Kristin Diable is a singer-songwriter wrapped in contradictions. New Orleans born and raised, Diable conveys a Southern genuineness in her lyrics, paired with a New York grit from time spent there jump-starting her career. Her new album, “Create Your Own Mythology,” is a journey in itself, Diable taking listeners alongside her with a voice as mysterious and bewitching as the Louisiana swamps from which she hails. We recently caught up with Diable, who performs Friday night at Cafe 939, to talk about the places that have had the most profound effect on her music.  1. New Orleans I have to start with my hometown — it’s my spiritual home. Culturally and creatively, New Orleans is such a free and liberating place. Anything goes in New Orleans. You could be wearing a tutu jumping on a pogo stick holding a beer in the middle of a Monday afternoon and no one would really look at you twice. So I think that kind of mentality and that approach to life has been a big part of my approach to writing.  2. Tangier I was in Morocco last year, and it was there I wrote the song “True Devotion.” I was there during Ramadan, and I stayed in the middle of the medina, right in the heart of the city. I ended up there kind of accidentally. I had no idea it was Ramadan, but all throughout the day and night people were singing, dancing, drumming, and praising in the street. You could hear the prayers from the megaphones down the block, and there was this constant devotion in action. It really struck me in a profound way.  3. Swamps of south Louisiana There’s something about the swamps that feels historic and eternal, and there’s definitely some spiritual mojo going on. The sunset through the cypress trees with the moss hanging out is so otherworldly and profoundly beautiful. I get lost in it every time. That kind of place of stillness, nature, and beauty puts me in a good place for writing and helps remind me of the important stuff.  4. Thailand The people are so kind and so happy. I’ve traveled all around it, and it seems like the essence of the country as a whole can be described as very peaceful, happy, and grounded. The people stay in their own skin, and it feels like a liberating place.  5. Waverly, Ala. There’s a place in Waverly called the Standard Deluxe that wasn’t really in use. And then one of our friends began hosting artists there. He does this huge concert series in the middle of nowhere, but he built this sort of community of music and art and folks out there. Whenever they have shows, people come quite literally out of the woodwork. It’s a really creative place.  Kristin Diable performs with Anderson East at the Red Room @ Cafe 939 Friday at 8 p.m. Tickets $10 advance, $12 day of show. 617-747-6042. www.cafe939.com
Kristin Diable, who performs at Cafe 939 on Friday night, talks about five places that had a lasting effect on her.