Xpat Interview: Dusky Diana

  • 1 Feb 2012 11:00 AM
Xpat Interview: Dusky Diana
A rather unique vocalist, Dusky Diana combines Funk, Soul, and Hip Hop music with the epic story of a would-be hero. Although many groups are combining classic soul with contemporary Hip Hop, she is set apart from the rest through the use of comic book mythology to support her musical exploration.



Ms. Dusky is "another kind of super hero" whose lyrics swing from English to Spanish, and whose performances are often episodic and given in full super hero regalia. Dusky Diana combines theater and motion comics in live performance, creating news ways to experience and define a Hip Hop concert. Visually she is supported by the work of Philly based Noir World Wide and musically, she is backed by the Hip Hop collective Community Education.

The group began with Prosper Jones, Mr. Mo’czar, and Moss Man in Memphis, TN. Early years were spent freestyling on porches, at parties, in school, and at work. The underlying concept being that music should be accessible to everyone, everywhere, at any time. The group encouraged everyone to participate no matter the discipline or experience, and several songs were recorded using whatever equipment available.

Now Community Education has evolved into a worldwide Hip Hop, Funk, Soul collective managed by its core members Prosper Jones, Mr. Mo’czar, Moss Man and Dusky Diana. Each member brings their unique musical backgrounds to the collective creating a sound heavily influenced by Blues and Funk, but still rooted in Hip Hop music. They are currently working on their next project and performing regularly.


1. When did you arrive in Hungary and what brought you here?
We got here in August. I'm here with my band and shooting a web series as well.

2. Have you ever been an expatriate elsewhere?
Germany

3. What surprised you most about Hungary?
I didn't really have any assumptions about it. We were in Germany, we came here to do some shows. We had heard good things and found them all to be true.

4. Friends are in Budapest for a weekend - what must they absolutely see and do?
The bath houses.

5. What is your favourite Hungarian food?
So far I'm all about the pickled goods: cabbage, stuffed peppers, stuffed onions, etc.

6. What is never missing from your refrigerator?
Pickled goods and homemade Hungarian yogurt

7. What is your favourite Hungarian word?
At this point, I am happy to communicate with the few that I know. I'm not really in a position to have favorites

8. What do you miss most from home?
Latin food

9. What career other than yours would you love to pursue?
None

10. What's a job you would definitely never want?
I was a cleaning lady once and would never do that again. It wasn't awful but I was definitely awful at it. The worst I think is telemarketing. I didn't even make through the training.

11. Where did you spend your last vacation?
NYC

12. Where do you hope to spend your next holiday?
Croatia, we usually go during the summer. Family and fun

13. What was your favourite band, film, or hobby as a teen?
Better Off Dead, still love it

14. What can't you resist?
Chocolate

15. Red wine or white?
Both

16. Book or movie?
Yes

17. Morning person or night person?
I enjoy sleeping but not all day long. I guess I'm an afternoon person

18. Which social issue do you feel most strongly about?
Depends on what has happened to me that week

19. Buda or Pest side?
Buda for some restaurants but Pest to hang out and live

20. What would you say is your personal motto?
Go.

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