Alela Diane Biography
Alela Diane is an American singer-songwriter who was born and brought up Nevada City, California, United States of America. She began writing songs at the age of 19. Her music is often described as a blend of folk, indie, and Americana, with influences from traditional folk music and country.
Diane released her debut album, “The Pirate’s Gospel,” in 2004, which received critical acclaim and led to tours with artists such as Iron & Wine and Akron/Family. She has since released several more albums, including “To Be Still” (2009), “About Farewell” (2013), and “Cusp” (2018).
In addition to her solo work, Diane has collaborated with a number of other musicians, including guitarist Ryan Francesconi and musician and producer Tom Bevitori. She has also contributed to soundtracks for films and television shows, including the soundtrack for the HBO series “True Blood.”
10 Quick Facts About Alela Diane
- Name: Alela Diane Menig
- Age: 40 Years (As of 2023)
- Birthday: 20 April
- Zodiac Sign: Taurus
- Height: Average
- Nationality: American
- Occupation: Singer-Songwriter
- Marital Status: Married
- Salary: Under Review
- Net worth: $500 Thousand
Alela Diane Age
Diane is 40 years old as of 2023, she was born on 20 April 1983, in Nevada City, California, United States. She celebrates her birthday on 20 April every year and her birth sign is Taurus.
Alela Diane Height
Diane stands at an average height. She appears to be quite tall in stature if her photos, relative to her surroundings, are anything to go by. However, details regarding her actual height and other body measurements are currently not publicly available. We will update this section when the information is available.
Early Life and Education
Diane was born on April 20, 1983, in Nevada City, California, USA. She grew up in a musical family where her father was a musician and a guitar teacher, and her mother was a singer. Alela Diane’s parents divorced when she was young, and she spent her childhood moving between California and Oregon.
She attended school in both states, including Nevada Union High School in California and South Eugene High School in Oregon. While in high school, she became interested in writing and performing music and began playing guitar and writing songs.
After graduating from high school, Alela Diane briefly attended college in California but eventually dropped out to focus on her music career. She began playing gigs at local coffeehouses and small venues, honing her skills as a performer and songwriter.
Rise to Fame
Diane’s rise to fame began with the release of her debut album, “The Pirate’s Gospel,” in 2004. The album was recorded in her father’s studio in Nevada City and self-released on CD-Rs. However, it gained significant attention and critical acclaim after being picked up by the indie label Holocene Music.
“The Pirate’s Gospel” showcased Diane’s distinctive blend of folk, indie, and Americana, and its haunting melodies and introspective lyrics quickly caught the attention of music critics and fans alike. The album led to tours with other popular indie-folk artists such as Iron & Wine and Akron/Family, and Diane began to build a dedicated fan base.
Diane’s follow-up album, “To Be Still,” was released in 2009 on Rough Trade Records and further solidified her reputation as a talented songwriter and performer. The album received widespread critical acclaim and reached the top 200 on the US Billboard charts.
Diane continued to release critically acclaimed albums, including “About Farewell” in 2013 and “Cusp” in 2018, and collaborate with other musicians, including Ryan Francesconi and Tom Bevitori. Diane’s music has also been featured in film and television soundtracks, adding to her exposure and popularity.
Alela Diane Family, Parents
Diane was born and raised by her parents in California. Our efforts to find out more about her family came to no avail as no such information is publicly available. Thus, the identity of Alela’s parents is still unclear. It is also not known if she has any siblings. We will update this section once this information is available.
Alela Diane Husband
Diane is currently married to her husband Toren Volkmann. The couple tied the knot in August 2013. She was first married to Tom Bevitori. They got married in 2011 but they later divorced.
Alela Diane Children
Diane and her husband Toren Volkmann have two children together, both daughters named Vera Marie and Oona. Their first daughter Vera, was born in October 2013 and their second daughter Oona, was born in February 2017.
Alela Diane Net Worth
Diane has an estimated net worth of $500 thousand dollars as of 2023. This includes her assets, money and income. Her primary source of income is her career as a singer-songwriter. Through her various sources of income, Alela has been able to accumulate a good fortune but prefers to lead a modest lifestyle.
Alela Diane Measurements and Facts
Here are some interesting facts and body measurements you should know about Alela.
Alela Diane Wiki
- Full Names: Alela Diane Menig
- Popular As: Alela
- Gender: Female
- Occupation / Profession: Singer-Songwriter
- Nationality: American
- Race / Ethnicity: Not Available
- Religion: Not Known
- Sexual Orientation: Straight
Alela Diane Birthday
- Age / How Old?: 40 years (2023)
- Zodiac Sign: Taurus
- Date of Birth: 20 April 1983
- Place of Birth: Nevada City, California, USA
- Birthday: 20 April
Alela Diane Body Measurements
- Body Measurements: Not Available
- Height / How Tall?: Average
- Weight: Moderate
- Eye Color: Brown
- Hair Color: Brown
- Shoe Size: Not Available
Alela Diane Family and Relationship
- Father (Dad): Tom Menig
- Mother: Not Known
- Siblings (Brothers and Sisters): Not Known
- Marital Status: Married
- Husband/Spouse: Married to Toren Volkmann
- Dating / Boyfriend: Not Applicable
- Children: Daughter(s) (Vera Marie and Oona) Sons (None)
Alela Diane Net Worth and Salary
- Net Worth: $500 Thousand
- Salary: Under Review
- Source of Income: Singer-Songwriter
Alela Diane Career
The songs for Diane’s album The Pirate’s Gospel were written on a trip to Europe. They were recorded in her father’s studio and were initially self-released in 2004, in paper and lace sleeves with hand lettering. In October 2006, the album was issued in revised form by Holocene Music and received widespread critical acclaim.
A new song, “Dry Grass and Shadows”, was issued on a compilation of Nevada City artists, and five more new songs were issued on a limited-edition 10″ vinyl pressing, Songs Whistled Through White Teeth, released in the United Kingdom in October 2006. In April 2007, the Pirate’s Gospel was released in the UK on Names Records, garnering favorable reviews in The Times and NME.
She toured the U.S. both solo and with Tom Brosseau, and opened for Iron & Wine, Akron/Family, the Decemberists, and Vashti Bunyan. She also toured extensively in Europe (UK, Ireland, France, Switzerland, Netherlands, Belgium, Germany) in the spring of 2008.
Diane sang on an album of cover songs, The Silence of Love, released in November 2008, recorded by Eddie Bezalel and Hugo Nicholson with musicians Josh Klinghoffer, Joey Waronker, Gus Seyffert, Leo Abrahams and Woody Jackson under the name Headless Heroes.
Her second album, To Be Still, was released in February 2009 on Rough Trade Records. In early 2009, she toured the US opening for Blitzen Trapper and spent the better part of that year touring Europe.
Her third album, Alela Diane & Wild Divine, was released in April 2011 and was recorded with a backing band, Wild Divine, which included her father, Tom Menig, and her then-husband, Tom Bevitori.
She and Wild Divine toured the US and Europe to promote the album, and in July 2011, they opened for the Fleet Foxes on a string of dates. In the fall of the same year, she also accompanied Fleet Foxes as their opening act in Europe.
In 2012, her song “Take Us Back” was featured on the end credits of the “No Time Left”, the fifth and final episode of the adventure game The Walking Dead by Telltale Games. In 2019, the song was once again used near the end of The Walking Dead: The Final Season episode “Take us Back”.
Her fourth album, About Farewell, was released on her own label, Rusted Blue Records, in digital format in June 2013, with the physical edition issued in July. In 2014, the track “The Light” appeared on The Walking Dead fourth season soundtrack, Songs of Survival Vol. 2.
On October 16, 2015, she and guitarist Ryan Francesconi released the album Cold Moon, featuring the “thoughtful guitar picking of Francesconi [and] Diane’s naturalist, poetic lyrics”.
Alela Diane Songs
- 2003: Forest Parade
- 2004: The Pirate’s Gospel
- 2009: To Be Still
- 2011: Alela Diane & Wild Divine
- 2013: About Farewell
- 2015: Cold Moon
- 2018: Cusp
- 2022: Looking Glass
Notable Travel, Events, and Experiences
Alela Diane has had several notable travel experiences throughout her career, including:
- Touring extensively throughout the United States and Europe, playing at venues and festivals in cities such as Paris, London, Amsterdam, Berlin, New York, San Francisco, and Portland.
- Collaborating with musicians from around the world, including Alina Hardin, Tomo Nakayama, and Ryan Francesconi.
- Participating in the “An Evening with Women” event in 2015, which raises funds for the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
- Performing at the Newport Folk Festival in 2014 and the Cambridge Folk Festival in 2015.
- Recording her fourth album “About Farewell” in Portland, Oregon, with producer Thomas Bartlett.
- Spending time in the wilderness of Northern California, which inspired her album “Cusp.”
- Writing songs while living in the remote town of Riddle, Oregon.
- Performing with her father, Tom Menig, a musician and instrument maker, at the San Francisco Folk Music Club.
- Collaborating with filmmaker Erin Granat to create a short film titled “Wild Divine,” which features her music and explores the connection between humans and nature.
Future Aspirations and Goals
- Continuously developing and evolving her musical style and skills as a songwriter, singer, and performer.
- Collaborating with other artists from different genres and backgrounds to create new and innovative music.
- Expanding her fan base and reaching new audiences through tours, festivals, and social media platforms.
- Using her music to raise awareness and support for social and environmental causes she cares about.
- Exploring different creative mediums, such as writing, visual arts, and filmmaking, to express herself artistically.
- Pursuing opportunities to perform and record music in different parts of the world to expand her cultural understanding and influence.
- Experimenting with new technologies and production techniques to enhance her music and create unique experiences for her fans.
- Collaborating with non-musical artists, such as dancers, poets, and visual artists, to create interdisciplinary performances and projects.
- Continuing to challenge herself creatively and personally by exploring new sounds, genres, and themes in her music.
Social Impact: Philanthropic, Charitable and Community Involvement
Alela Diane has been involved in several philanthropic, charitable, and community activities throughout her career, including:
- Participating in the “An Evening with Women” event in 2015, which raises funds for the Los Angeles LGBT Center.
- Performing at a benefit concert for the Oregon Country Fair in 2014, which supports the arts and community organizations in the Pacific Northwest.
- Supporting the work of the National Resources Defense Council (NRDC) and other environmental organizations through her music and social media.
- Advocating for the rights of refugees and immigrants through her music and social media.
- Performing at the annual San Francisco Free Folk Festival, which celebrates the diversity and cultural heritage of folk music.
- Collaborating with filmmaker Erin Granat to create a short film titled “Wild Divine,” which explores the connection between humans and nature and encourages environmental awareness.
- Using her social media platforms to promote charitable organizations and causes she cares about, such as the Oregon Food Bank, Doctors Without Borders, and the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU).
Alela Diane Awards Accomplishments and Achievements
Alela Diane is an American singer-songwriter who has been active in the music industry since the mid-2000s. Some of her notable awards, accomplishments, and achievements include:
- Her debut album “The Pirate’s Gospel” (2004) received critical acclaim and was named one of the best albums of the year by several publications.
- Her fourth album “About Farewell” (2013) was also well-received and was named one of the best albums of the year by NPR.
- Alela has toured extensively throughout the United States and Europe, playing at numerous festivals and venues.
- In 2018, she released the album “Cusp,” which was produced by Peter M. Murray and features contributions from Ryan Francesconi and Heather Woods Broderick.
- She has collaborated with a number of other musicians, including Alina Hardin and Tomo Nakayama.
- Her music has been featured in several films and TV shows, including “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Private Practice,” and “Bones.”
- Alela was nominated for the “Best Emerging Artist” award at the 2007 PLUG Awards.
- In 2014, she won the “Outstanding Folk Album” award at the Independent Music Awards for her album “About Farewell.”
- She has been praised for her unique vocal style and her ability to blend folk, country, and indie rock influences into her music.
Legacy
Alela has established a legacy as a talented and innovative singer-songwriter whose music explores themes of love, loss, nature, and spirituality. Her unique vocal style, which has been compared to artists such as Joni Mitchell and Karen Dalton, and her ability to blend folk, country, and indie rock influences into her music have earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated following.
Alela’s debut album, “The Pirate’s Gospel,” is considered a modern folk classic, and her subsequent albums have continued to showcase her artistic growth and experimentation. Her music has been featured in films and TV shows, and she has collaborated with a diverse range of musicians from around the world.
Alela’s legacy also includes her commitment to using her music and platform to make a positive impact on her community and the world at large. She has supported a variety of charitable organizations and causes, and her environmental and social justice advocacy has inspired her fans to take action and make a difference.
Hobbies and Interests
- Reading: Alela has cited authors such as Virginia Woolf, Sylvia Plath, and James Baldwin as influences on her songwriting and may enjoy reading in her free time.
- Nature: Many of Alela’s songs are inspired by nature and the outdoors, and she has spoken about the importance of spending time in nature for her creative process and personal well-being.
- Cooking: Alela has shared recipes and cooking tips on her social media accounts and may enjoy experimenting with new recipes and cuisines.
- Yoga and Meditation: Alela has spoken about the benefits of yoga and meditation for her physical and mental health and may practice these activities in her free time.
- Travel: As a touring musician, Alela has traveled extensively throughout the world and may enjoy exploring new cultures and destinations in her free time.
- Visual Arts: Alela has collaborated with visual artists on music videos and album artwork and may have an interest in visual arts herself.
- Social and Environmental Justice: Alela has been a vocal advocate for social and environmental justice and may dedicate her free time to activism and community organizing.
Quotes
Final Thoughts
Alela is a talented singer-songwriter who has established herself as a unique voice in the folk and indie music scenes. Her music is characterized by its raw emotion, haunting melodies, and deep spirituality, and she has gained a dedicated following for her powerful live performances.
Beyond her music, Alela has also demonstrated a commitment to using her platform to make a positive impact on the world. She has been involved in philanthropic and charitable activities, and has used her music to raise awareness about social and environmental issues.
Frequently Asked Questions About Alela Diane
Alela is an acclaimed singer-songwriter whose her music is often described as a blend of folk, indie, and Americana, with influences from traditional folk music and country.
Alela is an American national born on 20th April 1983, in Nevada City, California.
Alela stands at an average height, she has not shared her height with the public. Her height will be listed once we have it from a credible source.
Yes, Alela is married to Toren Volkmann. They got married in August 2013 and together they have two children.
Alela has an approximate net worth of $500 thousand. This amount has been accrued from her leading roles in the entertainment industry.
Details about Alela’s salary are not yet disclosed. However, information about how much she makes will be updated as soon as it is available.
Because of security reasons, Alela has not shared her precise location of residence. We will update this information if we get the location and images of her house.
Alela is alive and in good health. There have been no reports of her being sick or having any health-related issues.
Alela is and has been producing music since 2003, having her last music released on YouTube on 14th February 2023.
Alela Diane Contacts
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