To better connect you with the brilliant talent behind our music, we're proudly spotlighting various artists, composers & producers on the Megatrax roster. Opāru is the stunning musical endeavor of Los Angeles-based songwriter, singer, and actress Dianna St. Hilaire. Opāru’s music can be described as electro with a dark ethereal undertone. Combined with dreamy operatic vocals, Opāru’s work creates a unique depiction of modern synth-pop culture.

Hi Opāru! Please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?

I've been playing music my entire life. I started when I was only 2 singing and from there by the time I was 5, I was teaching myself piano. By 7 I was writing my own songs and lyrics.  

I spent many years in choir and when I got to college I decided to perform with another band as a singer. After that, I got addicted to performing and started my own project, Versailles. I lived in Albuquerque, NM, and moved to Los Angeles when I was 23 to pursue my music. I went to the Musicians Institute when I moved here and took a course in Audio Engineering. I worked in a few studios and performed all over Los Angeles.  

I played on some TV shows including a comedy show by Perry Caravello and a daytime talk show on the Oprah channel. Also, I performed on StarTomorrow for David Foster and Mick Fleetwood. I've toured the United States quite a few times. I worked for 3 years as a personal assistant to Kim Fowley. I toured and played shows actively until 2013. 

In 2013 I took a break and in 2016 changed my image and name to Opāru with a new primary focus in doing film and TV music. I have not stopped since and continue to pursue it with everything I have. I absolutely love it. My music still gets out to the world and it's a nice change from the late sleepless nights of touring and traveling around the country. 

How do you think the music industry will change over the next decade?

I am concerned with the advent of AI. I'm worried that it will take over the music industry. I'm hoping that it isn't the case and that somehow artists' rights will be protected and our voices will not get compromised. I've now been seeing some composers raving about new AI voice technology. While that's great and all, I hope those people giving their voice to AI are getting paid some sort of residuals.  

Has there been a particular challenge that you’ve faced over the years?

For me, my biggest challenge has been getting my music to a specific quality. It's sometimes hard to hear what you don't know. I don't know how better to describe that. I spent many years looking for the right producers and mixing engineers. It's so important to capture the vibe of what you are trying to get across. 

Any advice for fellow composers out there?

Do lots of co-writes and meet everyone you can. I know as a composer it can be in our nature to be solitary individuals who hide in our studios alone at night. That nature unfortunately can work against us. Music is a social thing. Humans gravitate towards music that makes them feel something. I think that the new Maestro movie explained it best when he mentions there are 2 sides.  One side is the performer side that really puts themselves out there on display for all to take in, and the more introverted composer side that hides and writes in the studio alone. We do need both sides and it can be a challenging balance. Almost like splitting yourself into two people. Think about how many more opportunities will come if you are out sharing your music and yourself with the world.  

What can you tell us about your composition and production process?

I always start writing my music first. It's hard to have a feeling of what a song will be about when starting with lyrics. I like to know first what will my theme be? Put myself in the character's shoes. What kind of music then does that character move to? Is she swanky, devious, happy, going to a party, did her lover just break her heart? After that general idea, I move on to writing music whose chord progression matches that idea. From there, I have my vibe and can work on my lyrics. I am mostly a singer-songwriter. Sometimes I do some post-production but I usually give it to my team to do the production side. I love working with others because together we can do a more amazing project with more minds working together.

How do you see the music you created being used?

I always imagine dark movies and shows like The Vampire Diaries, Legends, The Winchesters, shows that depict vampires, werewolves, and various other creatures of the night. Also True Crime. And I would love to see a song someday in a commercial for perfume or some sort of high-end designer fashion like Dior or Vogue. For the happier songs I write, I would say car commercials or commercials about female empowerment and freedom.

What are your biggest musical influences?

I would say in my lifetime some of the biggest have been artists like Tori Amos, The Cure, and Pink Floyd. Out of modern-day music, The Midnight, Lana Del Rey, Ruelle, SOHN, also love Mr.Kitty.

Tell us a bit about the work you’ve done in film/TV/advertising. What are some placements you're most proud of?:

My most memorable placement has been on MotoAmerica. They made my song the trailer for one of their episodes which I thought was so cool. You never know what your music will get used for. 

Tell us about your upcoming projects! What does the rest of this year have in store for you?

Right now I'm working on a brand new Opāru EP which should be out by the middle of the year. I have 2 full-length albums coming out, one of Opāru doing cover songs and one of Gothic Choir tracks. I am also working on putting together an online singing course. So it's a very busy year!

Hear all of Opāru's tracks for Megatrax here.

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