“Levantar” can mean to “rise up” in Spanish, and that is what Daniela Carpio Fischer —alias Di Wav— is doing as one of the most unique Latin American artists on the scene. The Guatemalan-Swiss alternative singer finds inspiration in her identity, her love for dark, atmospheric aesthetics, and most recently, the British electronic band Depeche Mode. Her latest EP, Despierta, is an homage to "Depeche Mode. But make no mistake, Despierta is authentic Di Wav. The singer is true to roots, stretching beyond her music. Di Wav talked with Jejune about how she found her style, making music, and her ambassadorship for Save the Children Guatemala. To learn more about Di Wav, continue reading!

Where are you based?
I am currently living in Miami, Florida. I have been here for five years.

What inspired you to become a singer? When did you discover this passion?
I have always loved music since I can remember...literally. I was always intrigued by sound and the emotion it can create. More than a decision, I think it's a need to connect with other human beings through art.

You have a very specific aesthetic - dark indie pop. How did you develop your music style?
As many artists, it really has been a path of experimenting. I have a deep connection with the sound of what is considered “dark.” I love all types of music but for some reason, minor chords always have resonated with me as a songwriter and performer. My love for bands that have this obscure sound has also influenced me. NIN, The Cure, Depeche Mode and many more. In my music, you will find electronic, rock, alternative, indie, pop and even experimental music as an influence.

You’re Guatemalan and Swiss. How do your roots influence your music and aesthetic?
It definitely has influenced my music, my personality, and the way I present myself. I have both the Latin and European vibe. Both represent a part of me. It has led me to explore new sounds, genres of music, and admire artists from both worlds.

Alternative is an underrated genre in Latin music. Why were you drawn to this genre and why do you believe it's important for you to be a Spanish-language indie singer?
I make music from the heart and the alternative sound is the beat my heart moves to. I love experimenting and discovering new sounds as I mentioned before. The LatinAlternative scene is so rich in great music. I listen constantly to new artists from all around the region that bring to the table something fresh and different. A mix of culture and influences that you will not find anywhere else. Although Urban music is the current “trend”, to me, Latin Alternative music is our true gem as a culture. Although I have songs in English, Spanish is my first language and it's very interesting when you combine influences with culture.

Could you tell us about your new EP, Despierta? What was the creative process like?
Despierta was an EP born in the middle of the Pandemic. I now realize that I was in a very dark place. Feeling alone, afraid and anxious. This was my way of dealing with overwhelming emotions. It began with “Mente Criminal”, a song I had started writing with Marthin Chan and finished writing in quarantine. It all just flowed from that point on. I had a lot of time to think and I am grateful that I could focus that energy in music. It was different and lonely, but a very healing experience.

Did you work with any other creatives for Despierta? Who and what was it like to collaborate with other artists, especially during COVID-19?
Despierta was a big artistic project for me. I collaborated with many people. In the songwriting process and production I worked with Marthin Chan and Reuven Amiel. I collaborated with the Argentinean Band Linxes on the track “Ellos”. It was definitely different because of the distance, but technology helped us through.

On the visual aspect of the album, I co Directed the 4 videos with Jeniffer Galue & Rodrigo Carpio. I shot two videos during quarantine in Miami and two videos in Guatemala. It was a very liberating experience and loved the end result.

The artwork was also a collaboration with Guatemalan artist Vinicio Molina, who created amazing visual concepts for three singles and the EP Despierta. He is a very talented artist and loved seeing my music through his eyes.

Precious, a rendition featured on the EP, pays homage to Depeche Mode. Could you tell us more about what Depeche Mode is and what inspired you to pay tribute to it?
I am a HUGE Depeche Mode fan. One of the best bands ever to make music. Their sound is so unique and their lyrics are so deep. I love all of their songs, but this one in particular has always moved me. I decided to include the “Precious” on the EP because I wanted to pay tribute to one of my greatest inspirations and at the same time, with everything that was happening in the world, I just felt this song resonated with me at that time.

With four albums and reaching No. 4 in Guatemala’s National Chart, you’re a total sensation! What went through your head when you reached these milestones?
Everytime I achieve something I feel a bit of disbelief. I feel excited and grateful, but at the same time, music is a difficult path and you get so many “No’s” that when you get a “yes” it's kind of surreal. It's hard for me to be in the moment, since I’m constantly thinking of the next thing but I clearly remember the first time one of my songs peaked No.1 in the radio. Such a beautiful feeling. It's different every time, but I always feel grateful.

Not only are you a singer, but you served as a host for CTRLtv, an Alternative Latin American talk show. What made you take on this job and how did you prepare for it?
When lockdown occurred, I needed to keep my mind busy so when I got the proposal from Control Creativo to host CTRLtv, it was a no brainer. It was a very enriching experience for me and led me to discover new talent I had not heard of. The best way to prepare for an interview is research and that is what I did. Music is the best storyteller.

Could you describe your experience? In what ways is hosting a talk show similar to being a singer? In what ways is it different?
It was a dream come true to talk to many of the artists I admire and ask them questions that I know any fan would like to know, because I too myself was a fan. I have worked as a host in different projects in the past and it's definitely different to singing but rewarding in a different way. To me music is more emotion and being a host/journalist you have to be very mental to lead the interviews.

Jejune admires your Save the Children for Guatemala Foundation ambassadorship. When did you partner up with them and why?
I worked with Save The Children a few years back. They reached out to me and explained their mission. I supported them in campaigns and activities in my country. I have always supported different organizations that care and support the development of education and culture. Our children and youth are our future and we should all acknowledge that fact and help in any way we can.

What does being an ambassador entail?
In my case, I worked with them as a spokesperson and supported them by performing in a few fundraisers. I visited their sites and the children they support with other ambassadors.

What are some issues that Guatemalan children face that Save the Children aims addressing?
Guatemala is a beautiful country, but we have a lot of problems that unfortunately affect a huge part of the population. Poverty, lack of nutrition and education are just some of the concerns. As I recall, Save The Children provides assistance to better the lives of many families and communities and specially, better the future of our children.

Guatemala is one of the places most frequented for mission trips, whether they be sponsored by a high school or nonprofits. How do you feel about this?
I feel grateful that so many people want to help my country. It’s a magical land and anybody who travels to Guatemala would agree with me. We definitely need all the help we can get so our people can get basic human rights like education, healthcare and safe and adequate nutrition, among other basic needs.

What are other ways in which we can help support Guatemala’s communities?
There are many nonprofits that support specific causes that need your help. Supporting artists from local communities is also a way to help. We have beautiful handmade art that comes out of these communities in many forms such as paintings, sculptures, huipils, music and so much more. Supporting them, supports their growth and wellbeing.

How can artists use their platform to raise awareness for particular causes?
I can’t speak about other artists, but in my case, as a human I feel the need to support in any way possible the causes I believe in. If I have the platform, why wouldn’t I. Use social networks to express concerns, to call out injustices and basically have an opinion and act on it. People listen when you speak from the heart.

How are you staying positive during lockdown?
Art is where I channel my anxieties and fears, as well as my positive emotions. It really is therapeutic for me. This year, I have been trying to live more in the moment and not worry about the future. If COVID has taught me anything, it's that life is unpredictable and we have to cherish the NOW. What we are living in this moment.

What is your motto in life?
Live each day to the fullest as it were your last and treat others the way you would like to be treated.

To keep up with Di Wav, check out the platforms listed below.
Website: www.diwav.com
Instagram: www.instagram.com/di.wav
Facebook: www.facebook.com/diwavmx
YouTube: www.youtube.com/diwav
Spotify
Apple Music
DARK by Di Wav: www.darkfashion.net

Image credit Di Wav.

Di Wav - The Light In The Dark