http:​/​/​www.​youtube.​com/​watch?​v=​01C6WNBYduk

Since I've written you.

So much has happened in the last almost 8 months (and is going on). It's hard to fill you in on every detail but here are a few things that stand out, in a nutshell.

You all know by now, that the last indie "label" contract and my "manager" are history. So it's been a hard and challenging time ON MY OWN for a while. I have learnt a bunch being forced to handle my shit alone and the rewards have been an eye opener in so many ways. I've also learnt to say NO and that feels great lol!! Somehow, the entire process now is such a clear sign that it was all meant to be! We have to die a little to live again. I'm a firm believer!

Then Bunky came along! His' instincts and faith in me as an artist led him to the incredible decision to buy my (still unreleased) record and music video from the previous "label"!! I'm STILL stunned by the powers of the universe! We are in the process of negotiating a contract and if all works out, Bunky and I will be business partners when he signs me to his' label KABUNK RECORDS! Then, toes crossed, the record should be released in August! I'm thankful, I'm blessed.

My best friend Becky, founder of Living The Music (a Non Profit Organization) and I, went to Cameron Parish in Lake Charles, La a few weeks ago. We wanted to meet some of the folks out there who's lives have been turned upside down due to the hurricanes. All I can say is, my heart ached so badly for those poor families. I couldn't believe the strength and love that those Cajuns have in their hearts! It is something I wish ALL of us had! In the midst of the destruction, loss and pain, they STILL invite you into their "homes" (campers and trailers mainly) and offer to feed you! They still smile and make the most of what they have...their eyes tell of the sadness and the feeling of been let down by their own country! There are hundreds of empty FEMA trailers filling up fields yet there are still families living in mini vans! We were infuriated by this fact. Soooo..we HAD to do something! We collaborated with a true angel named Michael Turner who single-handedly buys and repairs "used" FEMA trailers and GIVES THEM AWAY to some of the victims!! We even had the pleasure of helping Michael give a trailer to a family of 7 who was living in their van for the past 6 months! It was an experience I will NEVER EVER let go of deep inside! To see and feel the joy in those small kid's voices and faces just humbled me to the core!! We made a video clip using one of my songs called LOUD Silence and we're gonna get it out ALL over to bring awareness to the people, the government, hell Oprah!! LOL! So look out for that REAL soon!

I'm slooowly expanding my "act" lol! Erik and I have been playing as an acoustic duo for almost 8 months and I got ansy So we now have a 3rd BAND member, Michael Martinsson (another Swede) and I'm really digging experimenting with this semi acoustic set up!

The movie, previously know as Kokonuts Ink has officially been re-named. The new title is ANGEL CAMOUFLAGED, taken from a line in my song ICE. We've shot the opening scenes and I'm happy and proud. The rest of the film is yet to be shot, the industry, the economy etc...is slowing the ship down but it's still sailing!

*We have a Maine Coon pussy named Sushi! I LOVE him to near death!
*Adam Lambert has my vote.
*Doing a show with Lucas Rossi next month, I'm stoked!
*I had my very 1st car crash in November! No-one died!
*Been clean for almost 8 months! Maybe my dirty little secret?
*Erik n I are writing n recording some great new tunes!
*My song SOMEBODY ELSE just got placed for a new E! tv show called Running in Heels!
*My feelings about my music style has changed - A LOT!
*I adore my friends!
*I got tired of all the compliments about my "rainbow" hair and THAT'S WHY I removed all the colors...I do miss it though.
*I think of people who are dear to me and dying of cancer and A.I.D.S. every single day and try do something to make them smile as often as I can!
*I still think that romantic love is over-rated. Fairy tales are really fairy tales. I AM trying to be positive though!
*I need another tattoo!
*I'm going on a MUCH NEEDED Harley trip in a week n a half! Saddling up n hitting the raod with my friends in TX! YeeHaw!!

There's so much more to share but I'm afraid I may bore you dear friends.

Lastly, THANK YOU!!
xoxox

Dilana Responds to American Idols Adam Lamberts Ring of Fire
Performance

Summary: Dilana response to the use of her version of Ring of fire from her
RockStar SuperNova Performance.

Press Release Body: The entertainment scene is a buzz today over Adam
Lamberts performance on last night's show.

http://www.usatoday.com/life/music/reviews/2009-03-17-idol-goes-country_N.ht
m

When asked today what she thought of Adam Lambert's performance from March
17, 2009 of Johnny Cash's Ring of Fire Dilana responded with, " I am stoked
that Adam Lambert from American Idol chose to use my version of Ring of fire
on last night's episode. It's an honor knowing that my arrangement and
"cashmere" version of the Johnny Cash classic "turned him on" to the point
where he wanted to use it on the show."

The people in Dilana's camp also stated that she would love a chance to meet
with Adam on the show and do a duet with him.

Dilana Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, the girl known by age two as
Dilana Smith discovered a love for music at an early age, participating in
school and church choirs as an escape from an unpleasant home life. Inspired
by such visceral singers as Janis Joplin and Tina Turner, she left school at
sixteen to follow her own dreams and soon found herself with a promising
music career in Holland, becoming one of the country's most coveted live
acts. Her 2000 album Wonderfool scored five singles, four videos and a
string of touring and festival gigs throughout the region.

By way of Houston, she made it to L.A. and wound up auditioning for "Rock
Star Supernova." As one publication noted, "The minute she stepped on the
Mayan Theatre stage in Los Angeles in Episode One and performed Nirvana's
'Lithium,' she instantly became the show's frontrunner." Her powerful vocals
and undeniable stage presence consistently garnered votes from viewers and
the "Supernova" judges. Although most fans expected her to win, Dilana came
in second to Canadian vocalist Lukas Rossi during the competition's finale.

While music remains the focus of her life, Dilana is also committed to
helping others, especially children. She has given her support to the Lili
Claire Foundation as well as the Elizabeth Glaser Pediatric AIDS Foundation,
asking her fans to donate to the cause. "Growing up in South Africa I saw a
lot of pain and death. I saw babies die of AIDS. Anything I can do to help
prevent that kind of suffering is worthwhile," says Dilana, an artist who is
maturing in more way than one.

Dear friends!!

I've had many people mailing me and asking where to send donations to for the event in Lake Charles on Sat 7th Feb.

As you know this charity is to raise money for Cancer care of patients, survivors and their families and at the same time raising awareness. Livin' the Music wants to create a support system for the community who has already suffered so much through hurricane disasters.

Here are the details! Pls make your check to:-
Livin The Music
7051 Highway 70 South, #322
10:13 PM
Nashville. TN 37221

IF YOU'D LIKE TO DONATE TOWARDS THE HURRICANE RELIEF, pls specify it on your check!

Also check this out!!
www.silver-lining-foundation.org
www.can-do.org

Looking forward to seeing many of your faces at OB's in Lake Charles!!

Ok, time to go spelunking!!

Dilana

They destroy lives, homes, communities. They blow in and sweep you off your feet taking everything down in their path. They leave people wondering why? Losing faith, hope and feeling like there's no tomorrow. BUT THERE IS!!

I am on the brink of revealing something INCREDIBLE to you. Something that I still cannot believe has happened to me. It's wonderful, it's beautiful and MAGICAL!

In a matter of time, I will share this disaster relief with you dear friends. Just know, that there IS hope, there IS beauty in this crazy world!

I will be in Lake Charles, Louisiana next month, 7th Feb. for another amazing charity event by LIVIN' THE MUSIC! This time for CANCER. We will also be singing for the cancer patients in the hospital on the 6th. I will also stay a few days longer to work on something MAJOR concerning Hurricane disasters, the refugees and FEMA who is doing NOTHING to help those people living in terror. I'm a HURRICANE DISASTER SURVIVOR! The least I can do is give something back to those who are suffering as I did.

PLZ come out to the show and support a great cause!! For more details chk out Livin The Music on my front page!

My love...

It has become obvious to me, for the 1st time ever, how much I love living in California! The weather is the shit!! After being away for the past 6 weeks, jetting from LA to Houston, NYC to Gothenburg and Stockholm and back to NYC again...coming home WHERE THE SUN SHINES has been the best gift this year so far! Last night Erik and I played the Knitting Factory in Hollywood. It was so wonderful to see so many people turn out and enjoy my music! So a warm THANKS to those of you who attended! We're also playing in Nashville on the 13th, Hermosa Beach on the 16th followed by the Senheiser stage at NAMM on the 17th!! Be sure to stop by the stage! MORE DETAILS POSTED HERE AND ON FACEBOOK!! Lastly, I encourage all of you to read this blog written by Brad Pedwell. An amazing talent, dedicated and HARD working artist, who is signed to HMG. WWW.MYSPACE.COM/PEDWELL I KNOW and FEEL his' pain. It is good to know that eventually justice shall prevail after being screwed by the labels!! My toppest hat off to Brad for speaking his' mind - he has MY support, no doubt! Doing a table reading of the movie script in an hour1 FUN! Did I mention that FRENCH STEWART (best known for his role as Harry Solomon on the 1990s sitcom 3rd Rock from the sun) plays the role of my brother (Morgan) in the film?? My love....