Music Interview: ALi
We were lucky enough to catch up with ALi before his stunning latest album ‘INSIDE OUT’ is released on 16th August 2024. Read the full interview now!
Hi ALi, how did you first get into music?
I grew up in a very musical household; both my parents loved singing whenever they had friends over and so naturally I started to love music as I grew older. When I was 11 years old, I first downloaded this music production software called FL Studio and kind of self-taught myself through YouTube. As I became more interested in production, I naturally got better with practice and then eventually delved into writing and creating songs.
Who influenced your superb latest release, ‘INSIDE OUT’?
Lotssss of SZA, I would say, especially her last album, “SOS”. I love how she talked about her relationships with people but also discussed her relationship with herself and how complicated that can be at times as a human being. I admired that a lot, and it influenced a good chunk of this album, I would say.
‘INSIDE OUT’ is an alternative-pop release; what draws you to the genre?
Pop in general is such a fluid genre that you can make it very conventional or unconventional and that’s what I love about it. I have always made music that’s kind of left of center and a bit odd, so I love bending the rules a bit when it comes to “music rules”, even though there aren’t any.
What motivates you to make music?
My own experiences and people’s reactions. Music is the one thing I go to if I don’t know how to navigate something or something I want to get off my chest. Sometimes, I don’t even tell anyone about something I’m going through, and I’ll only talk about it in my music, and that’s when people will find out. Whenever somebody relates to it, that just makes everything worth it for me. At the end of the day, if I can help one person through my music, that’s all that matters.
You’re based in Dallas; what’s the music scene like there in 2024?
There are so many talented people emerging by the day, it’s honestly really great seeing people create amazing music. I know a couple locally as well.
If you could open for any artist/band, who would it be?
Nicki Minaj. I love her, she’s great. She influenced “$TA$H” heavily on this album. She’s done so much for artists in her category and the music industry in general.
What is your biggest mistake in the music industry so far?
I kept my music a secret for the first two years I made it, which I wish I never did. Even though that music at the time was very unserious, I still believe I should’ve been more open with it because anytime I tell someone I make music, they’re always in awe. I feel like I undermine myself at times.
What are your other passions aside from music?
I love going to the gym, playing pickleball, and hanging out with friends. I don’t have a super busy lifestyle, I’d hate that. I love doing nothing sometimes and just going to get a coffee and staying home, it’s great honestly.
If you could change one thing about the music industry, what would it be?
Smaller artists get more recognition and attention from labels. There is so much unseen talent that deserves to get the spotlight and fair treatment. I hear a lot about artists who get mistreated by labels, so label mistreatment is something that needs to be taken care of in the music business.
What sets you apart from other artists?
This album in particular is very diaristic, which I believe gives it a strong level of relatability. The music is also very left of center and not really one, single genre or sound. I hope that’s something people can appreciate when listening to me.
What is the best music advice you have ever been given?
Never force yourself to make music; it leads to burnout. If needed, the best thing to do is take a step back and just wait a couple of days or weeks before diving back into anything music-related. It’s a nice breather to take and honestly, you come back with so much more inspiration and ideas.
What new music are you listening to at the moment?
I’ve been liking Chloë’s, Khalid’s, Camila’s, and Gunna’s new albums. Those have all been on repeat lately.
What musical plans do you have for the next two years?
I’m always writing and getting ideas, but I want to just relax for a bit. Music is always going to be a part of me, though, so I would not be surprised if I got bored in a couple of months and started making another album soon.
FVMusicBlog August 2024
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