I know it is a stage name, but how did you get the name Dina Delicious?
It was a bunch of friends joking. They called me Delish and DD, so I just used it. I thought it was fun so we went with it.
Although the main point of this interview is about the music, I wanna talk for a moment about being a transgendered artist. How is putting yourself out there for the average American?
I don't really think about it, to be honest. I try not to think of the negative because it affects you. I don't want to be consumed with that sort of thought. I create whatever I want and let it go. I've worked in a lot of nightclubs, and some of them were straight one, so I've never felt separate. I just don't "go there". If I thought about it, it would be a crutch to me, and I don't think that being transgender is a crutch.
A lot of slang words get thrown around the internet. Do words like "Tranny" offend you?
I kind of take it in stride. Words only have power if you let them. It also depends on if people are using it offensively, you know what I mean? If they were using it as an attack I might be offended, but jokes are jokes. I don't believe in knocking people down.Back to the reason we're here: Your music. Let's start with the song I missed -- Bubble Wrap. How did that song go over with the community?
I got very positive feedback, especially from here in New York. I still enjoy performing that song today. I'm actually working on a whole bunch of remixes for that song, so when I go on my promotional tour this summer, I can pick which one I want to include to go with the sound as a whole. Bubble Wrap is a song about breaking free and getting away from stereotypes people put you in. It's about letting loose and everything will be ok. I feel it's empowering. I love it, and I always will. It was my first release, though it wasn't the first I recorded.
Why for the second song did you opt to do a cover instead of another original song?
I had so much written as far as demos, but a friend and I were sitting and having a conversation about music. I confessed I wanted to do a cover song and do something I could make my own in my own way. I wanted a song I could add a fresh sound to. We came up with Two Of Hearts from nowhere and I was like "Yes. Yes, yes, yes. Let's do it." Two weeks later, I was recording it. It also opened people up to me, because most already know the song. They get to know me, and there is so much to come after this. I see it as a gateway for me.
The reaction to this song is crazy! You've been the top story on Taking Over The Universe for two weeks, had fans remixing it, and a lot of people talking about it. How does it feel?
It's really taken off. It's exciting! It feels amazing. People got that I didn't want to take the song and do it totally differently. I was paying homage to it while updating it at the same time. I didn't want to change the chords or feels. It was a different way of doing music for me, and I was really happy with the results. I was nervous to release it because people loved the original. I'm glad they respect both of the versions.
Has there been a response from Stacey Q?
No, I haven't heard yet. I hope she loves it.
Will we get a video for Two of Hearts?
The thing with Two of Hearts, as far as a video, is that it requires a different license. We are still waiting on that, and I'm dying to do a video. I have the rights to the song, but I don't have the rights to do a video for Youtube. If I do get the rights, I will do one.
Do you have a concept yet?
I'm always thinking. I don't wanna give it all away now.
Two of Hearts is still pretty fresh, but I'm told you already have another single ready to come
Oh yeah! I have a track we are mixing called "Black Widow". That will be released probably mid July. What I want to do with that is release it for free for all the fans.
What kind of song is it?
It's very dance-pop style. Not so much dub[step], but there will be a little probably. It's a very dance, middle-finger-in-your-face kind of song. It's not about love. [laughs]
As an indie artist, it's gotta be hard to pull it all together -- both financially and simply getting things done. How have you been able to get it all done?
I'm very disciplined. I have to pull it together. Unfortunately as an independent artist, I have to work a job. It's not all about making music. I don't have anyone doing my bookings or promos, so I basically do it myself. I always commit a few hours a day to my schedules, bookings, and other things regarding the music. I always try to be a month ahead, but it's a lot of work. I don't think people understand how hard it can be without management or a label backing. It is fulfilling, though, because I get to know people I might not be able get in touch with on a major label.
I know you just rocked Queens Pride, but I understand you've got even more in store for June.
Let's do a quick rundown of June in New York City.
June 7th: F-Word @ Splash
June 9th: Skybox
June 23rd: Van Damme
June 30th: Co-hosting and closing for Pridefest.
i think she will break the mold
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