ION INDIE MAGAZINE June 2014, Volume 1 | Page 37

I would be remiss if I didn’t mention that Dilana has also done 2 tours for the troops in Afghanistan. During her extensive world travels, she was a part of the “Go Army Concert Series”, sharing the stage with LYNYRD SKYNYRD and THE DOOBIE BROTHERS. On her last appearance in Afghanistan, her mother passed away the day she got there—yet she stayed and kept her commitment to the troops. But what remains as her prized creation to date, is Dilana’s greatest production—her daughter RIVER. As I interacted with Dilana for this article, she apologized for her “shortness” (not true—she was engaging, responsive and kind.) As she stated, “I have a six-month-old daughter and I'm already getting prepared for the next trip in 2 days. We just got in from my Texas tour late last night…So there is laundry to be done and fresh bags to be packed for the next flight and road trip.” For some reason, I found myself humming the little ditty “Sisters Are Doin’ It for Themselves”—and this dyno-diva is doin’ it in 3D! I am listening to her 2013 CD release “Beautiful Monster” (produced by JACK ENDINO: NIRVANA/SOUNDGARDEN), and it serves as my backdrop as I pen this article while immersing myself in songwriter Dilana’s haunting melodies. This album is a different layer of the Dilana that so many came to know from “Rock Star: Supernova”—as the powerful Rock goddess that owned the stage that, in my opinion, decimated her opponents and left them mortally wounded on the battlefield. Beautiful Monster” is Dilana taking a deep breath and exhaling her heart. “Beautiful Monster” purges the essence of life and its truths--it is not your “skittles and rainbows” glossiness that evokes an urge to twirl in a field of daisies while clutching white Persian kittens. Nor will one feel the burning drive to construct a “smiley face” out of egg yolk. In her compositions, Dilana exposes the “burnt toast” along with the serenity that evolves with the journey of enlightenment...and the shit you have to kick to get there. This is not to be confused with Morissette-esque angry male-bashing-melodies--not at all. The introspective offerings of “Beautiful Monster” rip off the scabs borne by heartbreak-all the while nurturing the gaping wound that is left exposed and vulnerable. This is a revelation of a woman’s soul that transcends all genders of humankind. I am left with the impression that the singer/songwriter Dilana reveals what life in its complexity, conceals—and she delivers it into the light. As in all truths, it ain't all warm and fuzzy. But for an artist to resound with their audience, reality must be imparted. Dilana and her grit-laden vocals and commanding stage presence, without a doubt, have made their connection…especially with the woman in me. Learn more about Dilana at: www.dilanarocks.com www.facebook.com/Dilanarocks www.twitter.com/dilanarox “Let’s get it on, got the wheels, hit the ground, These rocky roads ain’t gonna slow our joyride down, I ran for miles n miles naked in the rain, And I’m OK, here I go! ~Dilana “Holiday”