Daveed Diggs on Celebrating “Meat Fest,” Writing a Hanukkah Song & The Little Mermaid Remake

TL;DR

David Diggs shares insights about his projects and unique holiday traditions.

Transcript

our next guest earned uh grammy and tony award for his run on the humble equity waiver musical hamilton it's good google it next he gives voice alongside jamie foxx to the disney pixar movie soul it premieres on disney plus on christmas day please say hello to david diggs hey david how are you hey how's it going jimmy it's good to see you how's eve... Read More

Key Insights

• 💦 David Diggs emphasizes the challenges of working in the entertainment industry during the COVID-19 pandemic while keeping creative projects moving forward.
• 😋 His family’s unconventional holiday tradition highlights the importance of food and togetherness, even amidst financial constraints.
• 🏛️ Diggs is bringing a modern twist to classic Disney stories, blending nostalgia with contemporary musical creativity.
• 👶 The creation of a children’s Hanukkah song demonstrates a thoughtful approach to filling a cultural gap in holiday music.
• 🎁 Diggs’ role as Sebastian bridges his childhood movie memories with his present-day career achievements in voice acting.
• 🧑‍🎨 Collaborating with notable figures like Lin-Manuel Miranda enriches the creative experience for artists involved in Disney productions.
• 🧑‍🎨 As a multi-faceted artist, Diggs showcases his versatility by navigating through different media, from stage performances to animated films.

Questions & Answers

Q: What was the inspiration behind the holiday tradition "Meat Fest" that David Diggs and his family created?

"Meat Fest" was a unique holiday tradition created by David Diggs and his family to replace traditional celebrations when they struggled with finances and scheduling conflicts. It involved a potluck feast where guests had to bring a meat-based dish. The tradition turned into a competitive culinary event among friends, becoming a social gathering filled with diverse and elaborate meat dishes over the years.

Q: How does David Diggs feel about his role in the live-action "Little Mermaid"?

David Diggs expresses excitement about his casting as Sebastian in the live-action "Little Mermaid," recalling fond memories of watching the original film in theaters as a child. He appreciates the significance of the role and acknowledges the connection to Lin-Manuel Miranda, who has contributed to the film's music, adding to the project's creativity and nostalgia.

Q: What unique approach did Diggs take when producing a Hanukkah song?

David Diggs created the Hanukkah song "Puppy for Hanukkah" out of a conversation with Disney Channel, challenging himself and his band, Clipping, to compose a klezmer rap song fit for children. He saw humor in the concept of Jewish parents feeling pressured to buy a puppy for the holiday, which added a whimsical twist to the limited number of existing Hanukkah songs.

Q: How did David Diggs' background in music contribute to his role in "Soul"?

Diggs' experience as a saxophonist in high school jazz ensembles helped shape his performance in "Soul." He fondly recalls playing saxophone with talented peers and appreciates how his musical background enhanced his contribution to the film, allowing him to connect with the themes of music and artistry central to the Pixar movie.

Summary & Key Takeaways

• David Diggs talks about his latest work on the "Blindspotting" TV series and his experiences on set during the pandemic, emphasizing the challenges of 2020.

• He reminisces about a unique family holiday tradition called "Meat Fest," created to celebrate holidays with a focus on meat dishes, despite some family members now being vegan.

• Diggs reveals his upcoming role as Sebastian in the live-action "Little Mermaid" and discusses the excitement of participating in Disney projects like "Soul," alongside Jamie Foxx.