Exclusive Interview: Pop Culturalist Chats with ALYA

Singer ALYA is proof that achieving your dreams is possible. Born in Russia, ALYA had a successful career as a news personality. But, she had a classically trained voice and unique style and immigrated to the United States to pursue her musical dreams.

In her single “American Beauty,” ALYA explores the female immigrant experience and all the unique characteristics that make us all beautiful together. We chatted with ALYA about her latest single, her career, and what’s ahead.

PC: How did you discover your passion for music?
ALYA: From a very young age, I was very interested in creating melodies and songs, even before receiving a proper music education. I remember an incident in first grade during a math lesson: my teacher removed me from the class because instead of solving math problems, I was creating an opera.

As you can see, it did not stop me, but the point was made very well; in our circle, making music for a living was never considered anything serious. I came back to music in my teen years and entered a school for opera singing. Since then, it’s been a part of my life. Even when I was working as a journalist, there wasn’t a day that I wasn’t creating something.

PC: Who or what has had the biggest influence on your career?
ALYA: I’ve had many careers as well as many influences. Way before the idea of empowering women and girls became popular, I was looking for domestic examples of strong females and wanted to be like them. I dreamed of working as a military journalist in a war conflict or performing for a massive stadium with tears running down my face. It was always something extreme. I really wanted to make a difference.

PC: You decided to move to the US to pursue your musical aspirations. How challenging was it to leave Russia and a successful career as a news personality?
ALYA: Everything happens at the right time, as I know and believe now. When I moved to the United States, I was at a turning point. Despite my achievements, I felt empty and out of place, but it would only be possible during that little time window, not before, not after. The immigration itself was not easy. There are so many challenges on the way to establishing a new life, so that’s why I decided to use my platform as an artist to talk about it. With all the world and climate changes, this issue is not far from home for every one of us.

PC: You’ve stated that you moved to the US to find your life purpose. When you look back at the past few years, what has been the biggest lesson you’ve learned about yourself as a woman and an artist?
ALYA: Trust your gut, and do not wait—speak up, tell your story. I was so hesitant to release my music and express my opinion. Looking back, I see it as a waste of time.

PC: Tell us about your new single, “American Beauty.” What was the inspiration behind the song?
ALYA: “American Beauty” is a story celebrating women immigrants. It is one of the opening songs from my upcoming album. I wanted to create something inspiring for them and, at the same time, show their beautiful personalities. You have to watch the music video for the single to get the whole idea. This is actually one of the crucial things for my music: you have to immerse yourself in it. I guess it comes from my insecurities and worries of being misunderstood or not heard. I use all my talents and skills, from songwriting to directing the videos, to deliver a story.

PC: As we look ahead to the rest of 2020, what does the year hold for you?
ALYA: The second half of the year 2020 brought so many surprises that I really would like it to be over. On the other hand, it was a sort of catharsis and shock therapy for us. I hope we have learned the lesson and will not take anything for granted. Because of the situation’s uncertainty, I postponed my second album release this year, so I am looking forward to 2021 to let it fly. I also hope that the election will bring relief to our country. We need to unite, we need to forgive, we need to love. I am hoping and looking forward for all of us to start making these changes happen.

Pop Culturalist Speed Round

PC: A band or artist that fans would be surprised to learn is on your playlist?
ALYA: A lot. I actually have a playlist on Spotify that I created to promote unknown starting-out artists that, in my opinion, have a spark. I have a new name every couple of weeks.

PC: First album you bought?
ALYA: Celine Dion’s Let’s Talk About Love, which included the movie Titanic’s theme song, “My Heart Will Go On”. I listened to it religiously.

PC: First concert you attended?
ALYA: The latest Adele show in Los Angeles. This was actually the first in my life and probably the last one since I do not like to be in crowds.

PC: An album that changed your life and why?
ALYA: Laws of Illusion by Sarah McLachlan. One of the songs from the album started the love story between my now husband and me.

PC: A must-have on the road?
ALYA: White Sun’s latest album and any Classic album.

To keep up with ALYA, follow her on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and Spotify.