artists, all singers and performers that are in their closet, you know, singing or dancing out on their porch. I want them to have their chance to have their shot. And I hope I am the one that helps to inspire them to do that. That's awesome. All right. We're going to go rapid fire because you've been gracious with your time. Rapid fire with April Diamond, my new best friend. All right. So you're born and raised in Southern LA? Yes. Inland Empire girl.

Lakers or Clippers? Lakers. Perfect. Raiders or Niners? They're in Vegas. Raiders. There you go. There you go. I love Vegas. What are two things that April Diamond wants people to know that they can do right now to get to that next level in their personal or professional life? So for that person that's like struggling, that's like, how do I get there? What are two things that people can do?

Say goodbye to the naysayers. Say goodbye. Rebuild your tribe and make all the lists of everything that it is you want to do. Make lists. And you might think you have too many lists. Make as many lists as you need and write it all out and go through and don't give up on your list because you can look at your list and go, I'm overwhelmed. It's going to get you there, though. Got to write it.

Love it. Love it. Last thing. What do you have new coming up and where can people find and follow you i'm gonna have it all on the show notes but where can people find and follow you and what's new that you have coming i want april to tell it not me thank you so much november 2nd first live show in a very long time in palm springs i'll be posting that me and my dancers and an incredible 25 minute show of all these songs.

It's going to be amazing. Go to AprilDiamond.com for that. And to find everything AprilDiamond.com, the Zoom calls, that's all on AprilDiamond.com. And that's my voice training system, LetTheVoiceOut.com. But to find April Diamond streaming live and you want to connect with me, that's on Instagram at AprilDiamondMusic. That's where I go live. And we have some chats and we have some conversations. And who knows what I'll be eating or singing or saying or traveling to. I mean, who knows? I just show up and I'm like, Oh, and by the way, here's the guy from

98 degrees. I don't know, you know, the band. So I have some interviews and things like that. And I think you'll love it and be part of my follower family. Cause you're not just a follower, you're part of my family. So find everything AprilDiamond.com. Go to Instagram at April Diamond Music. Make sure you follow me there and say hi. And I can't wait for you to be my friend. She's an amazing follower. I promise you she's engaging.

And especially on Instagram, you never know what's going to pop up. Right. Like she literally will talk about any and everything. And that's why I love her. Like that's why. Thank you. It's fun. It's me being myself.

Yeah. April, I appreciate you more than you know. We're going to have to do more of this. Yes. I'll see you soon at an event out in LA. Yeah. Ladies and gentlemen, my best friend, April Diamond. April, thank you, dear.

Thank you, Mick. You're the best. Appreciate you. All you. And for the listeners and viewers, remember, your because is your superpower. Go unleash it. Thank you for tuning in to Mick Unplugged. Keep pushing your limits, embracing your purpose and chasing greatness. Until next time, stay unstoppable.