Koral Delatierra is a California born / Colorado grown singer/songwriter, organic farmer, life coach, permaculture designer and activist. Growing up in a conscious community and having been exposed to the majestic San Juans at a young age, Koral always had an appreciation and reverence for the wild. While at Humboldt State she became involved in the fight to prevent the extinction of one of the last remnants of the magnificent Redwood forest that once stretched 400 miles from southern Oregon to the Big Sur coast. She went on to study organic farming and permaculture design and ended up living in South America for 5 years, making her way by selling her artwork and street performing while volunteering at farms and ecovillages across the continent. It was in 2010 that she moved back to the Western Slope to manage the fields and intern program at Shining Mountain Herbs in Ridgway. In 2014, she was approached by local musicians Tom Mann, Mikey G and Bassie to be a part of a new reggae project they were getting started. That project is now the 9 piece reggae band, NICENESS! Koral's lyrics are a reflection of the life she's created, embodying a message focused on love, personal responsibility, interdependence, and sustainability. Art in action!
We asked Koral to respond to a couple questions: see her answers below.
Are you more of a hunter or a gatherer?
I can't say I am more one than the other. I know what I want and am not afraid to go after it. At the same time, I am not solely focused on the end goal but recognize the bounty that can be gathered during the hunt. Whether I'm on the hunt for an elk or a gig at Red Rocks, I'll be picking berries and enjoying building community while enriching my life playing music along the way.
What inspires you?
Nature! Nature's diverse spectrum of life on Earth is infinite and perfect in its chaos, having a profound influence on all of us. Every sentient being on Earth deserves a healthy environment and the fundamental benefits that nature provides. The planet is rapidly changing, and for us to thrive, we need to act now to preserve not just the tangible benefits, but also the insight, inspiration, and awe by which nature transforms us all.
Who inspires you?
Martin Luther King, Nelson Mandela, Rigoberta Menchú Tum, Malala Yousafzai and all people standing up with courage in the face of adversity.
What’s the craziest dare you ever took?
When it comes to 'Truth or Dare' I've always been more of a Truth person. I've never been scared to reveal my truth, whereas the thought of doing something just 'cuz someone dared me to seems silly. I will say though, that when I was 15 and working as Junior Camp Counselor, the kids dared me to eat a raw crawfish and well... how could I turn down a dare from a dozen 6 and 7-year-olds? To this day, thinking back on their reaction tickles me.
If you could blink your eyes and be in a favorite place right now, where would that place be?
Singing to a pod of dolphins playing in the wake of our sailboat, feet dangling from the bow, my lover at the helm, wind filling our sails and sunshine = heaven.