ALYA, here at Bionic Buzz, we are all about people’s passions. Where did your love for music come from that lead you on your journey? Was it a particular album or live performance that inspired it? Or was it just natural for you as a child growing up in Russia?
For me, like for many people that had a powerful desire to finally pursue a music career, it was a natural thing. Together with this, my road to music as a profession per se was not a straight and easy one.
I received a formal education at Moscow State University to become a journalist and later got an additional degree in world economy. I am grateful for this experience since it made me who I am. Instead of being one of many performers, I have my own story and a unique voice.
Your song “American Beauty,” is beautiful; what was the inspiration for its lyrics?
It is based on my own love story that became the foundation for my family. When I realized that the song has more significant potential, and came out with the idea for a music video, the stories of women immigrants you see in it were the inspiration. It is all based on real events.
You then released an “American Beauty” Remix EP that featured remixes by Grammy-winning producer Dave Aude (Jennifer Lopez, Lady Gaga, Mark Ronson/Bruno Mars). It reached #16 on theBillboard Dance Club Songs chart. What was it like working with Dave Aude?
I am fortunate enough to finally find a team of people who share the same ideals with me and are loyal to one’s vision. Dave Aude was a great example of it. The result speaks for itself.
The EP also features a Tropical/Latin-fired remix by DJ Cruz. What was it like working with DJ Cruz?
When we decided to invite DJ for collaboration, we did not expect anything significant, but it turned out that “American Beauty” had so many layers. DJ Cruz magically made it into another hot club song that I did not envision while creating it. His version is one of my favorites!
You also seem to be very passionate about giving back. Tell us about your work with Grammys Foundation’s MusicCares COVID-19 Relief Fund and Michelson Prizes for Human Immunotherapy and Vaccine Research.
While the pandemic struck the entertainment industry, I almost, in the first week after the news broke out, made a donation to the Grammys Fund. I am in a privileged position compared to most musicians who lost their gigs and can not carry the bill. I know how it feels when you do not see the end of something terrible; I felt very sympathetic. Together with my husband, we also adjusted all programs in our Foundations to make sure they address the needs rather than carry routing programs.
The Michelson Prizes for Human Immunotherapy is one of the programs that not just survived, but is growing, and hopefully will be the core for a groundbreaking medical research project that we are working on. My husband’s vision to focus on profoundly decoding the immune system was finally understood and heard. I believe that this is the future of medicine, and I am proud to be part of it.
Anything new you working on that you are allowed to talk about?
My new single, “Pleasure I Mine,” is about to rip all charts! (^-^). Honestly, the song, based on old Russian folk tunes, came out so powerful and radio-ready that you would not believe it. The coolest thing about it, is that it carries an important message. It is about women’s empowerment, about being strong without losing the femininity given to us by nature.
Interview by Steve Sievers
