History
The story of singer/songwriter Diana ah Naid incorporates a classic ‘growing up in public’ scenario. Born in Lismore, NSW (1976), she lived the archetypal hippie commune life, travelling around the northern part of the state with her father. After several years playing the folk / blues clubs and cafes of the region, she recorded her self-financed, low-budget debut album, Diana ah Naid, with producer Buzz Bidstrup. Issued in April 1997, it featured a restless, funky brand of acoustic guitar folk with urgently charged vocals (akin to Ani DiFranco) backed by an emotional, primal energy.

One track in particular, ‘I Go Off’, highlighted ah Naid’s confident and passionate delivery over sparse yet adept guitar work. Having been issued as a single in June, the Triple J network picked up on ‘I Go Off’, with regular airplay on Richard Kingsmill’s Australian Music Show. As a result, the single reached #7 on the alternative charts, peaked at #35 on the national mainstream chart, and logged the #58 placement on the 1997 Triple J Hottest 100 list. The singer issued two singles in 1998, ‘Leaving the Country’ (April) and ‘Oh No’ (October). The second featured the backing of a full band.

Having toured constantly following release of her debut single and album, the strain left a cyst on ah Naid’s vocal chords. She took time out in 1998 to have the cyst surgically removed. Following a lengthy recovery, ah Naid recorded her second album, I Don’t Think I’m Pregnant, produced by Ashley Manning. Issued in September 1999, it was a convincing follow-up that produced two singles, ‘Perfect Family’ (August) and ‘Paper Hat’ (November). The singer’s then current touring band comprised Natt Prang (guitar), Jed Venus (bass) and Doug E. Styles (drums). ‘Perfect Family’ registered the #55 position on the 1999 Triple J Hottest 100 list. Her new single, ‘Don’t Believe in Love’ (February 2000), was produced by Daniel Denholm.