Out Now Magazine Spotlight series featuring pop star on the rise ALIA for an exclusive interview
Where are you from?
Moi’…I am from the beautiful shores of the Northern Beaches in Sydney
When did you start making music?
I started writing lyrics and melody, then making music when I was about 17. Though I was singing, dancing and performing from the age of 4. I had some very cool moments as a child gracing the stage of numerous high profile venues like: The Opera House, Entertainment Centre, Olympic Park and Town Halls, which was fortunate and I’m very grateful
How do you describe your music?
In essence I’d say Pop Rock but I do play around with a lot of different genre influences; from Funk and Rnb to “World Music” though the chorus, instruments and vibe is definitely of a Pop Rock nature. Think edgy, dramatic, big tunes with flavour haha
Favorite moment from your career?
Without a doubt performing at Rumba a Pop Concert in the 2000’s alongside Artists like Nelly Furtado, Craig David and Emma Bunton (Spice Girls) though I have to mention it’s a really great and satisfying achievement to write, record and release your own material. For me….those self creative successes are up there with the big stage
Who is your biggest musical inspiration?
Whitney Houston RIP. It was Whitney who I first saw live in concert, her first album I listened to and she inspired me to be a Singer. Honestly there is no-one who has that tone or can sing like she did. I’m also inspired by my dad. Doug Williams, who made it out of the Chicago ghetto to Australia by being an incredible talent, Singer and Bass player. He has played with some of the greats like Ike and Tina Turner, Stevie Wonder and Ray Charles. Sometimes I feel like pinching myself when I see him perform, thinking Wow is he really my Dad. Lets face it if it wasn’t for him I wouldn’t have been born in to music, or maybe at all…haha
What other things do you do besides making music?
I love to Dance, I am professional in Jazz, Tap, Funk Freestyle and some contemporary, styles. I also love to practice self evolution for eg: Spirituality, Meditation, Healing etc. I am a big believer in higher sources and energies. Other than that I hang out with friends, Netflix binges, eating great food and socialising you know people things
Who produced your EP and who else have they worked with?
An amazing man named Phil Anquetil who also helped me to really harness my new sound and I, co-produced this EP. It was such an incredible fresh experience and we will work together again on some of the tracks for the following releases. Phil has a lot of Artist accolades to his name but Little Mix and Tinnie Tempah are who I’ll mention
What is your favorite track of all time?
This is definitely a hard one, there are sohhhh many incredible songs that resonate as favourites for different times in your life, moods you’re in and lyrical or musical qualities and picking favourites can sometimes have you miss out haha. In the spirit of the question Id say November Rain, Guns n Roses and one for luck, Train, Drops of Jupiter.
What is your best songwriting tip?
There are no rules, getting stuck in the details can deflect from your expression. If it sounds good to you go for it. Regardless
Why did you start making music?
I started making music because I felt “called” it’s natural and heart driven, hence the first single off my EP being “Calling Me” its about finding accepting and living your true life purpose, whatever that may be for you…Also my father is a Singer Songwriter and Bass player so it’s in my blood
What are your goals for the future?
To keep writing, inspiring, creating, teaching and performing. My intention as a Music Artist is to help us move in to a higher, happier space and to help us understand that there is much more love and positive opportunity there to harness. Also to get a puppy and a lil family of my own
What advice can you give for young music producers/DJs?
If you truly feel called to be a Music Artist the road of self discovery will gift you and your art more power and connection. You are changing the world through your Music more than you may ever see or realise on its surface but through this journey you will 100% notice the positive changes within your life, musically and otherwise. Also we all know Music is a tough business so…on the other hand If you decide to build an alternate career away from it….make sure you keep that creative side of you nurtured to stay fulfilled and happy inside. Go deep but also have fun, lots of fun…enjoy making music and remember there are no rules
Please write a message to your fans.
Your time is now! I love you all, Thank you
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