Diane Pancel is a model of professional vocal versatility! She was the singing voice on 2 episodes of VEGAS (CBS) for the character Yvonne Sanchez. She’s also been a “National Anthem Specialist” for the Los Angeles Kings, LA Galaxy, Chicago Bulls, Orlando Magic, Grand Rapid Griffiths, and the U.S. Women’s National Soccer Team (aired worldwide on NBC Sports)
Diane has worked with David Foster, Michael Chiklis, Jason Graae, and opened for such artists as Matt Dusk, Leanne Rhimes, Nelly Furtado and the late Linton Garner.
A favorite quote:
Music gives wings to the mind, and flight to the imagination.
An object that inspires you in your musical work:
A pair of Betsy Johnson shoes that I bought for myself in LA. Every time I wear them, or even look at them, it reminds me of how far I’ve come.
An important vocal health lesson you’ve learned?
The biggest thing I’ve ever learned is rest. I can’t stress how important it is to rest the voice. It’s your friend! I make a point of trying to keep my talking to a minimum on show days. I have a busy life outside of my music career with family and kids so they “get it” when I need to be quiet.
A vocal artist who inspires you?
There isn’t just one but many. Doris Day, Judy Garland, Whitney Houston, Elvis Presley, Frank Sinatra, Sammy Davis Jr., Sam Cooke, Patsy Cline, Shoshana Bean – just to name a few! You can feel their passion. Their intensity. The way the deliver a lyric. The way they write. That’s what I connect to.
You’ve been nominated for 2 IPMA awards for your original song “Possibilities” – anything that helps you get into the zone of composing?
A lot of the time it comes out of nowhere. I find most of my ideas come to me when I’m out walking in nature or taking a bath! No joke. :-)
What’s your relationship with social media – what “works” for you?
When it comes to social media, I try not to get caught up in it too much. The biggest thing that I want to share with my audience is being myself.
Any social media “fails” or “successes”?
Definitely! Trying to be someone other than me which was a huge fail.
What are you currently working on in terms of your voice/music-career?
I’m writing some new songs that I hope to release later this year. I also love giving back to up & coming artists, so I’m in the process of teaching master classes online.
What was your first gig?
My first performance was at my grade 8 talent show…and, of all days, it was my birthday!
What did you learn from that gig?
That connection you have with your audience. It’s intoxicating. Plus, I knew that singing was what I wanted to do forever.
What performance would you single out as being a “turning point” & why?
I would have to say my debut show in Los Angeles in 2012 at The M Bar which is sadly no longer there. It was the turning point because I had only been in LA for 6 months and when I moved there, I knew nobody. Through networking and meeting other artists I had a sold out show, and from there things started to ramp up.
What were one or two critical steps you took to reach larger audiences with your music?
I’d say the biggest one was moving to Los Angeles. I’m now backing living in Canada but because of that move, I now have a larger fan base.
What are some of your career dreams/goals?
I would love to do a one woman show on Broadway. Plus I’d love to sing in a Disney movie!
Diane Pancel’s Website | Diane on Instagram
Diane Pancel has been nominated for 2 International Portuguese Music Awards – best pop performance and song of the year. In addition to her career as a performer and recording artist, Diane has an impressive portfolio of commercial vocal work. Her voice has been featured on nearly 400 radio and TV advertisements, and on the CBS TV show “Vegas” as the singing voice of character Yvonne Sanchez.
