Latinitas Reports from SXSW 2017
Nina Diaz started performing when she was only 13 years old, around the age of many of the girls in our afterschool clubs and summer camp. It’s hard to imagine any of the girls in our programs on stage performing at clubs and going on tour without it affecting them in some way. At that age, they are very impressionable — they are still figuring themselves out, struggling with confidence and acceptance, and learning their limitations.
Diaz is very open about the struggles she faced that came along with the late nights, fame, and touring worldwide at such a young age with her band, Girl In A Coma. As a shy, awkward girl who had no idea who she was off the stage, she turned to alcohol and drugs; however, a few years ago, she decided to turn her life around and she is now a recovered alcoholic and addict. She credits her sobriety with helping her find her voice as a proud, curvy Latina woman and she wants to share what she’s learned to help others.
We caught up with Diaz for at short interview at a Cosmica Records showcase during South by Southwest at TKO Advertising, where she played a few songs from her new solo album, “The Beat is Dead.” She talks about finding her voice, her inspirations, and silencing the negative voices in your head.
About the Writer
Vicky Garza is the Marketing and Development Director for Latinitas. She is a former journalist who has covered topics ranging from the Texas Legislature, the Austin City Council, and the Austin healthcare, creative, and nonprofit industries to glamping in Texas. Follow her on Twitter at @victoriagarza.
