Story & Lesson Highlights with DiR (Diamond In The Rough)

We’re looking forward to introducing you to DiR (Diamond In The Rough). Check out our conversation below.

Hi DiR, thank you so much for joining us today. We’re thrilled to learn more about your journey, values and what you are currently working on. Let’s start with an ice breaker: What are you chasing, and what would happen if you stopped?
I am currently working hard towards chasing my goal to become the next biggest Japanese American artist out of LA. As a crucial beginning step in the process, I’ve started releasing singing covers online every week. I know that artist development and growth can take a lot of time, and as they say, luck is often what happens when preparation meets opportunity. I want to be challenging myself to improve as a performer and grow my platform regularly, as I believe the more work I put in now, the sooner I’ll be able to one day reach my goal.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I am DiR (short for Diamond In The Rough), a rising Japanese American singer-songwriter based in Los Angeles. With my background of being born and raised in the US, I aspire to become the next biggest artist that bridges the Japanese and US pop music industries. I regularly release covers online and am starting to perform at various venues in LA. I am working hard towards improving as a performer, growing my platform, and debuting my original music.

Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. Who saw you clearly before you could see yourself?
My artist name DiR actually comes from the first teacher I had that believed in my singing potential. Growing up, I was quite shy but had a great passion for singing. My teacher was the first person to take my potential seriously, calling me a diamond in the rough. This became my origin story as an artist, and I am currently working anonymously under this name as I work towards my goal to release music that connects the US and Japanese music industries.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, there have been many times I felt the challenges of pursuing my goal to become the next biggest Japanese American artist out of LA. For one, it hasn’t really been done much before. I feel like if you want to become an artist and you’re Japanese American, you might think you have to make the choice to either commit to a career in Japan as a J-Pop artist, or pursue an American musical career in LA. For me, as someone who identifies as Japanese American, I want to find a way to build a career where I can embrace and bridge both of my backgrounds. I also think it can feel difficult to find a way to reach an audience that is interested in J-Pop and Japanese culture within LA, as well as finding gigs that align with my platform. On top of that, being an anonymous pop artist, which there are lots of them in Japan but not as much in the US, it can often feel isolating when I’m pursuing the path I have set out for myself. However, I want to believe that by continuing to do what I do and building my career the way that I want, although it can feel difficult now, I’d be able to grow as a unique artist in the space while staying true to who I am.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
One belief that I want to stay committed to, no matter how long it takes, is staying true to myself and not “selling out” in my path as an artist. Often times, I feel like there are established categories for female Japanese artists that seem easier to follow and pursue success within. However, no matter where my career goes, I want to make sure that it’s a direction that aligns with what is authentic to myself. I don’t want to be molded into fitting a box, and I want to pursue a journey that feels right for me.

Okay, we’ve made it essentially to the end. One last question before you go. Could you give everything your best, even if no one ever praised you for it?
This is an interesting question, as for artists, especially when you begin uploading videos online for the first time and get no views or don’t have an audience, it can make you feel like “what’s the point”? I especially felt that when I first started posting content online as DiR, after putting in hours to perfect a video or performance. However, I reminded myself that this was part of the process, and that it was expected for me, especially as an anonymous artist building my platform from scratch. What’s important to me is that I keep putting myself out there, and that I focus on growing as a performer because of my own desire to improve and my love for music, not for external validation or praise.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://diamondintheroughmusic.wordpress.com
• Instagram: https://instagram.com/dir_officialmusic
• Youtube: https://youtube.com/@dir_officialmusic
• Other: https://tiktok.com/@dir_officialmusic