Though on a 47 state tour, up and coming R&B singer Dario took some time out to talk with us about his current album and tour. Dario started out in Tucson, Arizona. Winning many local competitions, and quickly moved up in the music scene. Having his run on American Idol and the WB’s Popstars 2. Dario has opened for many great artists of our time such as Destiny’s Child, Ashanti, KC and JoJo.

Tell me about your journey to get to where you are now. What challenges did you face?

One of the biggest challenges is the fact that I'm Latin singing R&B music. People cant fathom why someone like me would choose to sing that genre of music. Then again the music business in general is a hard industry to break into, you have to be equipped with the ability to handle everything they throw at you as well as be focused and determined. I think any career you get into your going to face challenges. The only difference is that I face them with the public watching.

What have been your experiences in your ventures into the Reality T.V. Arena?

Reality T.V. is a whole different world. I think with all the editing that's done in the cutting room you don't always get reality. I would love to do a show where we don't have to cut so much footage and let people see what really happens.

What has been your favorite artist to open for?

I loved opening for Destiny's Child. All the girls were amazing and so sweet.

Who was the craziest?

I wouldn't say any of the artists were crazy but some of the fan's outpourings have been a little extreme. I remember on one tour how there were all these girls at the hotel trying to get in through the balconies when we were 9 floors up!

Who would you love to tour with?

That's a hard question there are so many artist that have influenced me, or that I'm a fan of.

What have been the best moments you have had on your current tour?

Every moment that includes the fans! Everyone that has come out to each show has been so amazing. I love when they sing "you belong to me" back to me, and I love how they tell me that my music video for the same song makes them feel good about a better tomorrow.

What city do you love playing the most in and why?

Another hard question! I think every city has been great, but if I had to pick one the show this weekend in Colorado Springs the crowd was so loud and ready to party. I really felt everyone's energy

What sparked your involvement in the charities you have taken part in?

Every charity speaks to me differently, and I choose each one because they all in some way impact me or someone I know.

Tell me about the back-story to your song “Lies”

"Lies," is a song I wrote because I was tired of all the stuff people were saying about my career. After my first single was released everyone was saying that I was a flash in the pan and would never amount to anything after that record. I wrote it to let people know that not only am I determined to make my dreams come true I'm going to use the negative energy they were giving to fuel me and turn it into a positive outcome.

What was it like co-writing your current single “You Belong To Me” with your girlfriend?

Actually Heidi wrote the song a couple years prior to us meeting and she was going to put it on her record she was recording at the time. I was getting ready to record my first record when we meet and she thought the song was better for me. I let the song sit for about four years before I actually picked it up made changes and then put it on "Dedicated"my new record which is my third. Never did I think it was going to be the single we would promote off this record or even make into a music video. I think it was meant to be this way and I'm ecstatic about the response it's getting.

You’ve become tremendously popular with the LGBT community. Has this affected your music at all? Why do you think your music resonates with the LGBT community?

The music I write and sing is universal and I write it for everyone gay, straight. bi. black, white. I want anyone who listens to it to make it there own. That's why the record is called "Dedicated" for the meaning of the word in it's entirety. I want people to dedicate it to who ever or whatever they want. I think my music resonates with the LGBT community because it is universal, I leave my lyrics open for anything.

When you’re not touring or in the studio, what is your favorite way to spend that free time?

Sleeping, I never get enough sleep. I usually work 18 to 20 hour days so when I get a little time I sleep.

Dario will be performing in Reno at Wingfield Park Saturday August 16th for Reno Gay Pride. Check out more about Dario at www.darioonline.com or www.myspace.com/dariofans